Free State, South Africa, is a province filled with historical tales, from wars to gold rushes, and characterized by beautiful landscapes that vary from sandstone mountains to open plains. It is a melting pot of cultures and offers an authentic South African tourism experience.
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.
Tours to do
Tour Winnie Mandela House in Majwemasoeu; the region’s various wine cellars; the self-drive tourism routes (Battlefields, Friendly N6, Diamond and Wine, BBT Heritage, Maloti and Goldfields); the National Museum in Bloemfontein; the Basotho Cultural Village; the Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Meteor crater that is the Vredefort Dome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Free State, South Africa, is a province of extreme diversity – natural, cultural or historical. This makes Free State tourism particularly attractive, as it provides a plethora of things to see and do. Exploring the province’s nature reserves and mountains, museums and monuments and extensive cultural heritage are popular Free State attractions.
It’s almost 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 and 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 largely comprises rolling farmland, although its dominant natural feature is its beautiful sandstone cliffs.
Located in the province’s north eastern region, at the foot of the Maluti Mountains, is the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Aside from its imposing sandstone peaks, the park boasts a highland habitat sustaining a variety of animals and birds, including the rare bearded vulture. It offers guided walks, hikes, game viewing and horse riding.
Due to its great diversity, the Free State boasts a number of tourism routes. Do the Maloti Route and discover the eastern highlands and Maluti Mountains of neighboring Lesotho; follow the Goldfields Route and delve into the history of Lejweleputswa’s gold mines; or explore the province’s battlefields and war museums on the Battlefield Route.
Experience the region’s cultural and political heritage on the BBT Heritage route or walk in the footsteps of the diamond prospectors of old on the Diamond and Wine Route. This tour also features the Landzicht, Wilreza and Jacobsdal wine estates.
If authentic home-grown hospitality is what you’re after, make sure you do the Friendly N6 Route, which covers the area from Bloemfontein to Aliwal North.
With its bountiful natural, historical and cultural attractions, there’s something to tempt every visitor’s fancy in the beautiful Free State, South Africa.