Tourists visiting the country often overlook the Free State province of South Africa. Places like Cape Town, Durban and the Kruger National Park get all the glory, while central South Africa is considered an inconvenient journey on the way to the next exciting place. In fact, the Free State is one of the most beautiful provinces in South Africa.
Large parts of the province are distinguished by flat grasslands, farmland, and the occasional koppie (small hill). But as you move east, the landscape becomes greener, the hills turn into mountains, and the pace of life slows.
Free State Tourism used to have a slogan that went something like: Visit the Free State; Discover your soul.
The country’s beloved former president and the world’s most famous ex-convict and humanitarian, Nelson Mandela, had this to say about the Free State:
“The landscape of the Free State makes my heart happy, no matter what my mood. When I’m here, I feel like nothing can lock me in and my thoughts can wander to the horizon.”
With cheers like this, isn’t it about time you came to see what Central South Africa is all about?
Top 4 things to see and do in the Free State
1) Without a doubt Clarens is the first must-see destination in the Free State. It is a small town in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains that is approximately three hours from Joburg, Bloemfontein and Durban. It is often referred to as the Jewel of the Free State thanks to its extraordinary natural beauty, as well as the hospitality of the residents.
It’s small and quiet and a haven for artists and art lovers alike. The city boasts many galleries, restaurants, and upscale guesthouses and, being at the foothills of one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the country, is surrounded by picturesque walking and hiking trails. Not to mention fishing and picnicking at the many dams.
2) The Bloemfontein Botanical Garden offers a quiet place where you can get away from the busy and growing capital city of the Free State. It has more than 124 species of birds, 54 species of reptiles and 50 species of mammals, as well as countless species of flora. There is a gentle trail for those who like to stroll among the flowers and a couple of slightly more demanding hikes up to the dolerite koppies.
During the summer there are concerts at sunset, but lectures and moonlight walks are available throughout the year.
3) The Vredefort Dome is a World Heritage Site and the site of the largest meteorite impact in the world. If that wasn’t enough, it’s also the oldest impact site in the world. Vredefort Dome Conservancy was formed by a group of concerned landowners in the region who wanted to preserve the integrity of the site while making the most of tourism. As a result, it is possible to walk, bike and even drive through certain parts of the Dome.
4) The Gariep (or Xhariep) Dam Nature Reserve sits between Bloemfontein and Colesburg and offers plenty of water sports, game viewing, bird watching and picnic opportunities. The reserve is the largest in the Free State and contains the largest population of gazelle in South Africa. The gazelle is the national animal of South Africa, not to mention the emblem of the South African rugby team.
Gariep Dam Village has several guesthouses and B&Bs for you to spend the night to fully enjoy the wildlife experience.