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South Africa's big sky country
Bloemfontein's surrounding areas
Clarens is worth the drive from Bloemfontein
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Ficksburg Cherry Festival takes place every year during November in the small town of Ficksburg and has been going for 42 years.
Mangaung/Bloemfontein's surrounding areas offer an exciting mix of experiences for the intrepid tourist. There are adventure activities, heritage routes, arty towns, cultural villages and a range of outdoor attractions that are worthy of exploring.
Close to Bloemfontein you'll find the Gariep Dam which is renowned for watersports. There's also the Gariep Nature Reserve - home to a variety of game and birdlife. The Tussen die Riviere and Caledon Nature Reserves are worth a visit if you're looking for rest and relaxation.
Within a 2-to 3-hour radius (by car) from the city of Bloemfontein lies a rich choice of destinations. A scenic drive you shouldn't miss is the road between Fouriesburg and Clarens in Thabo Mofutsanyana (Eastern Free State). From there, drive on to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park with its majestic sandstone outcrops - the perfect spot for a photographic safari. Head further south and you can make your way to explore a Basotho Cultural Village as well as Phuthadijhaba. Hiking in this part of the Drakensberg mountain range is also very popular.
Bloemfontein's surrounding areas include the Free State's small towns which are full of olde worlde charm. Clarens is renowned for its artists, restaurants and scenic surrounds, while Ficksburg has its sports bars, home industries, heritage buildings and colourful locals. Small towns like Fouriesburg, Clocolan and Ladybrand also offer fascinating insights into life in the agricultural Free State province.
In the Northern Free State, you'll find the Vredefort Dome - known as the oldest meteorite impact site in the world - and now a great adventure tourism destination in the province.
Various tourism routes tailored to special interests are worth exploring and the Free State province is also the gateway to our neighbouring country, Lesotho, a region famous for pony-trekking and hiking. The mining centre of Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, is also easily accessible.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Mangaung/Bloemfontein Tourism Information
Tourism Centre
60 Park Road
Willows
Bloemfontein
Tel: +27 (0) 51 405 8489
Fax: +27 (0) 51 447 3859
Email: information@bloemfontein.co.za
Web: www.bloemfontein.co.za
How to get here
Bloemfontein is easily accessibly by road (N1) through the central interior of the country. There are also regular flights into Bloemfontein from the other major host cities.
Around the area
If you have limited time then perhaps choose just one region – Thabo Mofutsanyana – where both Clarens and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park are situated.
Tours to do
Take a rock art expedition.
Get around
Having your own car to travel the Free State is your best bet.
What will it cost
Going on a self-drive holiday is dictated to by petrol costs, There is a standard daily conservation fee of approx R88 per day per adult at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Length of stay
Plan to spend a week exploring the sights and attractions of Bloemfontein and the surrounding areas, and then make a journey to Kimberley in the Northern Cape to see the Big Hole.
What to pack
Hiking boots, sun hat, comfortable clothing and warm attire for evenings when temperatures drop. Camping gear if you are planning on roughing it.
Where to stay
There are a number of guest houses, bed and breakfasts and farm stays on offer in regions such as Thabo Mofutsanyana.
What to eat
Bloemfontein is known for good South African boerekos. There are also lots of quaint, interesting restaurants in Clarens offering the best of local fare.
Best buys
Rural arts and crafts.