My recent journey to the Eastern Free State with Grasshopper Tours and Maluti Muti turned into something far deeper than sightseeing. It was about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and sharing genuine moments with incredible people.

I’m Es, and I recently explored the Eastern Free State with Maluti Muti to plan upcoming Grasshopper Tours. These 420-friendly experiences are designed to showcase the region’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, and laid-back way of life.

A Trip That Became Something More

There are trips you take… and then there are experiences that stay with you.

A quiet reward from nature — a rainbow stretching across Barbers Bay, reflected in still water. Set at the foot of Wolhuterskop, this area is known for its peaceful dam, surrounding hiking trails, and rich natural biodiversity — a true hidden gem of the Eastern Free State.

From the landscapes to the laughter, every part of this trip felt intentional , and that’s what made it unforgettable.

*What started as a journey turned into something far deeper — connection, presence, and perspective*

*Chasing moments down dusty roads — sometimes the best part of the journey is stopping to capture it*

Maluti Muti – Bethlehem

Our base for the trip was the Maluti Muti Farm just outside Bethlehem — a place that instantly makes you feel at home.

*Home for the journey — Maluti Muti Farm, where everything slows down.*

What makes it even more special are the animals that are part of the soul of the farm. The horses, Ali and Nutmeg, bring a calm, grounding presence, while Miss Lolli — the heart and reason Maluti Muti was started — adds a deeper emotional connection to the space. Then there’s Teddy, the visiting mini horse, who brings a light, playful energy that’s impossible not to love.

*Miss Lolli, and Nutmeg. More than animals, they’re part of the Maluti Muti story* !

Together, they’re not just animals on the farm — they’re part of the story, part of the healing, and part of what makes Maluti Muti feel so alive.

*420-friendly, pet-friendly, and made for slowing down — this is what a get away feels like !*

This is where the club’s cannabis is grown, surrounded by wide-open spaces and fresh mountain air. But beyond that, it’s the energy of the place that stands out. Calm, welcoming, and grounded.

The accommodation is both 420-friendly and pet-friendly, making it easy to fully relax and be yourself. Days here start slow, filled with fresh air and quiet moments, and end with good conversations under big Free State skies.

It’s not just a stay — it’s an experience rooted in authenticity

Maluti Muti – Clarens

Clarens, the Maluti Muti space offers a completely different setting — but with a familiar feeling.

*A different setting, the same soul — Maluti Muti in the heart of Clarens*

Located upstairs in the Voetstoots Centre, it feels like an extension of the downstairs section of the Maluti Muti Club in Bethlehem. Elevated, relaxed, and perfectly positioned to take in the beauty of Clarens.

*Good views, good company, and space to just be.*

It’s a space where you can sit, unwind, and connect — with people, with the environment, and with the moment. Also 420-friendly and pet-friendly, it carries the same welcoming spirit as the farm.

With regular events and live music hosted by Maluti Muti & Co, the space comes alive in a way that feels organic and community-driven.

Maluti Muti in Clarens , at the Voetstoots Centre – here music, people, and energy come together naturally

Grasshopper Tour – Barbers Bay & the Foot Wolhuterskop Game and Nature Reserve

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was our Grasshopper outing to Barbers Bay.

*Barbers Baai , a hidden gem at the foot of Wolhuterskop, raw, untouched beauty.*

Set at the foot of Wolhuterskop, this spot is pure magic. We spent the day fishing by the dam, hiking through the surrounding landscape, and enjoying a proper South African braai.

*Lines in the water, time standing still , Barbers Baai at its most peaceful*

There’s something about being out in nature like that — no distractions, just good people, good energy, and the sound of water and wind around you.

We laughed, shared stories, and fully embraced the moment. It didn’t feel like a tour — it felt like time well spent.

*Nothing says Free State autumn like a braai in the rain — a quick shower, smoky fires, and then clear skies rolling back in*

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Driving through Golden Gate Highlands National Park is something that can’t really be explained — it has to be experienced.

The golden sandstone cliffs, the winding roads, and the sheer scale of the landscape are breathtaking.

We spotted a variety of wildlife along the way, including eland, zebra, black wildebeest, blesbok, and birds of prey like vultures and eagles

*Wildlife, wind, and wide-open space , the kind of beauty you feel*

It’s one of those places that makes you feel small in the best possible way.

Rosendal

A stop in Rosendal added a completely different mood to the journey.

Quiet, artistic, and full of character, it’s a place where time slows down even more. Walking through its streets feels peaceful — almost like stepping into a story.

It’s small, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project – The Outflow

The Outflow from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was another highlight — powerful, unexpected, and impressive.

Watching the water surge through the system, surrounded by mountains, was a reminder of how nature and engineering intersect in this region.

It’s a unique stop that adds another layer to the experience.

*Standing inside the scale of it — a system where water travels entirely by gravity through tunnels stretching over 80km from the mountains of Lesotho into South Africa*

Moments That Made It Special

What really brought this trip together was the people.

The energy, the conversations, the shared experiences — it all felt natural and effortless. Maluti Muti & Co’s events and gatherings add to that sense of connection, creating spaces where people can come together and just be.

*The people made it — shared energy, real connection, unforgettable moments*

A Special Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to Fay for the incredible time.

*Your effort, your energy, and the way you welcomed us made this experience what it was. From the smallest details to the overall journey, it was clear how much care went into everything.* It didn’t go unnoticed — and it’s deeply appreciated.

Why This Experience Matters

Grasshopper Tours with Maluti Muti isn’t just about visiting places — it’s about experiencing them in a way that feels real.

*Where calm waters meet adventure — kayaking, fishing, and slowing down the Grasshopper way at De Kraanze – Clarens.*

It’s about nature, connection, community, and experiencing it all at your own pace.

The Eastern Free State has a way of pulling you in — with its landscapes, its quiet beauty, and its people.

And when you experience it through Grasshopper Tours and Maluti Muti, it becomes something even more meaningful.

Not just a trip… but something you carry with you long after you leave.