Choose your country and language:

Africa

  • Global
  • Angola
  • Botswana
  • DRC
  • Ethiopia
  • Ghana
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Nigeria
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • shotLeft

Americas

  • USA
  • Argentina
  • Brazil

Asia Pacific

  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia

Europe

  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • United Kingdom
Back
Free State
Adventure
Arts
Entertainment
Attractions
Museums
Culture
History
Food
Animals
Safari
Routes
Affordable
Family
Bloemfontein
Wildlife
Cultural Discoveries
Bush Retreats
Multiple experiences

hhe Free State is a province of extreme natural, cultural and historical diversity. The province's nature reserves and mountains, museums and monuments, and its extensive cultural offerings are popular attractions. 

It feels as though time itself began in this picturesque province. It is home to the Vredefort Dome (the world's oldest meteorite impact site), ancient San rock art, dinosaur remains and fossils. The National Museum in Bloemfontein has prime examples of the latter. 

As one of South Africa's agricultural hubs, the Free State comprises rolling farmland, meandering between its dominant natural features - beautiful sandstone cliffs. 

LLocated in the province's north eastern region, at the foot of the Maloti mountains, is the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Aside from its imposing sandstone peaks, the park's highland habitat sustains a great variety of animals and birds, including the rare bearded vulture. It offers guided walks, hikes, game viewing and horse riding. 

Thanks to its great diversity, the Free State boasts a number of tourism routes. Do the eagle route and discover the eastern highlands and Maloti mountains of neighbouring Lesotho; follow the flamingo route and delve into the history of Lejweleputswa's gold mines; or explore the province's battlefields and war museums on the lion route. 

Experience the region's cultural and political heritage on the springbok route or walk in the footsteps of the diamond prospectors on the diamond and wine route. This tour also features the Landzicht and Wilreza wine estates in Jacobsdal. 

If authentic home-grown hospitality is what you're after, make sure you do the friendly N6 route, which covers the route from Bloemfontein to Aliwal North. 

With its bountiful natural, historical and cultural attractions, there's something to tempt every visitor's fancy in the golden Free State. 

Did You Know?

Travel  tips  & planning  info 

 

Who to contact 

 

Free State Tourism 
Tel: +27 (0) 51 411 4300 
Email: info@freestatetourism.org 

 

SANational Parks reservations 
Tel: + 27 (0)12 428 9111 
E-mail: reservations@sanparks.org 

 

How to get here 

 

Fly direct from any of South Africa’s major cities to Bloemfontein Airport. If you’re driving - from Johannesburg and Cape Town take the N1 south and north respectively to Bloemfontein, and from Durban, take the N3 out of KwaZulu Natal, and pick up the N5 at Harrismith to Bloemfontein. 

 

Best time to visit 

 

Spring to autumn (September to April). Summer days get very hot, while winter days are mild, with cold evenings. Snow regularly falls on the eastern highlands. 

 

Things to do 

 

Tour Winnie Mandela House in Majwemasoeu; the region’s various wine cellars; the self-drive tourism routes (the cheetah, eagle, lion, flamingo and springbok routes); the National Museum in Bloemfontein; the Basotho cultural village; and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. 

NAMPO farm show (agricultural show) at Bothaville in May; the Bloemfontein Show (agricultural and entertainment festival) at Bloemfontein in late April/early May (since 1883); the Craft Beer Festival in Clarens in February, the Macufe Mangaung African Cultural Festival in Bloemfontein in October; the Cherry Festival at Ficksburg in November. 

 

What to pack 

 

Don’t forget a hat and plenty to sunscreen, even in the winter. Pack warm clothes for winter months as it gets very cold, especially when it snows. 

 

Where to stay 

 

The region offers a full range of accommodation from backpackers and B&Bs to hotels and guest houses. 

 

What to eat 

 

Traditional boerekos (farm-style food) and potjiekos (pot stew) in most towns and villages; authentic African cuisine at the many African cultural villages; the Free State’s famed corn on the cob and juicy cherries. 

 

Related links 

 

South Africa on social media

Copyright © 2024 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy