The eastern Free State is one of the most scenic and least crowded parts of South Africa. The Maluti Mountains rise sharply on the Lesotho border, the Caledon River winds through valleys of golden sandstone, and small towns like Clarens, Fouriesburg, and Ficksburg sit in landscapes that most travellers drive straight past on the way somewhere else. That is exactly what makes this route worth doing properly.
This self-drive covers the highlands of the eastern Free State, anchored by the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and the art village of Clarens. It works well as a two to three day trip from Johannesburg, which is roughly three hours away on the N3, or as part of a longer loop that continues into the Drakensberg or KwaZulu-Natal.
SANI SIXT has a branch at Bloemfontein Airport if you are flying in, or you can pick up from OR Tambo International Airport and drive down through the Drakensberg foothills.
The route at a glance
The core of this route runs along the R712 and R711 through the highlands, with Golden Gate and Clarens as the two main anchors. From Clarens you can extend east to Fouriesburg and the Brandwater Mountains, or push further into the mountains towards the Lesotho border. The roads throughout are tarred and in good condition, and a standard sedan handles the entire route without any difficulty.
Key stops on the route
01.
Clarens: The most visited village in the Free State and for good reason. Clarens sits in a sandstone amphitheatre at the foot of the Rooiberge and has a compact main square lined with galleries, craft shops, coffee shops, and restaurants. It is a comfortable overnight base for the route and a good place to spend a slow afternoon after arriving from Johannesburg. The village also has a number of small wine and craft beer establishments worth exploring.
02.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park: About 15 kilometres west of Clarens on the R712, Golden Gate is named for the warm golden and ochre tones of the Navajo sandstone cliffs that dominate the landscape. The park is home to black wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, blesbok, and eland, as well as the endangered bearded vulture. There are two rest camps inside the park and a network of hiking trails ranging from short walks to multi-day routes. Game drives can be done self-guided or with a park guide.
03.
Fouriesburg: A quieter and less visited town about 35 kilometres east of Clarens on the R711, Fouriesburg sits close to the Lesotho border at the foot of the Rooiberge. The town itself is small but the surrounding landscape is dramatic, with sandstone ridges, dry riverbeds, and views toward the Maluti Mountains. The Caledonspoort border post into Lesotho is a short drive from town for those wanting to add a cross-border leg to the trip.
A suggested two-day itinerary
Day 1
Drive from Johannesburg on the N3 south, turning off towards Clarens. Arrive in the early afternoon and spend the rest of the day exploring the village on foot. Walk the main square, stop in at a gallery or two, and find a spot for dinner. Stay overnight in Clarens. The drive from Johannesburg takes roughly three hours depending on traffic.
Day 2
Head out early to Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Spend the morning on the self-drive game loop and do one of the shorter hiking trails before lunch. In the afternoon, drive east to Fouriesburg for a look at the border landscape and the Rooiberge ridgeline. Return to Clarens for a final evening, or continue south toward the Drakensberg if you are extending the trip into KwaZulu-Natal.
A few practical notes
- Golden Gate Highlands National Park charges a daily conservation fee. Book accommodation inside the park through SANParks in advance, particularly for weekends and school holidays
- The Free State highlands can be cold at night, particularly between May and August. Pack layers even if you are visiting in summer, as temperatures drop sharply after sunset
- Clarens fills up quickly on long weekends and during the cherry blossom season in Ficksburg in late August and September. Book accommodation early if your dates fall in these windows
- Fuel is available in Clarens and in the towns along the N3. There are no petrol stations inside Golden Gate, so fill up before entering the park
- A standard sedan handles all the roads on this route without any issues. You do not need a 4×4 unless you are planning to go off the main routes toward the Lesotho border
More to explore nearby
The Free State highlands sit at the crossroads of several great South African road trip routes. From Clarens you can push south into the Drakensberg, east into KwaZulu-Natal, or north back to Johannesburg through the agricultural heartland of the Highveld.
- The Most Popular Destinations in the Free State
- Into the Drakensberg: A Self-Drive Road Trip
- Top Weekend Getaways from Johannesburg
Plan your Free State road trip with SANI SIXT
SANI SIXT has branches at OR Tambo International Airport and Bloemfontein Airport, making it easy to pick up your vehicle at whichever point suits your trip. With a wide range of vehicles and flexible rental options, you can find the right car for the route. And with our value-first promise, “Rent First Class. Pay Economy,” you get a premium experience without the premium price tag.
