Free State Attractions, South Africa

Free State Attractions and destinations

Free State Attractions

The Sterkfontein Dam in the Free State, South Africa

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 areas.

Free State Attractions and Destinations

Destinations / Regions of the Free State

Lejweleputswa

Where to Stay: Lejweleputswa Accommodation

The name Lejweleputswa, meaning ‘gray rock’, replaces the rather mundane former ‘Free State Goldfields’ that lacked the imagination of the African name that now describes the area in the Free State with a history rich in ... lejweleputswa information

Motheo

Where to Stay: Motheo Accommodation

The name ‘Motheo’ comes from the Sesotho for “foundation” or “cornerstone” and was consciously chosen to represent the heartbeat of the province, regarded as an area of entrepreneurial and investment opportunities and the centre ... motheo information

Northern Free State

Where to Stay: Northern Free State Accommodation

The Northern Free State is at once rural and far enough from the major tourist routes to offer a hint of true ‘platteland’ living to newcomers and locals alike. It is not only the most accessible part of the Free State to Gauteng ... northern free state information

Thabo Mofutsanyana

Where to Stay: Thabo Mofutsanyana Accommodation

Thabo Mofutsanyana, the eastern Free State, is undoubtedly the core of the province, encapsulating the essence of its diversity. It is here that the Maluti Mountains meet those of the Drakensberg to form a rugged sandstone ... thabo mofutsanyana information

Xhariep Region

Where to Stay: Xhariep Accommodation

Lying in the south western Free State, the Xhariep Region, named after the !Gariep Dam, is typically dry and probably the region most likely to fulfil the picture held by many of the Free State as a place of endless space, vast tracts ... xhariep information

Free State Attractions and Destinations

"Must See" Attractions in the Free State

Free State National Botanical Garden

On the north western fringes of Bloemfontein lie 70 hectares of botanical garden, in a valley peppered with dolerite koppies, tall grassland and woodland; some magnificent examples of wild olive and karee trees, an orange blossom arbour and a petrified tree, thought to be over 150 ... more information

National Museum Bloemfontein

Notable for its large collection of fossils, cultural historical exhibits and archaeological displays, including the Florisbad skull which was discovered in the 1930s at the Florisbad Spring some 50 km north of Bloemfontein. (Florisbad Man is estimated to have lived between 50 000 and 35 000 years ... more information

Vredefort Dome

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 is still ... more information

Basotho Cultural Village

A visit to the Basotho Cultural Village which nestles at the foot of huge sandstone mountains, will give you a deeper insight into the lifestyle of the South Sotho from the 16th century to the picturesque present. On arrival, a friendly receptionist will show you an introductory video which illustrates ... more information

Golden Gate National Park

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains of the north-eastern Free State lies the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. The park derives its name from the brilliant shades of gold cast by the sun on the park's sandstone cliffs, especially the imposing Brandwag rock, keeping vigil over the main rest camp ... more information

Sterkfontein Dam 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 the Sterkfontein Dam Reserve which covers 18000 Ha. Oribi, Mountain Reedbuck and Grey Rhebuck inhabit the Sterkfontein ... more information

Gariep Dam Nature Reserve

The Free State's largest nature reserve is a combination of the 36 487 ha Gariep Dam on the Orange River and an 11 237 ha game sanctuary on its northern shore. From the Gariep dam some 200 000 ha of land is irrigated, by means of a tunnel of 83,8 km, delivering water to the upper valleys of the Fish River, and then ... more information

Free State Attractions and Destinations