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Safari in Wepener - Essential Travel Info

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Safari in Wepener Free State South Africa (1 Results)

Caledon Nature Reserve
- Wepener Free State South Africa Safari

5 000 ha nature reserve 35km from Wepener on Smithfield rd. Two floating bush camps anchored 40m from edge of dam. Kitchen, lapa and ablution block on land. Bring own linen, towels and wood. 4x4 trail. 12 species of game and 231 bird species.

Geography: Wepener is situated in the Southern Free State and is close to the gateway to Lesotho, which is roughly five kilometres away.

History: The town was founded in 1869 on the banks of Jammersbergspruit, a tributary of the Caledon River, and named after Louw Wepener who was killed earlier while trying to storm Basotho chief Moshweshwe's mountain fortress. One year later a Dutch Reformed parish was set up in 1870 and in 1875 the town was given its first management board. Wepener was involved in the South African (Anglo-Boer) War and the many battles, raids and skirmishes during the stormy period have left many unidentified graves. Today however, the town is a peaceful commercial centre for cattle and sheep ranching, dairy, wheat and maize farming.

Arts and Culture: The historic town of Wepener has some very interesting monuments and places of cultural interest. Some of South Africa's most valuable San rock art is found in the Free State and the district of Wepener has some of the most remarkable collections. Some of these galleries can be viewed on the Ventershoek Farm. Back in town there are two sandstone buildings of great interest. These are the historical City Hall built in 1927 and the grand Dutch Reformed Church of 1882, widely known for its grandeur. For the traveller interested in the history of the South African (Anglo-Boer) War the Jammersdrift Battlesite was where many clashes took place and visitors can see the many graves in the area. Back in town the Louw Wepener Memorial is a bronze bust created by sculptor Coert Steynberg unveiled on the 100-year anniversary of Wepener's death.

Science and Nature: The Welbedacht Dam on the Caledon River supplies water to Bloemfontein and several other centres in the Free State. Travellers can visit the Caledon Nature Reserve, which has been developed on the western shore of the Welbedacht Dam. The area is home to several species of game and bird-watchers will enjoy the great variety of birds.

Entertainment: The Caledon River provides much entertainment and water sport enthusiasts can enjoy canoeing and boating. The area around the Caledon Nature Reserve has hiking and walking trails.

Sport: Fishing is the main attraction along the river and anglers will enjoy catching barbel, mudfish, yellowfish and carp.

Did You Know? Evidence shows that the San rock painting tradition, with its rituals and symbolism extends back at least 25,000 years!

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