Free State travel guide

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Free State is known for its historical and cultural attractions. Its capital is Bloemfontein which is also South Africa's judicial capital. Free State offers a wealth of wildlife which includes its major provincial reserve Willem Pretorius Game Reserve. The wilderness offers excellent fishing conditions, and a wide range of sports. The weather is typical with hot summers, chilly winters and sunshine throughout the year. In spring the hue of countryside is green with blue skies and predominantly prairie-like scenery, accented only by the odd hill and the Eastern Highland. The people of Free State open their doors to visitors, providing excellent opportunities to enjoy their friendly hospitality.

Fast Facts

The major Tourist's Attractions in Free State are : -

• The Golden Gate Highlands National Park : - It is located in the north-eastern part at the foot hills of Maluti Mountains, this place is major attraction for the tourists. The brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the spectacular sandstone cliffs makes one woder of its beauty.
• Free State National Botanical Garden : - This place introduces you to the rich flora of Free State. It has some of the magnificent examples of wild olive, orange trees, tall grasses etc.
• National Museum Bloemfontein : - has the rarest collection of the fossils, cultural historical exhibits and archaeological displays.
• Vredefort Dome : - It is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site.
• Basotho Cultural Village : - Nestles at the foot of huge sandstone mountains, will give you a deeper insight into the lifestyle of the people living in Free State.
• Sterkfontein Dam Reserve : - It is a rugged and steep sloppy area covered with lush green grass and wild vegetables.
• Gariep Dam Nature Reserve : - It is the Free State's largest nature reserve.

In Free State a lot of cultural festivals will keep you occupied like :

• Philippolis Witblits Festival : - Philippolis Witblits Festival is held every year on 20 April.
• Bridal & Fashion Extravaganza : - Bridal & Fashion Extravaganza is held every year on 31 July.
• Cherry Festival : - Cherry Festival is held on 20 November.

There is wealth of things for entertaining the tourists especially the breathtaking sceneries, rocking night life etc. You can also spend time in the city of roses, fossil hunting, exploring rock art or simply sailing.

There is exclusive range of Restaurants in Free State to satisfy your culinary desires. Select from the choice of fine dining restaurants, trendy restaurants or family eateries. Restaurants in the Free State offer a wide range of food types to choose from traditional South African fare, German, Greek, Italian and French.

Splendid activities that Free State offers you are :

• Skydiving in Bloemfontein
• Horse Riding at Pumula Farm
• River Rafting in Clarens
• Hiking in the Zoutspruit Game Camp.

To travel around in Free State you can hire a car as the roads are well developed and well sign-posted with driving done on the left hand side.

Public Transport in Free State is not as well established as foreign visitors may be adapted to. But you can go for camper rental or air charter.

There are many connecting flights, trains and buses to take you Free State. Reaching Free State doesn't cost much expense and there are several ways to get to this holiday destination.