Free State
The Free State is South Africa's third largest province, however, is has the second lowest population density (approximately 2.8 million people living on about 129 460 km2 of land). The capital city of the Free State is Bloemfontein (also known as the City of Roses). Some other towns in the Free State are: Bethlehem, Clarens, Clocolan, Ficksburg, Harrismith, Kroonstad, Ladybrand, Memel, Parys, and Welkom.
Farm near Bethlehem
Courtesy of South African Tourism
The Free State is well known for its local hospitality and laid back lifestyle. If you are looking for a relaxing, time-out holiday with some good local South African Delights ("boerekos" - traditional homemade farm style food), then the Free State is the province to visit. A variety of accommodation is available, from camping and quaint self-catering cottages to luxury guesthouses and hotels.
The Free State is a summer rainfall area. The summers (December to February) are hot, but winters (April to July) can be very cold, especially towards the eastern mountainous regions where snow is often recorded. Both the southern and western areas are classified as semi-desert.
Some tourist attractions in the Free State Province include:
Watersports
Gariep Dam
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Three of the major sites for excellent water sport in the Free State are: Sterkfontein Dam (near Harrismith), Gariep Dam (Xhariep - the largest dam in South Africa), and the Vaal River & Dam (situated in the northern Free State). Watersports enjoyed at these sites include: kite boarding, fishing, sailing, and water-skiing. Some of the smaller dams in the province include: Bloemhof Dam, Meulspruit Dam, Vanderkloof Dam, and the Egmont Dam.
Vaal River
Courtesy of South African Tourism
South African Delights
Visit some of the smaller towns (e.g. Clocolan, Fouriesburg, Frankfort, Memel, Odendaalsrus and Smithfield) in the Free State and enjoy some local cuisine known as "boerekos". Try out some local delicacies such as melkkos, springbok pie, koeksisters and vetkoek.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
The Golden Gate Highlands National Park is situated in the north-eastern Free State, in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. It offers splendid hiking opportunities and is also home to a variety of birds and animals, including blesbok, black wildebeest, oribi, eland, springbok and Burchell's zebra.
The park's name, Golden Gate, originates from the magnificent golden shades which the sun casts on its sandstone cliffs - a site not to be missed!
An abundance of accommodation is available in and around Golden Gate.
Nature and Game Reserves
Some game reserves and nature reserves that can be visited in the Free State Province include:
- Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve
- Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
- Soetdoring Nature Reserve
- Sandveld Nature Reserve
- Rustfontein Dam Nature Reserve
- Thaba 'Nchu Sun and Maria Moroka Park
- Caledon Nature Reserve
- Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve
- Willem Pretorius Game Reserve
- Koppies Dam Nature Reserve
Ficksburg Cherry Festival
Fresh Cherries - Ficksburg
Courtesy of South African Tourism
The famous Cherry Festival is held every year in November in Ficksburg. Stay overnight in Ficksburg in one of the many accommodation establishments available in the area. The festival offers a variety of entertainment for the whole family including: golf, a beer garden, bowls, kiddies entertainment, music, horse championships, and of course cherry products and activities. For more information on this year's event please visit: http://www.cherryfestival.co.za/
Museums
Some interesting museums in the Free State province that are worth a visit are:
- Open Mine Museum and mining hole at Jagersfontein
- Open Mine Museum at Koffiefontein
- Transgariep Museum and Laurens van der Post Memorial at Philippolis
Free State National Botanic Gardens
Situated on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, a visit to the Free State National Botanic Gardens is an ideal opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy this picturesque display of natural vegetation. Also available are a Visitors' Centre, an Environmental Education Centre and the Eden Restaurant.
http://www.sanbi.org/frames/freestatefram.htm
Wine Cellars
The Free State Province even offers some sites for wine lovers. Visit the wine cellars of Landzicht and Wilreza in the scenic Jacobsdal area.
Sunflower Field near Zastron
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Eye of Zastron
The "Eye of Zastron" is a remarkable landmark nearby the pretty town of Zastron. It is a large hole, 9m in diameter, located in the cliffs of the Asvoelberg.