Free State province lies in the heart of South Africa, between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, with the country of Lesotho nestling in the hollow of its bean-like shape. The Free State is one of the rural provinces in South Africa with wide horizons and blue skies, farmlands, mountains, and goldfields. Some of the country’s most valued San rock art can be found in the Free State province too. It has a population of just under 3 million people, with widely dispersed small towns and villages.
This province is bordered on the north by the provinces of North West, Gauteng, and Mpumalanga, on the east by KwaZulu-Natal province and the independent country of Lesotho, on the south by Eastern Cape province, and on the west by Northern Cape province. The provincial capital, Bloemfontein, is also the national judicial capital and home to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Top attractions in the Free State province include:
1. BASOTHO CULTURAL VILLAGE
Set in the Qwaqwa National Park, the Basotho Cultural Village depicts the culture of the South Sotho people from the 16th century to the present. Visitors are guided through the village to experience the Basotho’s way of life, including their history, culture, and traditions.
2. VREDEFORT DOME
Vredefort Dome is a World Heritage Site and the oldest meteorite crater on Earth. It is the largest, with a radius of 190 km, and the most deeply eroded. The Vredefort Dome Conservancy is a leading adventure tourism site, attracting hikers, river rafters, and campers alike.
3. FREE STATE NATIONAL BOTANICAL GARDENS
Situated on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, the Free State National Botanical Garden is home to some 400 species of plants and is a sanctuary for wildlife.
4. GOLDEN GATE HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Set against the backdrop of the Maluti Mountains in the north eastern Free State, just 18 km outside of Clarens, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is home to a variety of mammals and birds. The most notable features of this park are the golden sandstone cliffs.
5. NATIONAL MUSEUM
Established in 1877, the National Museum in Bloemfontein is a curator of natural cultural history. Home to an abundance of displays and collections, including the Florisbad Skull and one of the largest known dinosaurs, the museum provides both an informative and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
6. GARIEP DAM
Gariep Dam is the largest dam in South Africa and a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Forever Resorts Gariep is situated on its banks making it an ideal leisure destination. The Resort facilities include luxury chalets, a 3-star caravan park, fun activities, a restaurant, a bar, and a supermarket.
7. NAVAL HILL Located within Franklin Game Reserve in the city of Bloemfontein, Naval Hill offers an escape into nature and panoramic views of the city. This is where you will also find one of the largest statues of Nelson Mandela.