| Free
State, South Africa:
'The
Free State landscape gladdens my heart, no matter what my mood. When I
am here I feel that nothing can shut me in, that my thoughts can roam as
far as the horizons.' Nelson Mandela
The
Free State is a landlocked region of South Africa, but while it doesn't
have the beaches of the Cape, you will discover beautiful scenery and many
cultural attractions. The area is accessed from the N1 highway which runs
from Cape Town to Johannesburg, right through the centre of the region.
Many
people might tell you there's nothing to do in the Free State, but this
is incorrect. In the many small Free State towns, you will find a host
of comfortable accommodation with lovely vistas, as well as several unusual
museums and township tours. There are also several small nature reserves
to visit, as well as interesting underground mine tours in the mining towns,
where you can watch the gold pouring.
There
are lovely mountainous areas in the east, where the dramatic, concave sandstone
cliffs and bright green rolling grasslands form the foothills of the Maluti
Mountains and the Drakensberg.
The area is great for hiking and mountain biking in the hills, and the
scenery is amazing.
The
Golden
Gate Highlands National Park, with its many day walks and hiking trails,
pony trails, lovely rock art and small game, gets its name from the magnificent
golden-hued sandstone cliffs. Adjacent to the park is the Basotho
Cultural Village, which showcases both historical and contemporary
aspects of the Sotho culture, which straddles both the Free State and the
adjacent kingdom of Lesotho. |
 Visit
the smaller towns, including Clarens,
idyllic little hideaways with a significant population of artists and crafters,
and many of the lovely old houses are built from the glowing golden sandstone
of the region.
The
Ash River, which tumbles into the eastern Free State from the mountains
of Lesotho, has some of the most dependable white water rafting in South
Africa. There is excellent fly fishing in the Eastern Highlands - both
for trout and the far more interesting indigenous yellow fish, which is
found in abundance in the huge Sterkfontein Dam. The small farming town
of Marquard is the centre of the cherry growing area, and is a mountain
biking destination of note. Every November in Ficksburg - another small
farming town with pretensions to becoming a hip spot - throws a cherry
festival. It's an excuse for the local people to see a few outsiders as
the huge band of gypsy traders that travel from festival to festival turn
up in force. You may - if you're lucky - even find a few cherries.
The
northern boundary of the province is the Vaal River, which supports some
fun rafting trips, particularly near the town of Parys.
Parys, which is the Afrikaans version of Paris, is a great little town,
with excellent coffee shops, loads of arty crafty outlets and - it must
have something to do with the name - a good number of fashion designers.
Close to Parys is the Vredefort Dome, which is South Africa's newest World
Heritage Site. It's the site of an ancient meteorite impact, the scars
of which are still discernable. As well as the spectacular, rather rugged
terrain, which is as a result of the impact, attractions here include some
small game farms, hiking trails and some pretty mean mountain biking trails.
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| Bloemfontein,
the capital of the Free State, is a pleasant small city with loads of open
spaces and interesting museums to visit.
Things
to do in Bloemfontein:
Conveniently
close to most of Bloemfontein’s upmarket accommodation, Loch Logan Waterfront
offers a good selection of retail and entertainment choices. The
lively mall houses more than 100 shops, 17 restaurants and coffee shops,
10 fast food outlets, cinemas, salons, banks, a gym and a medical centre. |
View
Map of Bloemfontein
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| Loch
Logan Waterfront is centrally situated in King’s Park, a few blocks west
of the City Hall and National Afrikaans literary Museum. The Bloemfontein
Zoo, home to a fair amount of African wildlife, is also found in King’s
Park. The convenient situation of Loch Logan Waterfront places it
in close proximity to the Free State Stadium, Free State Cricket Stadium,
Sand du Plessis Theatre, Bloemfontein Medi-Clinic, and Bloemfontein Rose
Gardens. Bloemfontein International Airport is only a ten-minute drive
away.
The
small Soetdoring Nature Reserve and Predator Park makes a great
day outing from Bloemfontein. Although it isn't one of the top scenic parks
in South Africa, you can observe a pride of lions in their fenced enclosure.
Gemsbok, eland, springbok, blesbok, black wildebeest, zebra and red hartebeest
can easily be seen on the open plains. More secretive impala, kudu, steenbok,
duiker and mountain reedbuck are harder to spot in the riverine bush. The
park also offers the best birding around Bloemfontein with over 284 species
recorded. Most visitors come here to picnic, braai, spot wildlife
or to fish along the river and dam. Braai and picnic facilities are dotted
along the shore.
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Free State accommodation
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BLOEMFONTEIN
BED & BREAKFASTS/GUEST HOUSES/LODGES, FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA
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@Flo-Ben
Guesthouse, Guest House, Dan Pienaar, BLOEMFONTEIN
An
upmarket Guesthouse where Bennie & Florein invites you to their little
luxurious @Flo-Ben Guesthouse with secluded tranquil garden and swimming
pool close to nature. While relaxing in the garden where the sounds
of nature with waterfalls and birds surrounds you while evening approaches.
Situated in an upmarket northern surburb of Dan Pienaar where you experience
warm hospitality and tasteful furnished suites with secure parking.
@Flo-Ben Guesthouse you will feel welcome with spotless and luxury accommodation
with fully equipped bedrooms, private entrance, salt-water swimming pool
and laundry facilities. All rooms consist of: Aircons, Hairdriers,
Electric Blankets, Heaters, Laundry facilities, Television (M-NEt and Dual
DSTV System), Coffee & Tea facilities. Fax/Photostat and Internet facilities. |
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HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
Lemon
& Lime Guesthouse, B&B, BLOEMFONTEIN
Featuring free WiFi and
a seasonal outdoor pool, Lemon & Lime Guesthouse offers pet-friendly
accommodation in Bloemfontein, within 2 km of the University of the Free
State. Free private parking is available on site. Rooms include a flat-screen
TV with cable channels. Certain rooms feature a seating area for your convenience.
You will find a kettle in the room. Each room is equipped with a private
bathroom. Extras include free toiletries and a hair dryer. Lemon &
Lime is within 5 km of the N1 Highway and within 1 km of two shopping centres,
Mimosa Mall and Loch Logan Waterfront. |
 |
Rusplek
Guesthouse, Conference Centre & Spa, Bed and Breakfast, Self-catering,
BLOEMFONTEIN
Here
at the Resting Place Guesthouse we encourage you to take a break from running
this race called life and find rest for your soul. Matt 11:28-30. We are
proud to be one of the first established Guesthouses in Bloemfontein, since
1993. Our Guesthouse is Ideal for business men, families, rep groups, large
group bookings, honeymoon couples and long term guests. We have a large
variety of rooms available to suit your need and budget, from Honeymoon
Suite with own Jacuzzi to self-catering rooms to budget B&B rooms.
We are located in peaceful suburb surroundings, in close proximity to N1
highway. Our premises stretch over three properties with wide open spaces
and lovely gardens. |
View
all accommodation in Bloemfontein
BLOEMFONTEIN
HOTELS, FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA
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Hobbit
Boutique Hotel, Westdene, BLOEMFONTEIN
Kick
off your shoes and indulge in the luxurious comforts of Hobbit Boutique
Hotel. From the warm welcome at the door to the fine furnishing and stylish
decor. Our suites are fit for royalty - their serenity a delight to the
soul, tempting to the romantic at heart. Retreat into our lush garden,
expecting to see gnomes and goblins hiding in the ferns and lilies with
the tranquil sounds of a water feature and secluded pool. The hotel have
9 luxury rooms and 3 executive suites. It has a very good location near
all major shopping malls, City centre, Medi Clinic and also the Loch Logan
waterfront. We offer hearty breakfasts in our beautiful dining room. Dinner
is a unique experience. Candlelit tables are tastefully set. Dinner reservations
must be made when booking is done. |
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Protea
Hotel By Marriott Bloemfontein, Brandwag, BLOEMFONTEIN
Situated on Nelson Mandela
Drive, in the heart of Bloemfontein's Business District, the modern 4 Star
Protea Hotel Bloemfontein is set in secure landscaped gardens, its swimming
pool and terrace being the ideal setting to enjoy the City of Roses after
a strenuous day of business. Accentuate your stay in our unique and comfortable
accommodation with a magnificent evening in the Amoretta Restaurant before
turning in for the night in one of our luxurious bedrooms, offering crisp
white duvets with separate bathroom and shower. With its friendly and efficient
service, easy access to national roads, the Central Business District,
University of Bloemfontein, and just 15 kilometers from the airport, the
4 Star Protea Hotel Bloemfontein is an ideal venue for the overnight traveller
and corporate executive alike. |
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RECOMMENDED
BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
Villa
Bali Boutique Hotel, BLOEMFONTEIN
This Balinese-style boutique
hotel is situated in Bloemfontein and offers luxurious rooms with matching
bedspreads and curtains. The Sarapan breakfast room overlooks the peaceful
courtyard. Including tea/coffee facilities, all stylish and air-conditioned
rooms at Villa Bali Boutique Hotel come equipped with soft carpeted floors
and satellite TV. Each has a modern bathroom with amenities and a hairdryer.
A full English breakfast is served daily, and guests can get drinks and
snacks from Villa Bali’s honesty bar in the lounge. A a la carte menu is
available for lunch and dinner. The hotel has conference facilities for
up to 40 delegates.The 24-hour reception desk can also arrange massages
and shuttle services to Bloemfontein Airport, 16 km away. The N1 is a 5-minute
drive from the property. |
View
all accommodation in Bloemfontein
BLOEMFONTEIN
SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION, FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA
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Rusplek
Guesthouse, Conference Centre & Spa, Self-catering, BLOEMFONTEIN
Here
at the Resting Place Guesthouse we encourage you to take a break from running
this race called life and find rest for your soul. Matt 11:28-30. We are
proud to be one of the first established Guesthouses in Bloemfontein, since
1993. Our Guesthouse is Ideal for business men, families, rep groups, large
group bookings, honeymoon couples and long term guests. We have a large
variety of rooms available to suit your need and budget, from Honeymoon
Suite with own Jacuzzi to self-catering rooms to budget B&B rooms.
We are located in peaceful suburb surroundings, in close proximity to N1
highway. Our premises stretch over three properties with wide open spaces
and lovely gardens. |
 |
HIGHLY
RECOMMENDED BY OUR TRAVEL PARTNER:
Salt
and Light Self Catering Apartments, BLOEMFONTEIN
Within
12 km from Bloemfontein Airport, Salt and Light Self Catering is an apartment
located 4.5 km from the city centre. Free WiFi access is available and
Loch Logan Waterfront is a 10-minute drive away. This modern and cosy apartment
is decorated in natural and warm colours. It features an open plan kitchen
and lounge area with a flat-screen satellite TV. There is an outdoor furnished
patio area that includes BBQ facilities. At Salt and Light Self Catering
you will find a garden and private parking is available on site. Mimosa
Mall is 6 km away and features a variety of shops and restaurants. |
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