- Free State
- Zastron
Zastron, Free State
- Information
- Commerces & Services (7)
Since 1882
Zastron is a small agricultural village some 30 km from the border of Lesotho on the R726. The town lies 36km north-east of Rouxville. Cattle, maize and wheat make the district prosperous.
Throughout the south-eastern Free State rocky hillocks and isolated mountains in a variety of shapes loom from the grassy plains. To the east, beyond the Caledon river, lie the mountains of Lesotho.
The scenery around Zastron is dominated by beautiful mountains with the town itself lying at the foot of Aasvoëlberg (vulture hill), named as such because it is home to the only Cape Vulture colony in the Free State. Zastron is also where you can see the famed Eye of Zastron, a nine metre wide hole that gapes in a sandstone cliff overlooking town. On the Western side of the town lies Eeufeeskloof with a road leading to look-out sites overlooking the town and a dam.
Zastron hospitality offers a variety of accommodation in the form of a hotel, a lodge, and some Guesthouses for an overnight stay or weekend getaway.
Things to do and see
- Champagne Walking trail
- Historical walk around town
- Eye of Zastron
- Eeufeeskloof and lookout sites
Climate
The area receives most of its rainfall (682mm) during the Summer months and enjoys a warm and temperate climate most of the year.
Summer months, October to March, will have average temperatures of between 10°C and 28°C.
Winter months, April to September, will have average temperatures of between -1.5°C and 21°C.
Transport
There are daily flights into Bram Fischer International Airport, approximately 180 km's away via the R26 and R702 or 214 km away via the R26 and N6. Car hire facilities are available at the Airport.
History
Bushmen loved this area and there are specimens of their rock paintings and engravings in many of the caves and rock shelters. In this setting the town of Zastron was founded 1876 and named after the maiden name of the wife of President Johannes Brand, Johanna Sibilla Zastron.
The town was laid out on the farm Verliesfontein, owned by Jan du Wennaar. Living with Du Wennaar was his brother, Renier, one of the drollest characters of the day and a master story-teller. His grave is in the cemetery at the foot of Eeufeeskloof and on the tombstone is the date of his birth, 15 September 1781 and his death 10 December 1883. In his 102 years he spun so many yarns about his adventures and misadventures that he became a legend. His fanciful stories are mainly concerned with his brushes with the devil and other supernatural characters such as the Donderkoppe, meaning 'thunderheads. With his faithful Bushman companion known as Boesman, Renier invariably got the better of his adversaries by resorting to all manner of ingenious tricks.
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