The Ficksburg area was subject to the usual internal bickering between the native tribes of the Caledon Valley and white settlers were warned to keep gunpowder, a rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition handy for immediate use. Another condition was that the settler’s homestead had to be erected within six months and have a strong surrounding wall in case of attack. The remains of some of these walls can still be seen today. After the final frontier war with the Basotho tribe in 1867, Ficksburg became one of the Free State strong points and lies at the foot of the Mpharane Mountain on the banks of the Caledon River. Up in the hills are numerous caves with lovely examples of San rock art.
The Ficksburg area was subject to the usual internal bickering between the native tribes of the Caledon Valley and white settlers were warned to keep gunpowder, a rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition handy for immediate use. Another condition was that the settler’s homestead had to be erected within six months and have a strong surrounding wall in case of attack. The remains of some of these walls can still be seen today. After the final frontier war with the Basotho tribe in 1867, Ficksburg became one of the Free State strong points and lies at the foot of the Mpharane Mountain on the banks of the Caledon River. Up in the hills are numerous caves with lovely examples of San rock art.
Activities/ Leisure
Abseiling & Rock Climbing:
To test your adrenaline over a sandstone cliff, venture no further. Cliff faces of 40m or higher are in the area. Contact Ollie at 082 563 6242.
Enjoy the adventure of abseiling down sandstone cliffs or rocks in the area. Contact Roz at 051- 9332828. Beginners are welcome.
Air Travel:
Take a picturesque flight over the Maluti Mountains. Bookings are essential. Flight duration approximately one hour, contact Sean Hughes - 082 651 3494 or 051 933 2693.
Alternative Remedies
To relieve stress and other symptoms of city life, open your life up with hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy can also help you give up smoking, lose weight, stop nail biting, relieve phobias etc. Treat yourself to sessions at Franshoek with Roz.
Call 051 933 2828.
Relieve city stress with drumming, experience the tranquility and fresh air of Rustlers Valley. For information on workshops contact Niyan at 051 933 3939.
Altitude Scuba Diving
Experience a different dive. Scuba diving at an altitude of 2650 meters above sea level in the Maluti Mountains. Currently this is the highest dive site in Africa. Contact Lin at 083 462 7453.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Enjoy the sport of the gentry. Indulge in the sport of game bird and clay target shooting around Ficksburg. For more information call Craig 082 652 5770
Game Hunting
Here is a unique opportunity to hunt a wide variety of antelope from Mountain Reebok to Eland. Thaba Imperani offers one of the most scenic hunting lodges situated above the Meulspruit Dam. For further details contact Wiegand 082 938 4454
Game Viewing
Treat yourself to game viewing at a private game farm, Tempelhof 15km outside Ficksburg on the Rosendal road. Contact Christo or Ansie Stofberg at 051 933 3973 or 082 213 1299.
See the only pair of breeding rhino in the area at Kenyana Game Farm 3 km outside Ficksburg, next to the airport. Viewing by appointment only. Contact Sean Hughes - 082 651 3494 or 051 933 2693.
Visit Thaba Thabo 22 km from Ficksburg on the Fouriesburg road. Thaba Thabo is situated next to Franshoek Mountain Lodge. Rustic overnight accommodation is available. Bookings in advance essential Contact Christo 083 458 6298 or Roz 051 933 2828
Thaba Imperani Game Reserve 8 km from Ficksburg on the Hammonia road. The unique game reserve borders the Meulspruit Dam. Game viewing can either be done with your own vehicle or aboard the Leopard Express departing from the Meulspriut Dam. Daily cruises are available Contact Wiegand 082 938 4454 or Fax 051 933 6356
Firearm Museum
Visit the Pinedene Small Arms Museum for a glimpse of days gone by. Antique military weapons ranging from Matchlock, Flintlock, Percussion, Single shot and Bolt action rifles, all from various countries. The farm Kromdraai is situated 22km from Ficksburg on the Fouriesburg road. Contact Charles for viewing at 051 933 4301.
Hiking Trails
Spoil yourself with a guided tour of different hiking trails with an experienced guide, Andrew van den Heever, at Outdoor Connections 051 933 3500 or 083 305 8400
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Maluti Mountains and surrounding sandstone cliffs. This is your opportunity to be with nature in the Eastern Free State and enjoy a variety of six hiking trails in area in different locations. Hikes last from one to four days.
Contact Boschfontein 051 933 3910; Franshoek 051 933 2828; Hoekfontein- 051 933 3915; Meulspruit Dam 051 9336356; Moolmanshoek 051 933 2220 and Rustlers Valley 051 933 3939
Horse Riding
Treat yourself to a ride in the country at Franshoek on well-schooled horses. Approximately 25km from Ficksburg on the Fouriesburg road. Contact Roz at 051 - 933 2828.
African Hoofbeats offers from one-hour to day trips around Ficksburg and area. Contact Marina at 083 460 5170.
Ox-wagon Adventure
Do as the pioneers did! Go back in time and travel in an ox-wagon to see the Eastern Free State in a different light. Contact Gerhard at 051 933 3915.
Polo
Arrange a polo match or tuition with professional polo players. Approximately 25km from Ficksburg on the Fouriesburg road. Contact Christian for lessons at 051 933 3938.
Quad Bikes
Ride through the valleys and streams on quad bikes. 1 hour to day trips. Visit exciting historical sites, game farms and take in breathtaking views. For more information contact Bryan 082 880 0744. E-mail: bryan@zevenfontein.co.za
Skiing in Lesotho
Go skiing in Lesotho and stay at Oxbow Lodge. Other activities include trout fishing and 4 x 4. Booking office call 051 933 2247 tel / fax office hours
Trout Fishing
Visit virgin trout streams in Lesotho and surrounding areas. Let professional and South African acclaimed fishermen guide you to the best locations the area has to offer. Contact Louis 083 261 3277 or 051 933 4310
Youth Camps
These farms are ideal for children and families to take a break during the year. Schools are invited to visit them through the year. They host motivational camps, hiking, swimming, game viewing and many more. Contact Gerhard at Hoekfontein Nature Reserve 051 933 3915 and Willie at Moolmanshoek 051 933 2220.
4 x 4 Off-Road
Endure the only off-road route in close proximity to Ficksburg. Visit the Imperani 4 x 4 route 5 km from Ficksburg, starting at the cherry experimental farm. Enjoy fantastic views of the Maluti Mountains and surrounding area. The route takes approximately one hour to complete. For more information contact Wiegand 082 938 4454. Moolmanshoek Adventure Farm: 051 933 2220
Places of Interest
Anglican Church
View unique artworks in colored glass by the late Helen Tennant, depicting indigenous plants found in this area. Contact Father Vic for viewing at 051 933 2700.
Art Gallery
The S H Pellisier Art Gallery at the Ficksburg Primary School houses the biggest art collection in Ficksburg. This gallery is noted for its Pierneef frieze. Visits by appointment only. 051 933 2250.
Bird Watching
All of the guest farms offer great Bird Watching! View birds while cruising along a nature reserve: Wiegand 082 938 4454, Moolmanshoek Adventure Farm: 051 933 2220; Kenyana Game Farm - 082 651 3494; Boschfontein - 051 933 9310; Hoekfontein - 051 933 3915; Rustlers Valley - 051 933 3939; Tempelhof - 051933 3973; Franshoek - 051 933 2828; Thaba Imperani - 051 933 4112.
Bush Church
Couples from all over the country to marry in this unique forest church. It is situated at Moolmanshoek. For more information contact Willie at 051 933 2220
Eastern Free State Sandstone
Grace your garden with genuine sandstone from Ficksburg. Garden features made to order, ranging from tables, birdbaths, fountains and many more. See how sandstone is carved by hand at 111 Caledon Street. Contact Meril at 083 289 3355 or after hours 051 933 2902.
Goats Milk Cheese
Enjoy traditional goats' milk cheese made at Zevenfontein farm 15km outside Ficksburg. Viewing of farm and factory by appointment. For cheese sales and viewing, contact Annelie 051- 933 5924 or 083 2278694,
e-mail: cheese@zevenfontein.co.za
Proudly Ficksburg Curios and Tourist Centre
Selling unique hand made products of Ficksburg and surrounding area. Products include asparagus, cherries, mohair rugs and sandstone products. Enjoy light refreshments at their tea-garden and visit the shop in Mc Cabe Street, at Spoornet. Contact Sunette 051 933 4926/ 084 610 1088
Rock Art
There are numerous Bushmen paintings in the Eastern Free State. Well preserved paintings can be viewed at: Hoekfontein - 051 933 3915, Moolmanshoek - 051 933 2220, Boschfontein - 051 933 3910. Paintings only viewed by guests staying at the guest farms. Alternatively a display of all Bushmen paintings in our area can be viewed at the Library. Contact Marlene 051 933 2322
Sangomas
Visit Farm Wonderklip (Route S384 past Moolmanshoek Nature Reserve). Here a guide would take you to visit all the Sangomas living in caves.
Tours
Asparagus Farming
Visit the oldest asparagus farm in South Africa, founded by William Joughin Deemster in 1906, where the first asparagus was planted. The name Deemster originated from the Isle of Man, and it means "King". Organized tours are available in season from September to December. Visit the factory for ex-stock throughout the year. Deemster is situated 20km from Ficksburg on the Clocolan road. Contact Annemarie at 051 933 2368/9. E-mail deemster@intekom.co.za.
Cherry Products
Treat yourself to a visit to the largest cherry farm in Africa. Taste the famous Ionia Cherry Liqueur, which has become a landmark. Ionia offers cherry tours in season from October to November, pre-booking for visits is essential. Ionia is situated on the Fouriesburg road approximately 25km from Ficksburg. Contact Renè at 051 933 4302.
Charlie's Products have left their mark on Ficksburg as far as cherry products are concerned. Charlie's Products are available for tasting and sales. Products include liqueur, maraschino, schnapps, brandied cherries in syrup etc. For tasting contact Charles at 051 933 4301
Cherry Tree Growers
Visit Braamhoek, Gumtree (15km outside Ficksburg, on-route to Clocolan) to see how cherry trees and other fruit trees are cultivated. Enjoy tea & scones while strolling through their magnificent gardens. Appointments: Claire 083 274 6354
Dam Leisure Tour
Cruise around the Meulspruit dam on the "White Mischief " that seats 22 people. See game in the Thaba Imperani game reserve while enjoying a Sundowner. The cruise departs at 16:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Cruise duration approximately 2 hours. In winter the times may change. Pre-arranged breakfast, lunch or dinner. For further details contact Wiegand at 082 938 4454 or fax 051 - 933 6356.
Highest Sandstone Building in South Africa
Visit the Old Mill in Gumtree. This unique building can be viewed at any time. 15 km outside Ficksburg, on-route to Clocolan.
Katse Dam Wall Tour
Treat yourself to breathtaking views of Lesotho. Guided tour of the Katse Dam wall. Duration of the tour is one day. Passports are essential. Bookings in advance, contact Jack Sorour 083 456 6047.
Sandstone Way Tour
This unique tour takes you back in time. Visit old Sandstone buildings, the Grave Yard and other interesting places, each with its own history told by a guide. Contact Dave for a guided tour: 082 717 1255
Steam Train Enthusiasts
Wander through time as you see beautifully restored steam trains and visit the vintage tractor museum at Sandstone. Viewing by appointment only. Contact Teresa - 051 933 2619 or 082 990-5639
Tours to Lesotho
Visit Katse Dam or go trout fishing in crisp clear mountain streams, for the more adventures 4x4 trips in Lesotho. Contact Koos at 082 550 1569 / Jack 083 456 6047
Source: Courtesy Free State Tourism -
http://www.dteea.fs.gov.za/
