WELCOME TO SOUTH AFRICA'S FREE STATE

The agricultural heart of South Africa,  this vast grassy plain is where more than 70% of South
Africa's grain consumption is produced.  The Free State is also rich in mineral wealth, gold
 representing 20% of the worlds total gold production.

 Impressive game reserves exist such as the Willem Pretorius.  The grassy plains in the south
 of the reserve provides ideal conditions for large herds of plain game such as black wildebeest
 and springbok. The ridges, koppies and plains typical of the northern section are home to
 kudu, red hartebeest, white rhino and buffalo.  The African wildcat, black wildebeest, zebra,
 eland, white rhino and wild dog can be seen at the The Soetdoring Nature Reserve near
 Bloemfontein.

Probably the most scenically attractive of all the reserves in the Free State is the Golden Gate
Highlands National Park dominated by spectacular sandstone mountains.  The reserve
derives it's name from two massive sandstone formations that face one another across the
valley. 

Apart from the splendour of the Free State's nature reserves, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy
horse-riding, hunting, and bird watching.  The rivers and dams offer a myriad of water sport
opportunities such as challenging river rafting or canoeing.  Day and overnight hiking routes
vary from educational tours to rough mountain treks.  In addition, a large variety of festivals
 and events are held throughout the year with some characteristic only to the Free State.

To visit South Africa's Free State is to be touched by its rural charm, to be one with nature
and where one can experience the freedom of true wide open spaces.
 

The Free State with its rolling hills, wide golden plains
and impressive sandstone mountains, its numerous guest farms, rural getaways and nature reserves, coupled with an average of 340 days of sunshine per year, render the Free State a 
haven for the outdoor enthusiast.

Almost every municipality and nature reserve, plus several private nature reserves, guest
farms and even private farms, offer camping facilities, while the province boasts a total of 54 hiking trails.
Mountaineering is popular in the eastern Free State, in particular at Golden Gate National 
Park, the Sentinel, and in Qwaqwa. Horseriding, mountain biking and 4x4 trails, gameviewing 
excursions and other adventure activities are a plenty, while tented accommodation, rural 
cottages or bushcamps add to the atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
 
 

Nature

Rich and diverse plant communities adorn the picturesque mountains in the east, the vast central plains, the rocky outcrops in the south, and the Acacia thornveld in the north west.

Giraffe, zebra, lion, rhino, springbok, impala, buffalo, blesbok, black wildebeest, eland - and many more - inhabit the nature reserves, while small game such as steenbok, duiker, hare, jackal, mongoose, caracal, aardvark, aardwolf and monkeys are found throughout the province. Game also occur on farms, while the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve is home to a herd of buffalo as well as the largest herd of black wildebeest in the world.

The are more than 460 bird species in the province. Rare birds such as the Cape and bearded vulture and bald ibis may be seen in the eastern Free State mountains, while the wetland areas at Vrede and Memel in the north, are home to the crowned crane and the very rare wattled crane. Many ground-dwelling birds such as francolin, guinea fowl, korhaan and blue crane live on the plains. The white-backed vulture, crowned eagle, pygmy falcon, sociable weaver, crimson-breasted shrike and hornbill, among others, inhabit the bushveld in the north west, while the fish eagle and numerous species of waterbird are common along the waterways of the province.
 

Culture and History

 

The vibrant African culture - from traditional rural villages to townships with shebeens and taverns - has blended with the European culture to form a colourful people, who are eager to share their culture and history with visitors.

Traditional Basotho huts decorate the Free State countryside: these made of reeds, wooden poles and grass, are finished off with mud and clay, and then decorated in colourful patterns and designs. In the Eastern Free State, the traditional Sotho way of life is depicted in the Basotho Cultural Village in Qwaqwa.

Houses and mansions in the Victorian and Edwardian style, alongside early 1900s sandstone buildings reflect the lifestyle of the Europeans who settled here in the 18th century.

Share in the Free State's cultural heritage by visiting - museums in towns and cities, rural festivals, battlefields of the Basotho wars, the Anglo-Boer war and Voortrekker skirmishes, San rock art found in the spectacular sandstone cliffs of the eastern Free State, ancient ruins of tribes that previously inhabited the area.
 
 

 Water

The Orange and Vaal Rivers ensconce an extensive landscape traversed by a river system comprising, among others, the Riet, Sand, Vet, Vals and Wilge Rivers. Linked to these waterways are twelve state dams, with a combined shoreline of 760 kilometres.

Such a water-rich area naturally offers a diversity of water-related leisure activities - or simply picknicking or lazing in the sun at the waterside. The Sterkfontein, Rustfontein and Vaal Dams are particularly popular for sailing, canoeing and boating, while the Vaal River at Parys, Sasolburg and Villiers, as well as the Koppies, Allemanskraal, and Gariep Dams attract powerboating and waterskiing enthusiasts.

This extensive water system also offers exceptional angling opportunities with the wide variety of fish species that occur. Both the small- and large mouthed yellowfish species are particularly sought after since, once hooked, they resist vigorously.
 

 Accommodation

The Free State offers a wide range of accommodation, comprising five-star city hotels, large and luxurious or small and cosy country cottages and comfortable bed and breakfast establishments - plus bush camps in nature reserves. These all provide good service and  friendly hospitality.

The wide open spaces of the Free State convey a sense of freedom which nurtures the cordial, friendly nature of its people. Rural accommodation provides a special intimate atmosphere with delicious home cooking, personal attention and good service. And while staying at one of these establishments, explore the small towns nearby and discover craft shops selling pottery, local craft, home-made jams and other edibles, as well as typical Free State produce such as cherries and asparagus.