With the magnificent Gariep Dam as its centre spot, this road trip through the southern Free State takes you back in time to the days of early human habitation and the violent era of the South African War (also known as the Anglo-Boer War), and to quiet little villages that have hardly been touched by the hands of time. more

The road trip from Rouxville to Fouriesburg exposes you to some of the best visual and historic elements of the eastern Free State, from driving around its vast sandstone cliffs, to visiting its cherry harvests, and to the nostalgic experience of riding in an old steam locomotive. more

On the beautiful farm Beatrix in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in the eastern Free State, you can experience adventure on the Mosamane Hiking Trail or the cerebral lure of geocaching. The farm offers a 7.5km hiking trail, or you can head off with your GPS and test your aptitude for cryptic clues on a four-hour geocaching adventure. more

Artistic towns and villages are scattered all over the Free State. Perhaps it’s the wide-open spaces, the enormous African skies, the home-grown bonhomie or the fact that people have time to explore their artistic yearnings. Whatever the reason, Ficksburg, Clarens, Verkykerskop, Rosendal and Parys offer a dose of inspiration. more

There aren’t many small towns in South Africa where you can find boerewors and baguettes. In Smithfield you can. An easy drive from Bloemfontein, this enigmatic Free State town has entertained everyone from Moshoeshoe, the 1st king of the Basotho, to British soldiers fighting the the South African War from 1899-1902. more

The Battlefields Route in the Free State province takes history buffs on a journey through the areas where fierce fighting waged between the British and Boers at the start of the 20th century. Book your trip to Bloemfontein today and relive the blood, sweat and tears of the Anglo-Boer War. more

The Free State Botanical Gardens pay homage to the abundant indigenous flora found not only in this province, but also in its neighbours, the Northern Cape and Lesotho. Botanical enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the 6 distinctive gardens as well as its wilderness hiking trails. more

Bokpoort Horseback Adventures offer amazing horseback expeditions into the scenic Maluti Mountains that border with Lesotho. Choose your horse or sure-footed pony and set out on a short two-hour ride or a 10-day expedition. Walk, trot, canter or gallop - it's up to you. more

Mont Plaisir Guest Farm offers a reviving break in the country, as well as a team of horses to take you exploring along a variety of horse trails that are amongst the most popular horse-riding destinations in the country. more

A choice of day trips in this area of the Free State includes ancient dinosaur footprints and the Cannibal Caves at Mohale’s Hoek, where cannibals once lived. For bikers and 4x4 enthusiasts, the mountain passes of Naudesnek, Lundeansnek, Otto du Plessis and Baster Voetslaanpad will get your adrenaline pumping. more

The Riemland Route is the ideal entry point to the Free State and – being just a stone’s throw from Johannesburg – an ideal outdoor weekend destination. It features a collection of small rural towns bursting with nature-based and adventure activities and traditional farm-style hospitality. more

If you go birding in Memel, you stand an excellent chance of seeing almost mythical grassland birds like Rudd’s lark and Botha’s lark. The enormous Seekoeivlei wetland nearby, named for the hippos that once lived here (and now do again) attracts dozens of aquatic bird species. more

The Eastern Cape is known for its spectacular biodiversity and is a Big 7 destination, which means you can view lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo as well as whales and great white sharks. There are numerous malaria-free game reserves, ideal for Eastern Cape incentive tours. more

From the famous Vaal Dam to the pre-historic Vredefort Dome, from South African battlefield sites to San paintings, the Northern Free State has so much to offer visitors by way of activities around these compelling features. more