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Drifters' Lodges, Inns and Camps |
| Drifters' Oldenberg Guest House |
OLDENBERG GUEST HOUSE:
LADYBRAND, FREESTATE SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, SOUTH AFRICA |
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Nestled in the sandstone cliffs on the border with Lesotho and near the quaint farming town of Ladybrand, this charming guesthouse forms an integral part of Drifters self-drive itineraries, and also offers the ideal getaway for those seeking a typical farm stay with traditional Free State hospitality.
Crafted from local sandstone, the Lodge provides a variety of different accommodation options, but all rooms are comfortably appointed and most are bathroom en-suite.
Horse riding, hiking, mountain biking and general exploring of the farm and surroundings make any stay here worthwhile. The sparkling pool is always welcoming.
DIRECTIONS:
On the R26 between Ladybrand and Clocolan, 10 km from Ladybrand follow signs to Modderpoort and on to Oldenburg.
OTHER DRIFTERS PROPERTIES WITHIN AN EASY DAYS DRIVE:
Drifters Karoo Inn - 500 km
Drifters Drakensberg Inn - 250 km
Drifters Johannesburg Inn - 400 km
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LADYBRAND, FREESTATE, SOUTH AFRICA
Southern Highlands of Eastern Free State
The land of a thousand pictures, with each season offering its own attractions - roaring, open fires in winter, cherry blossoms and then succulent fruit in spring, hot summer days and golden autumn sunsets.
A feast for the eye, soul and gastronome. Cherry orchards cling to the sides of flat topped sandstone mountains which reflect the different colours of the sunrise and sunset, as you gently meander along the border between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
The Southern Highlands are on a main route linking the Cape and Garden Route, to KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng and Mpumalanga (Kruger Park). The Southern Highlands also link South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.
Apart from cherries, other deciduous fruit and asparagus thrive in the champaign climate, making spring and early summer a feast of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Many people visit the area especially for its picturesque beauty. But no matter whether you are driving through, en route to somewhere, or just retreating from the rat race for a couple of days, you will be tempted to linger a while longer.
Each season offers its own attractions; roaring, open log fires in winter, cherry blossoms and then the succulent fruit in spring, hot summer days and golden autumn sunsets.
The entire region borders the scenic mountain kingdom of Lesotho, which is known for its majestic beauty, simplicity and serenity.
The Southern Highlands is the land of a thousand pictures. |
LESOTHO:
A Unique Tourism Experience
Popular descriptions of this rugged country, with is majestic beauty and serene simplicity, are "Mountain Kingdom" and "Kingdom in the Sky". Lesotho Offers a very different tourism experience, with the potential of the tourism sector lying in its natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, and absorbing prehistoric and cultural heritage. The appeal of this extraordinary country is rarely found in more commercialized destinations.
Mountains, valleys, and rivers provide memorable scenery for tourists. This is where Lesotho gets its crystal clear water as well as green pastures for livestock. Minerals such as diamond are found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho is the Kingdom in the Sky. Mountains of Lesotho
Lesotho's Clean Water and Mountains
Most tourist travel many kilometers from their countries just to come and patch in the rocks of Lesotho. They also enjoy playing around the clean water of Lesotho' s mountains. This is one of the biggest source of income to the country.
In the Villages of Lesotho
Basotho are a nation that has solid traditions, beliefs and customs. The annual Morija arts festival portrays at the best level the rich culture and celebrations that Lesotho is truly proud of. If you want to be part of these celebrations you will be welcomed with smiling faces. And in the villages, you will be offered the traditional porridge -- Motoho. Come and experience a wealth of savory food, natural attractions, and reserves.
The Basotho Hat - The Nations Symbol
The Maluti Mountains, spurs of the Drakensberg range, extend north and south. They form a high plateau from 9,000 to 10,000 ft in height. The highest point is Thabana Ntlenyana (11,425ft) in the east. The rich volcanic soils of the foothills and mountains are some of the best in the country.
The sources of two of the principal rivers in South Africa, the Orange and the Tugeld, are in these mountains. Tributaries of the Caledon River, which forms the country's western border, also rise here.
History:
Although shunted to and from British and Boer control for almost 200 years, Lesotho's path to self-rule was comparatively smooth. Landlocked by South Africa, but distanced from it by huge mountain ranges, Lesotho is an often-surprising combination of rapidly-developing modernity and ancient culture. |
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