|
|
|
|
Free State Introduction
Situated in the heart of South Africa, the Free
State lies between the awesome Orange and Vaal
rivers. It is a region renowned for its natural
beauty and majesty, surrounded by rural
farmlands, mountains, goldfields and towns. The
Free State was originally a settlement for
pioneers in search of its rich gold deposits,
and many of the old towns are still in operation
today, attracting visitors to enjoy the quaint
mining villages and farms.
Being in the middle of South Africa, the Free
State is bordered by the Northern and Eastern
Cape, the North-West Province, KwaZulu Natal and
Gauteng, as well as the independent Lesotho. The
Free State is dominated by a rolling 1500 meter
plain, punctuated by flat-topped hills and the
mountainous border with Lesotho. The Southern
boundary is formed by the Orange River, a
popular spot for kayaking and river rafting. The
Free State is filled with South African history
and unique cultural opportunities, a must for
the discerning
traveller wanting to take a step
off the beaten track.
Top Ten Attractions
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
The Golden Gate Park lies at the foot of the
Maluti Mountains, and offers visitors over 11000
hectares of true highland habitat, and is home
to an array of animals, including black
wildebeest, eland, springbok, Burchell's zebra,
the rare bearded vulture and bald ibis. The park
gets its name from the bright rays of golden
sunlight cast on the park's sandstone cliffs
truly a sight to behold. Enjoy the scenery on a
short nature trail or game drive, and cool off
in the natural swimming pool at Glen Reenen
the Golden Gate is a true haven for nature
lovers.
Basotho Cultural Village
Nestled in the heart of the Qwaqwa national park
lies the Basotho Cultural Village, a place that
time forgot where the Basotho still practice
their traditional ways today. Explore the
traditions of the village as you step into the khotla',
the gathering place of men, or enjoy a taste of
traditional African beer. Alternatively hear the
wise words of the traditional healer before
watching the women grind maize in their
decorated huts. Visitors can also browse and
purchase arts and crafts at the local market to
take home as a souvenier to remind them of the
Basotho hospitality.
Vredefort Dome
Over 2000 million years ago a gigantic meteorite
hit the earth, leaving a 40km crater in its
wake. This crater at Vredefort is considered the
oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the
world. The area offers many activities for
visitors, including river rafting, river tubing,
abseiling, horse riding and mountain biking. The
area is also home to a number of Anglo Boer War
sites, the largest wild olive forest in South
Africa at Venterskroon, and a Witblits
distillery a potent South African liquor that
only the strongest of constitutions can enjoy!
Vredefort is worth a visit for the beautiful
scenery and multitude of activities.
Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens consist of a mix of
planted and indigenous environments, with two
dams, reeds, small hills and indigenous Karee
and Wild Olive trees. It also includes an orchid
house said to be the most modern of its kind in
the southern hemisphere. Enjoy the beauty of the
waterfalls and pools surrounding the over 6000
orchids, or tantalise your senses with the
fragrance garden designed for the visually
impaired. The park is also home to over 100
species of bird, and is a perfect place to spend
a relaxing day enjoying the scenery.
Lejweleputswa Gold Mines
In 1938 scores of people flocked to the Free
State when a borehole sunk in search of water
struck lava, a deep flowing source of gold ore.
Today the region's attractions centre around the
gold mines, with Welkom being the main town.
Visitors have the opportunity of traversing to
the depths of the earths in a local gold mine,
an unforgettable experience. Visit mines in
Welkom, Virginia or Theunissen, or simply enjoy
the peaceful surroundings and game opportunities
in this historic region.
War Memorials & Monuments
The Anglo Boer War, which broke out in October
1899, was a turning point in South Africa's
history, and the last full scale war fought on
South African soil. The Free State offers a
number of war monuments and memorials, including
various battlefield sites, monuments, museums
and war and concentration camp cemeteries. The
War Museum in Bloemfontein has a host of
information for visitors, offering extensive
detail on battlefield sites including what to
see and how to get there.
Clarens
Nestled in the majestic Maluti Mountains you will find the "jewel of the Free State", Clarens.
Clarens and the surrounding valley boasts a range of activities for everybody from abseiling and white water rafting to just sitting and enjoying a hearty meal or a refreshing sundowner in one of the towns cozy and diverse restaurants and pubs. With fly-fishing becoming an ever popular sport worldwide; Clarens can claim fame to some of the best still waters and small streams in the Country.
Most of the fishing is controlled and managed by the River Rangers, who are available as guides on the various waters.
For the fun seeking, adventurous types, Clarens offers some of the most challenging 4x4 routes, existing quad biking, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery, mountain biking, abseiling, golf, squash, tennis, bowls and fly fishing.
With 18 art galleries in town the art lover is certainly guaranteed to find what they are looking for whether it be pastels, watercolors or oils.
Oliewenhuis Art Museum
Originally a residence for Governor Generals and
State Presidents of South Africa, the museum
collects only South African art and has a
excellent compilation of historical and
contemporary paintings, sculptures and graphic
art. The underground reservoir, built in 1904,
is now a general space for workshops,
exhibitions and conferences. Visitors can not
only enjoy the fine artworks on display, but
will also be entertained on weekends by local
musicians while enjoying light lunches or
walking trails through the surrounding areas.
Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
A trip to this 18 000 hectare reserve is a must
for nature lovers, who will enjoy the rugged
mountains, lush kloofs and clear lakes. The
reserve is home to an array of wildlife
including the oribi, reedbuck, bald ibis,
woodpecker, cape vultures and secretary birds.
Vegetation includes the yellowwood, wild peach
and various types of fungi and lichen, as well
as the Protea and sugarbush. The reserve is a
popular camping spot, offering a range of
activities such as sailing, angling, hiking,
biking and game viewing the perfect place to
enjoy the great outdoors.
Steam Train Excursions
The Sandstone Steam Rail Company has made it its
mission to restore steam trains for tourists to
enjoy excursions along the historic
Bethlehem-Bloemfontein Rail road. Enjoy timeless
travel through unique African destinations such
as Maseru or Ladybrand, with many stops to
explore and enjoy the scenery an unusual yet
relaxing way to explore vistas and history of
the Free State.
Thabo Mofutsanyana Region
Visit this beautiful untouched region in the
Eastern Free State, with its pristine
snow-capped mountains and awe-inspiring scenery.
The town of Clarens invites visitors to view one
of the many art galleries or the tiny Cinderella
Castle built entirely out of bottles. Clarens
together with Clocolan also offers several
Bushman rock paintings, a must see for any
visitor. Alternatively visit Harrismith to see a
150 million year old petrified tree a true
wonder of nature.
Major Events & Festivals
Philippolis Witblits Festival
isit the oldest town in the Free State to share
in a proud local tradition Witblits (white
lightning) a potent local spirit. The
festival, held in early April, offers a range of
activities, including boeresports (traditional
farming sports) for the children, food, stalls,
and of course Witblits tasting. Philippolis is
also well known as an artist's haven, with many
studios on offer to visit the artists in action.
Aardklop Arts Festival
Have the time of your life at the five day
Aardklop Arts Festival, held every September in
Potchefstroom. Feel the beat of the earth as you
enjoy a feast of entertainment, be it jazz,
classical music, hard rock, cabaret, circus
theatre or poetry. The festivities come to an
end of the final day with a day of rock a must
for every music lover!
Rustler's Valley Festivals
Rustler's Valley in the eastern Free State hosts
a number of annual events, including the Spring
Equinox Celebration in September and trance,
dance and drumming festivals in November and
December, as well as a New Year's celebration.
Participate it some alternative activities such
as a permaculture design course or feel the heat
in an African Sweat Hut. The scenery of the
Maluti Mountains surrounding the valley is worth
the trip alone!
Ficksberg Cherry Festival
First held in 1969, the Ficksberg Cherry
Festival now attracts around 20 000 visitors
annually every November. Enjoy breathtaking
scenery while you participate in cherry and
asparagus tastings, tours, picnics and music.
Watch out also for the Miss Cherry Blossom and
Miss Cherry Pip competitions a truly rustic,
traditional festival.
Adventure
Matlakeng Herbal Trail
Although not a traditional adrenalin pumping
adventure, the Matlakeng Herbal Trail offers
visitors to the Basotho Cultural Village the
opportunity to truly experience tradition
cultures. A knowledgeable ecologist and a
traditional healer will guide you through the
trail explaining the healing and spiritual
properties of the various herbs. The two-hour
trail offers beautiful scenery, as well as the
chance to see wildlife and well preserved rock
art.
Basotho Pony Experience
The Basotho area is home to the sure-footed
Basotho Pony, and anyone visiting this region
should take time out to enjoy a four-hour ride
through the Qwaqwa National Park. From your
vantage point on horseback you will see an array
of game in close proximity, including South
Africa's national animal, the springbok, as well
as the eland, red hartebeest and Burchell's
Zebra. You will also visit a Basotho family on
the way for refreshments an unforgettable
opportunity.
Arts, Culture & History
Bloemfontein Museum
Visit the Bloemfontein Museum to see a range of
fascinating and rare artefacts, such as a
prehistoric skull fragment and remains of
extinct animals like the giant buffalo. See the
only complete skeleton of the Euskelosaurus, the
oldest of the dinosaurs, in the Palaeontology
Hall, or measure yourself against a fibreglass
cast of an elephant, or the height of the
giraffe. There is something of interest for
everyone.
War Museum of the Boer Republics
This history filled museum in Bloemfontein
offers an insight into the Anglo-Boer was that
took place between 1899 and 1902, through a
range of exhibits and dioramas. Catch a glimpse
of life at the end of the 1800's the boer in
the field, battle sites, concentration camps and
Afrikaans domestic life. The War Museum also
offers the Woman's Memorial, a tribute to those
mothers who lost their sons and contributed to
the war effort. You will also find information
on various battle sites at the museum to enable
you to explore further.
Transgariep Museum
This museum at Philippolis was opened in 1982,
and depicts various themes in the Free State's
history. See writings from members of a
missionary association, various period antiques
and a working horse mill. The museum also
carries a display of the tools used in a spin
and weave school run by Emily Hobhouse, and
Afrikaans farmer's wife who took it upon herself
to teach young women to weave in order to revive
the flailing economy after the Anglo-Boer War.
Learn also about the local people, the Griqua's,
and their traditional way of life.
Shopping
The main shopping centres of the Free State can
be found in the capital Bloemfontein, as well as
the mining town of Welkom. Bargain hunters will
also find plenty of curious, arts and crafts at
smaller traditional villages. Philippolis is
also considered an artist's haven, with lots of
handmade items on sale.
Climate
The Free State has a hot, dry climate, with
summer rains, cold winters and lots of sunshine.
The Vaal River keeps the Northern farms well
watered, while the East experiences snow-capped
mountains in winter and green valleys in summer.
The West and South both experience hot dry
summers and cold winters. The capital city of
Bloemfontein has an average summer temperature
of 23°C, with temperatures in January sometimes
soaring as high as 32°C. Winter temperatures can
be as cold as 1D C, but average on 8°C, but
sometimes creeping to a milder 17°C.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
