Tourists visiting the country often overlook the Free State province in South Africa. Places like Cape Town, Durban, and the Kruger National Park get all the glory, while central South Africa is seen as an inconvenient journey on the way to the next exciting place. In fact, the Free State is one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa.
Much of the province is distinguished by flat grasslands, farmland, and the occasional hill. But as you head east, the landscape turns greener, the hills turn into mountains, and the pace of life slows.
Free State Tourism used to have a slogan that said something like: Visit the Free State; Discover your soul.
The country’s beloved former president and the world’s most famous ex-convict and humanitarian, Nelson Mandela, had this to say about the Free State:
“The landscape of the Free State cheers my heart, regardless of my mood. When I’m here, I feel that nothing can lock me in and that my thoughts can wander to the horizons.”
With applause like this, isn’t it time you came see what Central South Africa is all about?
Top 4 things to see and do in the Free State
1) Clarens is undoubtedly the first must-see destination in the Free State. It is a small town in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains that is approximately three hours away from Joburg, Bloemfontein and Durban. It is often referred to as the Jewel of the Free State thanks to its exceptional natural beauty, as well as the hospitality of the residents.
It’s small and sleepy and a haven for artists and art lovers alike. The city boasts many upscale galleries, restaurants, and guesthouses, and being at the foothills of one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the country, it’s surrounded by scenic hiking and walking trails. Not to mention fishing and picnics at the many dams.
2) The Bloemfontein Botanical Garden offers a quiet place where you can get away from the busy and growing capital city of the Free State. It has more than 124 species of birds, 54 species of reptiles and 50 species of mammals, as well as countless species of flora. There is a gentle path for those who like to stroll among the flowers and a couple of slightly more demanding hikes through the dolerite koppies.
During the summer there are concerts at sunset, but there are readings and walks in the moonlight throughout the year.
3) The Vredefort dome is a World Heritage Site and the site of the largest meteorite impact in the world. If that wasn’t enough, it is also the oldest impact site in the world. The Vredefort Dome Conservancy was formed by a group of concerned landowners in the region who wanted to preserve the integrity of the site while still making the most of tourism. As a result, it is possible to walk, ride a bike, and even drive around certain parts of the dome.
4) The Gariep (or Xhariep) Dam Nature Reserve is located between Bloemfontein and Colesburg and offers a host of water sports, game watching, bird watching, and picnic opportunities. The reserve is the largest in the Free State and contains the largest gazelle population in South Africa. The gazelle is the national animal of South Africa, not to mention the emblem of the South African rugby team.
Gariep Dam Village has a number of guesthouses and B & Bs so you can stay overnight and fully enjoy the wildlife experience.
