Adventures in Bloemfontein

Rafting on the Ash River

© Ollie Esplin

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Bloemfontein (Mangaung/Bloemfontein) residents love their sport - just head for any sporting stadium on the weekend, including the one used for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, if you want to experience a real "vibe". In winter, rugby is as popular as football, and hockey enjoys good support, while cricket rules the summer. 

When it comes to adventure options, if it flies, drives or has wheels of any kind, chances are, you can do it in Bloemfontein. Flat terrain in the south and around Bloemfontein gives way to highlands on the Lesotho border to the east. With both the Vaal and the Gariep rivers bordering the province, there are enough water sports activities around for those willing to wet their hair and experience the thrills.

Adventures in Bloemfontein include a number of airborne activities. Your options include skydiving, hot air ballooning and gliding. Your degree of skill will determine your chances of participating in some activities, while others merely demand a lack of fear.

Kayaking on the Gariep Dam is popular, while the Vaal is suitable for river rafting, jet skis and waterskiing. To enjoy such activities adventurers will have to drive a couple of hours out of the city, but good roads provide quick access to most facilities. River rafting down the Ash River near Clarens is another popular activity.

Mountain biking, motocross and 4x4 trails criss-cross the province. While sunny skies are almost guaranteed year-round, it can get pretty cold in the winter (and one can even spot snow on the Maluti Mountains). The border areas between the Free State and Lesotho (a neighbouring country known as the ‘Roof of Africa') are mountainous and popular with 4x4 enthusiasts.

There are also a number of hikes to be enjoyed in the national parks including the well-known Rhebok Hiking Trail in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.