This drive takes you through superb countryside alongside South Africa's border with Lesotho.

Take the R712 from Golden Gate Highlands National Park to the town of Clarens, 18km away.

Clarens, named after the Swiss resort where President Paul Kruger died in 1904, is beautifully situated below golden sandstone cliffs. Many artists have come to live here, and the town has restaurants, gift shops and a very good bookshop.

From Clarens drive southwest on the R711. After 36km you will reach Fouriesburg.

The road passes by picturesque sandstone outcrops, forming low flat-topped hills. All along this stretch to your left are Lesotho's Maluti Mountains, often capped with snow in winter. Look out for signs directing you to the many Bushman rock paintings in the area. Fouriesburg, founded in 1892, was the seat of the Orange Free State government for a time during the Anglo-Boer War. Excellent meals can be had at the Fouriesburg Country Inn.

Just after Fouriesburg is a T-junction. Turn left here on to the R26 in the direction of Ficksburg, 56km away.

The town of Ficksburg, situated 5km from a major entry point into Lesotho, is very much a border town, with hundreds of people coming in every day from Lesotho to shop. A Cherry Festival and a Vintage Tractor Show are held here annually.

From Ficksburg, if you have the time, you can continue southwest on the R26 to the town of Clocolan. Return to Golden Gate along the same route.