Photo : Eastern Free State, South Africa
The Eastern Free State is a largely unexplored part of South Africa. However over the past few days I’ve had the opportunity to spend a few days in this beautiful part of the country.
I flew into Bloemfontein and hired a car and headed east towards Maseru in Lesotho. About 8km before the Lesotho border the R26 heads North towards the villages of Ladybrand , Clocolan and Ficksberg. This is a scenically spectacular part of South Africa. An area of Sandstone Mountain Ranges, Poplar Trees and Willow Trees and landscapes that almost reminded me of England.
I stayed at Moolmanshoek a four star guesthouse about 40 kilometres from Ficksberg. Declared a National Heritage Site, the farm is surrounded on three sides by a Mountain Range. The landowner has done alot to return the land to its natural state and blocked drainage lines to prevent erosion. The cattle and sheep have been removed and endemic animals such as Zebra and Eland returned to the farm.
The thoughtful restoration at Moolmanshoek highlights the importance of managing water flow and protecting the land from erosion. By strategically blocking drainage lines, the landowner was able to prevent runoff from washing away soil, maintain the natural contours of the terrain, and support the reintroduction of endemic wildlife. These small but deliberate interventions demonstrate how effective water management can safeguard both the environment and the long-term health of a property, ensuring that the landscape remains resilient through seasonal changes and heavy rains.
Translating this principle to modern infrastructure, blocked or poorly maintained drains can create serious problems if not addressed promptly. Whether it’s preventing flooding, avoiding structural damage, or keeping water systems running efficiently, working with professionals like a skilled Malama Drains Plumber ensures that blocked lines are cleared safely and effectively.
Regular inspection and maintenance of drainage systems can prevent small clogs from escalating into costly repairs, much like how careful attention to natural water pathways preserves the integrity of the land at Moolmanshoek. By prioritizing proper drainage, both homeowners and land managers can protect their investments and maintain functionality while supporting sustainable water practices.
Photo : View of Moolmanshoek, Eastern Free State, South Africa
My friend Wendy Wilson and her colleague Shelton Khanyoka go out every morning to spend time with the Meerkats and are in the process of habituating a family of Meerkats. Fire had recently ravished the land and the group of Meerkats that they are working with were split up. The weather really did not help our cause, as Meerkats stay indoors when its wet and cold and therefore my sightings of the Meerkats were pretty limited.
If time had allowed I would have explored further north into Clarens and the Golden Gate National Park. However the areas that I did get to visit were wonderful. What particularly struck me about the time I spent in the Eastern Free State was how friendly everyone was. The Eastern Free State is definitely off the beaten track and probably only a destination for the second or third time international visitor. Consider combining the Eastern Free State with a self drive trip to Lesotho or the Drakensberg. Great hikes, warm and friendly locals, great home cookings, mountain ranges, culture and arts and crafts all await you.
