Welcome to South Africa.
The Free State of South Africa. The interior plateau plains of South Africa between the Vaal and Orange rivers form the Free State Province.
This tranquil land of the ubiquitous windmill is the geographical and agricultural center of South Africa. Of all the provinces, this one features the classic sunny savannah scene, the tall, spacious grassy prairie with deep blue African skies, majestic cloud formations in summer, and a horizon broken by the occasional flat-topped koppie. (hill-shaped mountain).
The Free State is fast becoming a tourist destination in its own right. Known for its warm South African hospitality, `boerekos (traditional Afrikaner farmhouse-style cuisine) and decidedly slower-paced lifestyle, this province has become a Mecca for tourists looking to explore small-town South Africa.
Known locally as the “bread basket” of South Africa, the Free State is farmed by more than 30,000 farms to produce more than 70% of South Africa’s grain consumption. It is also home to the most productive gold and diamond mines in the world.
The Free State lies in the heart of South Africa, with the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho nestled in the hollow of its bean shape. Between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, this immense rolling meadow stretches as far as the eye can see. Formerly known as the Orange Free State, this province has seen its share of battles, most notably perhaps the Anglo Boer War. This was the last large-scale war to be fought on South African soil and was not only a turning point in the history of modern warfare in our time, but also the last of the knightly wars.
The Free State is the third largest province in South Africa. However, it has the second smallest population and the second lowest population density, being home to some 2.8 million people on some 129,480 km2 of land. Many of the towns display a mix of cultures clearly evident in street names, public buildings, monuments and museums. Decorated sandstone buildings abound in the Eastern Highlands, while the grasslands are dotted with beautifully decorated Sotho houses. Some of the most valuable San (Bushman) rock art in South Africa is found in the Free State.
The climate of the Free State in the Summer Rains region is hot and temperate in the summer, but can be relatively cool during the winter months, especially in the eastern mountainous regions, where temperatures can drop as low as 9:C. The western and southern areas are semi-desert.
The southern Free State shares true Karoo semi-desert and arid landscapes, while the north is blessed by the liquid gold of the Vaal River. The western Free State traverses savannas and substantial mineral riches, while the eastern highlands offer a wealth of scenic splendor.
City center
The provincial capital, Bloemfontein, has a well-established institutional, educational, and administrative infrastructure, and is home to the Supreme Court of Appeal. The province has a well-known university and many other training institutions.
Ecotourism
The Free State Province has an extensive system of parks and reserves, including a national park (Golden Gate) and more than 80 provincial, municipal and privately owned national parks, nature reserves, game reserves and game farms. Activities include bird and game watching, trophy and biltong hunting, hiking, horseback riding, biking, 4×4 off-road driving, camping, and rock climbing.
