Free State

Situated in the heart of South Africa, the Free State lies between the Orange and Vaal Rivers. It is a region renowned for its natural beauty and majesty. The Free State was originally a settlement for pioneers in search of its rich gold deposits, and many of the old mining towns are still in operation today, attracting people to enjoy the quaint mining villages.
 
Being in the middle of South Africa, the Free State is bordered by the Northern and Eastern Cape, the North-West Province, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng as well as the independent Lesotho. The Free State is dominated by a rolling 1500m plain, punctuated by flat-topped hills and the mountaineous border with Lesotho. The judicial capital of South Africa, and provincial capital of the Free State, Bloemfontein is the most central city in the country and a good stopover between Gauteng and the Cape. A huge white horse, seen against the slopes of Naval Hill, was laid out during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War by the Wiltshire Remount Depot as a landmark for horsemen returning from the plains.
 
Museums include the National Women's Memorial and War Museum, Freshford House, builtin 1897 and the National Museum which houses one of the largest collections of fossils and archaeological artefacts including the Florisbad skull. Other attractions include the Sand du Plessis Theatre, completed in 1985, the Botanical Gardens (the only one in the Free State), the orchid House and even a rugby museum!
 
Organised tours to Manguang, a sprawling township with historical buildings, are available, and jazz or R&B fans are well catered for here. There is a magnificent panoramic view of the city from Naval Hill which incorporates a game reserve (the only one in the centre of a city in South Africa) and the Observatory Theatre.
 
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Bloemfontein - the stately capital is renowned for its impressivereddish sandstaone buildings, and for its parks and roses. The annual Rose Festival takes place in October
 
Golden Gate Highlands National Park, in the foothill of the Maluti Mountains in the east, is a high-level wonderland of cliffs, crags, rocks and rolling grassland. Its 'golden' colour comes from the reflection of the sun on sandstone.
 
Clarens, the 'jewel of the Free State', on the route to Golden Gate. An ideal country retreat, popular among artists and craftspeople.
 
Vaal River towns in the northern Free State, including Deneysville and Oranjeville, noted for their outstanding water sport amenities.
 
Gariep Dam, the largest in the country, offering excellent water sports, camping and fishing facilities.
 
Sterkfontein Dam, near Harrismith, a relatively undiscovered gem, containing bird life and marvellous water sport opportunities.
 
The N1 highway from the Northern areas through to Cape Town slices through the Free State. The highway is in good condition and many towns along the way offer superb accommodation, from basis Bed and breakfast through to game lodges and guest houses catering to every need. Take your time and enjoy the harsh beauty that Bloemfontein and the Free State is able to offer the traveller. Accommodation options are many and are varied - please browse our site to see what is available. Alternatively, please contact our office on = +(27) (0) 43 748 6413