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The Free State Department of Tourism continues to showcase the province’s hidden gems
The Free State Tourism Department is showcasing its hidden gems through the Camp-Out Experience and 4×4 Eco Challenge at Tussen Die Reviere Nature Reserve.
The Free State Department of Tourism continues to showcase the province’s hidden gems. This time, the spotlight is on the Free State Camp-Out Experience and 4×4 Eco Challenge at the majestic Tussen Die Reviere Nature Reserve, near Bethulie.
RELATED VIDEO | Free State launches Summer Season Tourism Campaign
The immersive outdoor experience offers world leaders, international tourists and locals a rare opportunity to witness the untamed beauty the province proudly offers.
The breathtaking landscape is home to a variety of wildlife, including warthog, zebra and buffalo that shelter along the lush riverbanks. This is also where the Orange River meets the Caledon River, a serene natural setting that keeps visitors captivated.
VRYSTAAT ‘n plek om te beleef, nie net deur te ry nie
Today, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Ketso Makume officially launched the Free State Summer Campaign @ the heartbeat of the Free State Tourism potential, majestic location–Gariep Dam. pic.twitter.com/1ZU7GATc29— FS DEDT (@FSDESTEA) November 6, 2025
“I’m so impressed with the, what is it, Southern Free State? Look, I’ve never been to this part of the land before, where the Caledon River meets the Orange River. It’s such an amazing thing, a breathtaking experience. I’ve never thought I would experience this in my lifetime,” says Ford Human Auto’s Ben Ngeyekhe.
“Express is great. We arrived here yesterday. It’s nice. The travelling is okay. Everything is just perfect. I came all the way from Lesotho,” says Pontso Maliehe from Lesotho.
4×4 Eco Challenge
For those who love the open road, the 4×4 Eco Challenge offered a chance to put their vehicles to the test. The activity requires specific driving techniques and an understanding of vehicle capabilities to navigate the terrain safely.
Dineo Siko from Gauteng is touring the area. She says the Free State is hot. “It’s hot in the summer, but also, I appreciate the fact that we are experiencing different provinces. I’m from Gauteng and I’m able to experience off-road driving in the Free State, and that’s awesome as well,” says Siko.
“The experience was nice and Free State is a place to go to, not a place to go through,” says another tourist, Nomsa Morule.
The outdoor experience also caters for camping lovers. The department says it is positioning the province as a destination for both adventure and heritage.
RELATED VIDEO | Free State launches 2025 Tourism Month – MEC Ketso Makume shares more on the province’s offerings
“We are saying people should begin to explore and discover the first state beyond just the non-places. Hence, the concept of exposing the hidden gems. You would have noticed how long it takes to get here. It’s not far, but for those who don’t know it, it’s not easy to get here. And that’s why it remains a hidden gem,” says Free State Tourism Department HOD, Mbulelo Nokwequ.
The department hopes the initiative will encourage more families, friends and travellers to explore the hidden gems the Free State has to offer.
