S1-Ep.11 | Hidden Gem Museum & Small Town Heart | Matches on the Map | SA Overland

In Episode 11 of Matches on the Map, we stumble upon the incredible Sandstone Estates on our way to Ficksburg, a true hidden gem. Our host, Hendrik, welcomed us into a fantastic campsite, and the next day was spent on essential repairs before exploring the farm. Prepare to be amazed by the world’s largest collection of 2nd gauge locomotives, over 300 vintage tractors, and numerous military vehicles, all showcasing South African rail and military engineering history since WWII. If you’re into overlanding, vintage vehicles, history, or unique small towns, this episode is for you. Our journey then took a heartwarming turn as we connected with the vibrant community of Ficksburg. Months earlier, Toni, a local resident, reached out eager to add life‑savers to the registry. We arrived at Boschfontein Mountain Lodge for a braai with welcoming locals, gifted with one of our top three sunsets. Boschfontein proved to be more than just a stopover, its stunning mountain views, warm hospitality, and peaceful setting made it a highlight of our time in the Free State. Their network enabled a successful recruitment drive in town, even securing a free venue at Imperani Guesthouse and Restaurant. It’s inspiring to see the impact that can be made in a small town. The support in Ficksburg was overwhelming. Imperani’s team looked after us wholeheartedly, and we were grateful for donations of used cooking oil from Sasol, Caltex, and Imperani for the next leg of our journey. Every encounter and every donation helps us keep moving forward on our Matches on the Map expedition, raising awareness for stem cell donation, blood cancer, and Fanconi Anaemia. By watching and subscribing, you help us put more #matchesonthemap and support the search for life‑saving matches. We extend heartfelt thanks to our Official Partners and Patreon members whose support makes this journey possible. Join our journey, help us put more #matchesonthemap, and be part of this shared effort to raise awareness and support stem cell donation. | Links & Contact | All our links, social media platforms, donor registration information, support options and project updates can be found here: https://linktr.ee/MappingFA | Playlists | ▶️ Matches on the Map — Season 1: 🔗    • SEASON 1| Overlanding Eswatini, South Afri...   🛠️ Building Betsy (4 years): 🔗    • DIY Expedition Vehicle Build | BUILDING BETSY   | Discount Codes from Sponsors | 🔋 AllPowers - 15% OFF code: 527NE 🔗 https://iallpowers.com 🪂 Hami - Discount code: HangingwithBetsy 🔗 https://hami.co.za/discount/hangingwi... Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. We only recommend products we use and trust. #MatchesOnTheMap #Overlanding #SouthAfrica #TravelVlog #SandstoneEstates #Ficksburg #BoschfonteinMountainLodge #VintageVehicles #SmallTowns #HiddenGems #StemCellDonation #BloodCancerAwareness #FanconiAnemia #FanconiAnaemia #Camping #LifeSavingMatches #RailHistory #MilitaryHistory