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Free State
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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. more
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Smithfield to Philippolis – the 'upper Gariep route'
Take a 200km trip from Smithfield to Philippolis over a leisurely three days to explore this historic region of the southern Free State. more
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Rouxville to Fouriesburg – a western Maluti Mountains route
Each of the old towns along the Lesotho border in the eastern Free State has its own story – and its own set of attractions. more
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Geocaching and the Mosamane Hiking Trail, Free State
Explore mountain streams and fantastical rock formations on a private Free State farm, where geocaching by GPS or by cryptic clue adds to the adventure. more
More about Free State
Smithfield, Free State
With its intriguing past and inviting present, the Free State town of Smithfield attracts writers, artists, foodies, birders, walkers and cyclists. more
The Battlefields Route
Those who enjoy enjoy history will be in their element when they tour the Battlefields Route in the Free State province, exploring the sites made famous during the South African War. more
Free State Botanical Gardens
For the perfect day outing, why not rekindle your connection with nature in the indigenous floral wonderland that is the Free State Botanical Garden. more
Top 10
Natural attractions in the Free State
1Golden 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 rich in San rock art.
2Vredefort 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.
3Gariep 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
4Tussen Die Riviere Nature Reserve
Tussen Die Riviere Nature Reserve is situated in the southern Free State between the Caledon and the Orange Rivers – 2 of South Africa’s mightiest watercourses. It’s hard to find a more evocative setting for a nature reserve.
5Free State National Botanical Garden
Located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein the Free State National Botanical Garden has over 400 species of plants from the region including the vibrant red-hot pokers and wild dagga plants for which the province is renowned.
6Sterkfontein Dam
The Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve is a water wonder in the Eastern Free State, offering wildlife, birding, windsurfing and flyfishing with a magnificent view over the Drakensberg.
7Moolmanshoek Private Game Reserve
Moolmanshoek is situated in the eastern Free State near Ficksburg, and is renowned for more than 230 species of birds as well as zebra, blesbuck and other plains game species.
8The Franklin Game Reserve
The Franklin Game Reserve in Bloemfontein is one of only 2 reserves in the world situated in a city (the other is in Hong Kong). For those who love nature, Hamilton Park on the reserve's west slope boasts more than 3000 orchid specimens.
9Willem Pretorius Game Reserve
Situated in the heart of The Free State – the reserve covers over 12000 hectares with the Allemanskraal Dam as a central feature. Excellent game viewing and birding on offer.
10The 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 rugged mountains.
