Gauteng Purposeful Adventures Group

The Groenkloof Nature Reserve, located adjacent to the Fountains Valley at the southern entrance to Pretoria, was the first game sanctuary in Africa. Groenkloof is one of the few places in the world you can watch and photograph giraffe and zebra with the capital city (Pretoria) of a country as the backdrop.

Clarens is a quaint, picturesque village nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State province of South Africa, just north of Lesotho. The village is known for its natural beauty, arts and crafts, and culinary delights.
Here we will attend the cherry festival and activities at the Ionia Cherry Farm AND explore the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
The Ficksburg Cherry Festival is South Africa’s oldest crop festival, celebrated annually in the small town of Ficksburg in the Free State. Known as the “Cherry Capital” of the country, Ficksburg comes alive each year with festivities dedicated to celebrating the cherry harvest.

#### Cost

TBD for the weekend (single rate)
**This includes 3 nights accommodation, breakfast, National Park conservation fees and guide fee.
Not included: Lunch and dinner costs, festival activities

Clarens is a quaint, picturesque village nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the Free State province of South Africa, just north of Lesotho. The village is known for its natural beauty, arts and crafts, and culinary delights.

Here we will attend the cherry festival and activities at the Ionia Cherry Farm AND explore the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
The Ficksburg Cherry Festival is South Africa’s oldest crop festival, celebrated annually in the small town of Ficksburg in the Free State. Known as the “Cherry Capital” of the country, Ficksburg comes alive each year with festivities dedicated to celebrating the cherry harvest.

Before the cherry festival festivities begin, we will start two mornings at the Golden Gate National Park. The hiking highlights include the sandstone formations, including outcrops, cliffs, and caves, with their varied hues of ochre.

It is the only national park that protects South Africa’s large grassland area and the wildlife. The park provides a refuge for some of South Africa’s rarest birds. These include the bearded vulture and the bald ibis. Several interesting mammals and fossils are found in the park.

The Cherry Festival will feature a wide range of events and activities, including:

• Cherry Picking: Visitors can experience hands-on cherry picking at local farms.
• Cherry Cooking Classes: Workshops where participants can learn to cook with cherries, creating delicious dishes and desserts.
• Sports Competitions: Events like the Cherry Marathon and the Cherry Mountain Biking Challenge attract both local and international athletes.
• Entertainment: The festival includes live music, food stalls, craft markets, and a popular Cherry Jazz Festival, bringing a vibrant cultural experience to attendees.

#### Cost

R5,000 per person for the weekend (single rate)
**This includes 2 nights' accommodation, breakfast, National Park conservation fees, and festival pass.
Not included: Lunch and dinner costs, festival activities