Country calm, Free State strong

These two new camping spots in the Free State don't just raise the bar – they're the kind of places you simply must visit when you're passing through the province.

- Leon Botha

The Free State doesn't exactly have the widest range of campsites, especially compared to other provinces. That's why most people don’t even consider it when planning a holiday.

But these two campsites might just change your mind: Oranje Guest Farm, set in the heart of the Eastern Free State whose neighbours include the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, and Waschbank River Lodge on the banks of the Orange River where the Free State, Northern and Eastern Cape meet. Forever’s Gariep resort is just over the hill.

These two excellent spots are both set on farms - and in exchange, you get fresh air and stunning scenery. Once you pull in here, you can leave your worries behind at the farm gate.

ORANJE GUEST FARM

A view worth painting

It's easy to imagine Pierneef himself sitting next to you in a camping chair, gazing out across the plains. From the Oranje Guest Farm campsite, you've got sweeping views of the Eastern Free State with sandstone mountains on the horizon - a scene worthy of any artist's canvas.

The accommodation at Oranje sits at the foot of a sandstone ridge, and one of the ridges looks like it could be a cousin of the famous Brandwag at Golden Gate. When the sun's last rays hit the sandstone, you realise: this kind of beauty doesn't show up just anywhere.