Free State
In the heart of South Africa, between the Vaal River in the north
and the Orange River in the South, lies the country's third largest province - the
Free State. Although sometimes neglected by tourists, this varied
landscape and the unique attractions it offers should not be overlooked by any traveler.
With its wide open plains, sandstone hills and formations, nature and game reserves
and its pleasant continental climate, the Free State is a haven
for many tourists, especially for the off-the-beaten track traveler and those seeking
a romantic getaway or outdoor adventure.
The Free State offers a number of parks and conservation areas
of which the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is arguably the
most notable because of its impressive sandstone mountains and rock formations.
Other parks include the Sterkfontein Dam, Willem Pretorius and
Soetdoring reserves. These reserves all offer a variety of nature and game viewing
and excellent accommodation. Apart from these reserves, the Free
State offers a wide variety of quality accommodation venues ranging from luxury
resorts, hotels, guest houses,
to charming self catering cottages and camping
and caravan sites.
Regions and towns
Central Free State
The capital of the province, Bloemfontein, is situated in the central
Free State. This part of the province is often referred to as the
Golden Country, not only because of the vast plains of grass, corn and sunflowers,
but mainly because the rich gold deposits is great source of wealth to the province
and South Africa. This region of the Free State
produces a third of the countries gold. Bloemfontein or the 'City
of Roses' is conveniently situated along the N1, which is the main route between
Johannesburg and Cape Town. With its museums, monuments and other historical and
cultural attractions, the city is well worth a visit. Bloemfontein
offers a wide range of excellent accommodation facilities including hotels and many
guest houses. Other main towns in the region are Winburg and
Kroonstad. Welkom lies in the heart of the gold field
of the Free State and is one of a few completely pre-planned cities
in the world,
Northern Free State
The northern regions of the Free State are dominated by the Vaal
River and the many wheat, maize and cattle farms on its banks and beyond. The Vaal
River is one of South Africa's main rivers and apart from its vital
role of providing water to the country, it also a great source of outdoor relaxation
and entertainment. Flowing past the many Willow trees, picnic spots and luxury pleasure
resorts on its banks, the Vaal River is a major attraction for outdoor and water
sport enthusiast. The Vaal River is the main artery feeding the Vaal Dam,
which provides water to the people and industries in Gauteng. The dam is an extremely
popular holiday and weekend venue with many resorts, hotels
and guest houses dotted on its banks. One of the most popular venues
in the Free State is the small town of Parys.
This quaint little town is situated right on the banks of the Vaal River which and
offers an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of busy Johannesburg, which is
less than an hour away. Outside Parys, a beautiful range of hills
form part of the Vredefort Dome, bearing testament to the world's largest visible
meteorite impact. This crater formed 2 billion years ago when a meteorite 10 kilometers
wide slammed into the earth. Other towns in the Northern Free State
include Sasolburg, named after the massive petro-chemical plant
and Deneysville, on the banks of the Vaal Dam.
Southern Free State
The main tourist feature of the Southern Free State region is
South Africa's largest river, the Orange River, which rises in the
Maluti mountains in Lesotho and forms the southern border between the Free State
Province and the Northern Cape Province. The Orange River feeds one of South
Africa's main sources of water - the Gariep Dam. The
dam is well worth a visit, not only to marvel at this astounding engineering feat,
but also for those who enjoy swimming, fishing, water-skiing, yachting and canoeing.
Apart from the Gariep Dam with its family resort
and guest houses, other town in the Southern Free State,
which offer bed and breakfast and guesthouse
accommodation include Philippolis and Rouxville.
Eastern Free State
Without a doubt, the gem of the Free State is the Eastern and North-Eastern
Region of the province. From Bloemfontein the hills steadily rise
eastwards untilbeautiful snow-capped mountains form a breathtaking backdrop to numerous
small and romantic hide-aways. Highlights of this pristine and grandiose landscape
include the charming town of Clarens. This little town is often
referred to as the "Jewel of the Free State" because of the spectacular scenery,
the many art studios and san rock art found in the area. With no less than 14 art
galleries and a variety of guest houses and self catering cottages, Clarens
is the ideal romantic getaway destination. Clarens is situated
close to the Highlands Route a spectacular scenic route, which
starts at Harrismith and meanders along the Lesotho border via
many charming towns. Along the route a visit to the Golden Gate Higlands National
Park with its beautiful yellow and red sandstone cliffs is well worth
while. Other natural treasures along the Highlands Route can be
found on the banks of the enormous manmade lake - the Sterkfontein Dam.
The dam with its clear water and the Drakensberg mountains in the distance cannot
be missed and with a selection of family and luxury resorts and
guest houses on its banks, quality accommodation
is abundant and easy to find. Other towns in the area worth visiting are Ficksburg,
where the annual Cherry Festival is held, Bethlehem, Fouriesburg
and Clocolan, all offering the tourist quality accommodation
in a variety of hotels, guest houses and self
catering resorts.
Climate
The Free State generally has a pleasant continental climate with
warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Most of the rainfall occurs in the
Summer months with brief afternoon thunder showers. The high lying parts of the
Eastern Free State frequently receive snowfalls during the colder
winter months, while the Western, more arid regions of the Free State
generally receive less precipitation.
Main Attractions and things to do
With its many game and nature reserves, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy many activities
ranging from hiking, horse-riding and bird watching. The rivers and dams offer a
variety of water sports including river rafting, angling and canoeing. A variety
of festivals, unique to the region are also held throughout the year, like the annual
Cherry Festival in Ficksburg.