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Free State

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The Sentinel – a major Free State geological attraction.

Free State geological wonders

The Free State province is home to a number of impressive rock features, from dramatic sandstone cliffs and caves to two billion-year-old hills.

The Voortrekker Monument in South Africa’s Free State

History of the Free State

The province of the Free State has a rich and interesting history, from its earliest inhabitants to the arrival of European settlers and the clashes that followed.

The Free State’s people include the colourful Basotho.

Free State culture

South Africa’s Free State blends traditional African cultures with European settler influences, which can be seen in everything from its cultural villages to its town architecture.

Free State Food Terroir

The delicious diversity of the Free State food terroir sees the bounty of land, climate and culture combine into fabulous flavours.

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Timeless Thabo Mofutsanyana

The Free State’s Thabo Mofutsanyana region is breathtakingly beautiful. Hugging the foothills of the mighty Maluti Mountains, it offers up a collection of intriguing tourism experiences.

Discover Lejweleputswa Free State

The Free State’s Lejweleputswa region forms part of the province’s goldfields and offers numerous ‘gold’ attractions. It’s also maize farming country, so prepare for an agricultural feast!

The Northern Free State

The Northern Free State is an absolute delight, bursting with attractions and activities, and all within an hour’s drive of Johannesburg.

Free State South Africa

The Free State is renowned for its wide open plains, exquisite sandstone mountains and historical significance. Dip into this melting pot and explore its endless offerings.

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Basotho Hat and other traditional souvenirs

Bloemfontein, city life with a difference

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Natural Attractions in The Free State

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

This spectacular national park is located in the scenic north east of the Free State province. The ochre and gold sandstone cliffs gave this park its name and the area is also rich in San rock art
Vredefort Dome

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world – and a must-see natural phenomenon. The area is popular with hikers and adventure-tourists
Gariep Dam Nature Reserve

The largest nature reserve in the province, this nature reserve is situated along the Gariep Dam and the Orange River and is home to a wealth of animal, plant and bird-life
Tussen Die Riviere Nature Reserve

This 22 000 hectare reserve is home to a number of unique species of plants and birds. There are three nature trails for long hikes during the summer season
Free State Botanical Garden

Located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein this picturesque botanical garden is spread across a valley and boasts the natural vegetation of grasslands and woodlands
Sterkfontein Dam

Rugged mountains dominate this landscape that is known for rare Cape Vultures, black eagles and a number of antelope
Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve

Moolmanshoek is situated in near Ficksburg – and is renowned for more than 230 species of bird as well as zebra, blesbuck and zebra
The Franklin Game Reserve

The Franklin Game Reserve is said to be the only reserve of its kind in the world which is completely surrounded by a city. For those who love nature - Hamilton Park on the west slope boasts more than 3000 orchid specimens
Willem Pretorius Game Reserve

Situated in the heart of The Free State – the reserve covers over 12 005 hectares with the Allemanskraal Dam as a central feature. Excellent game viewing and birding on offer
The Maluti Mountains

The spectacular Maluti Mountains form the border between the Free State and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Pony-trekking with local communities is a popular past-time in these mountains