One of the best ways to enjoy a visit to South Africa is to take a self-drive trip. This allows for spontaneity, flexibility and the opportunity to get to know the locals a little better. 
The Eastern Free State is a fantastic place to take a self-drive journey, so make your way from Clarens to Ladybrand to experience the amazing sandstone country around you.
Sandstone Territory
This part of the world is known as Sandstone Country because of the amazing sandstone rock formations found in the area. Indeed the Golden Gate Highlands National Park got its name from the sun reflecting off the craggy sandstone mountains.
Clarens
As TV Bulpin says in his book, Discovering South Africa: ‘The name of Clarens is attached to the geological formation known as Clarens Sandstone, notable for the brilliance of its colours, red to orange and golden yellow.’
Spending time in the little artist’s haunt of Clarens is definitely worthwhile, and sandstone plays a starring role in the landscape. The village boasts loads of arts and crafts shops, art galleries, fantastic restaurants and bed and breakfasts.
Golden Gate
Remember to make time to visit the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, renowned for its sandstone rock formations. ‘This 12 000 hectare park is one of the country’s greatest natural assets in any season,’ says park manager Johan Taljaard. ‘Autumn paints the scenery in gold, orange and red, whilst spring changes the mountain slopes almost overnight to an unreal florescent green. Summer offers mellow warm green summer days with thunder storms and winter might just surprise visitors with a brilliant white snow blanket.’
While here throw in a bit of fossil-hunting and a horse-riding safari at the nearby Bokpoort Horse Farm.
Fouriesburg
Fouriesburg, 36 kilometres from Clarens, is also influenced by picturesque sandstone outcrops and the Lesotho Mountains. This little town has a number of fascinating sandstone buildings that are definitely worth a visit, especially the Nagmaal cottage.
Meiringskloof is a perfect scenic spot for a picnic and there are a number of walking trails in the area. In fact, the Brandwater Hiking Trail (that begins at Meiringskloof) is the longest in the Free State and boasts the largest sandstone overhang in the Southern Hemisphere.
Rustler’s Valley
There is a mysterious, secret valley tucked into the folds of the Maluti Mountains of the eastern Free State where rebels hid during the Boer War and Basotho used to conceal rustled cattle.
In the shadow of one of the numerous sandstone kopjies is a place that has continued the essentially outlaw tradition: Rustler’s Valley Mountain Lodge. Some 27 kilometres from Fouriesburg, it offers an alternative experience as this is the ‘hippie capital’ of South Africa. Here you can join a drumming circle, learn about permaculture farming or experience a sweat lodge.
Ficksburg
Keep on going from Fouriesberg along the R26 road and you’ll find Ficksburg. Situated along the Caledon River and huddled in the horseshoe of Imperani Mountain, it is a picture postcard town presided over by the imposing sandstone Nederduitse Gereformeerde Church. 
Away from the church flow streets adorned with houses featuring domes and broekie-lace framed verandahs. They blend into a surreal landscape travel writer Bridget Hilton-Barber once described as echoing a Pierneef painting: ‘Big banks of creamy clouds and green rumps of mountain, broken by strange sandstone formations.’
The area is famous for its Bushman rock art; and for those who enjoy the great outdoors you can mix sweat and culture on the Bushman Caves Hiking Trail. Others come from far and wide during November for the Cherry Festival.
Clocolan
Head off through maize country towards the town of Clocolan. You are now in the heart of the Free State agricultural community where home-grown hospitality is part of the deal.
Ladybrand
Your final stop on the Sandstone Route is the town of Ladybrand, sheltered by the Platberg (flat mountain). This laidback town consists of a number of quaint sandstone houses and historic buildings, especially the gorgeous Dutch Reformed Church.
Ladybrand also boasts another form of visual history: the Bushman rock art found on the outskirts of the town. Try and make the time to visit the Tandjiesberg Farm rock paintings, which offers some of the best Bushman art in the Free State.
The town is known for its fantastic arts and crafts. And being close to Lesotho, you will find authentic craft for a steal.
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