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Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Eastern Free State.

Basotho Hat and other traditional souvenirs

Horse riding is a popular sport

Natural beauty if par for the course in the Free State

Clarens, a fun weekend getaway

Oliewenhuis Art Gallery, Bloemfontein

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Proud to be African

Video shows former president of SA Thabo Mbeki giving a speech about African pride.

Durban July

Durban July

Natural Attractions in The Free State

1. 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

   
2. 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

   
3. 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

   
4. 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

   
5. 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

   
6. Sterkfontein Dam
   

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

   
7. 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

   
8. 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

   
9. 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

   
10. 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