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Embraced by several of South Africa’s
provinces and sharing a border with the mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, the Free State lies
in the heart of the country, between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in
the south. The Free State is a rural province of wide horizons and blue skies, with
farmland, mountains, goldfields and widely dispersed towns. This tranquil land of the
windmill is famous for its warm South African hospitality and a mix of culture which is
clearly evident in street names, public buildings, monuments and museums. Dressed
sandstone buildings abound the highlands, while beautifully decorated Sotho houses dot the
grasslands. Some of South Africa's most valued San (Bushman) rock art is found in the Free
State.
The Free State is divided into 5 distinct regions
and offers many 'must-see' attractions. Select a region from the brief descriptions below to view in-depth
information about each region and to see popular attractions and destinations in these
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Xhariep Region :
This is a region of vast grassy plains and endless vistas, where the visitor can
enjoy open blue skies and fresh unpolluted air. The Gariep Dam is situated in the
southern-most corner of the region and offers excellent recreational facilities for anyone
wishing to escape city life ... More » Xhariep Region
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Motheo Region :
Motheo is the Sesotho word for “foundation” and is named for the
region's geographical position as the heart of the Free State. The capital of the Free
State and the sixth largest city in South Africa, Bloemfontein,
known as the "City of Roses" falls within the Motheo Region ... More » Motheo Region
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Lejweleputswa
Region : This region, formerly known as the Free State Goldfields,
with its proud history and heritage will take you on a journey through a variety of
landscapes with diverse cultures. Descend into the depths of the earth in a local gold
mine or explore the countryside from a steam train ... More »
Lejweleputswa
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Thabo Mofutsanyana Region : The
Eastern Free State, with its beautiful snow-capped mountains, is an untouched, pristine
area with breathtaking scenery. Hiking trails meander through densely vegetated valleys
and wild gorges, while Bushman paintings evoke images of lost civilisations ... More » Thabo
Mofutsanyana
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Northern
Free State : An agricultural region producing the major portion of
South Africa’s maize crop and home to the Vaal Dam, the inland water Mecca of South
Africa. Untouched San rock art, the ruins of ancient settlements and the third largest
meteorite site in the world ... More » Northern
Free State
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Basotho Cultural Village : The
customs, traditions and culture of the South Sotho people can be observed at the Basotho
Cultural Village, which lies in the heart of the Qwaqwa National Park, not far from the
Golden Gate National Park. The decoration of huts, making of basket-work, traditional... More »
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Golden Gate
Highlands National Park : Where the Free State and Lesotho meet,
immense natural sculptures have been carved into the sandstone cliffs by wind and rain to
form a magnificent backdrop for the park. An area covering 12,000 hectares of grassland
well-stocked with eland, wildebeest ... More »
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Gariep Dam :
Beautiful sunsets and the tranquillity of a vast expanse of water make Gariep Dam
a must for those seeking a retreat from the rush of everyday-life. Boating and watersports
are major attractions. Situated between the dam and Bethulie, the Gariep Dam Nature
Reserve supports ... More »
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 Go to » Sterkfontein Dam Nature
Reserve : Rugged, steep krantzes silhouetted against the skyline,
mountain slopes snugly covered with a grass blanket, deep lushly vegetated kloofs and a
crystal-clear lake are facets of the beauty of this Reserve which covers 18000 Ha. Oribi,
Reedbuck, Mountain ... More
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 Go to » Vredefort Dome : (WHS) The Vredefort dome is the oldest and largest meteorite
impact site (Asrobleme) in the world. Formed an estimated 2000 million years ago when a
gigantic meteorite (larger than Table Mountain) hit the earth close to where Vredefort is
today. The force of the impact opened up a crater, which ... More »
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 Go to » Free State 4x4 Trails
: Discover all the wonders of the Free State by exploring their numerous
4x4 trails. The Merrimetsi 4x4 trail is one of the Free State’s many wonders and is
one of Wheels24 top 10 4x4 trail choices. It has become a firm favourite for the many
visitors to the area. The trail offers great driving ... More
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 Go to » Free State Hiking
Trails : The Free State offers many interesting hiking trails that
range from being educational to simply eco routes. There are an abundance of hiking trails
traversing differing terrains. Overnight facilities on hiking trails throughout the region
are standard and enable the hiker to enjoy .... More
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