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The Free State Landscape
gladdens my heart, no
matter what my mood...
When I am here I feel
that nothing can shut
me in and that my
thoughts can roam
as far as the horizons ...
Mandela
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Zoutspruit
Activities: Game Farm & Farm Holidays
Zoutspruit is
not only a destination for overnight accommodation. More than just
being another guest house,
Zoutspruit is also
a destination for a farm holiday. The
Zoutspruit game
camp offers game viewing, hiking and bird watching. For the
eco-tourist there are a number of points of interest, ranging from
the Ouvolk (Sungazer) colony to the big bluegum tree, reported to be
the second largest in the Free State. Walking activities range from
a leisurly walk past the farm activities to a longer hike through
the main game camp. The less adventurous may enjoy a refreshing swim
or simply relaxing in the garden. Kroonstad, only 16km's from
Zoutspruit
offers several restaurants, pubs, nightspots and a
wide variety of sporting facilities including fishing.
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Hiking in the
Zoutspruit Game Camp
The Zoutspruit
game camp may be viewed either by vehicle or by hiking through the
camp. Viewing the game camp by vehicle will only introduce visitors
to the most prominent species. Hiking though offers a unique
eco-tourism experience. Birds, plants, insects, reptiles and small
mammals can be observed at close range when hiking. All the senses
experience the atmosphere of the veld and for many urban dwellers it
is a unique experience to be the only human beings for as far as
they can see. The
Zoutspruit game camp offers a fascinating glimpse of what
this area must have looked like only a two centuries ago.
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The
Zoutspruit Tree
Zoutspruit has
a massive Australian Bluegum tree which is reported to be the second
largest Bluegum tree in the Free State. A taller tree exists at
Bethlehem in the Eastern Free State. Bluegum trees are alien species
to South Africa, and the department of environmental affairs has
declared war on bluegum trees and are actively destroying them
across the country. Sadly the character of the Free State for the
last century and a half, with farmsteads surrounded by a row of tall
bluegums is being lost. The Afrikaans term for "Bluegum tree" is "Bloekomboom".
Therefore Zoutspruit
is glad to have this magnificent tree and to be able to preserve
this little bit of our heritage.
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Traditional
Free State
Hospitality
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Braai Area behind the Guest Chalets
For the exhausted eco-tourist, there is a private and sheltered
braai and entertainment area behind the guest chalets. Within a few
metres of this area lies yet another small game camp with only a
standard game separating visitors from this area. Thus visitors may
relax on the provided garden furniture and view the antelope and
bird species at close range.
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