Botshabelo, Motheo Region
Botshabelo is a large township, a hangover from the apartheid era that lies close to Thaba Nchu, just east of Bloemfontein. People originally moved there in search of work, when they left their rural homes in the Free State to move closer to Thaba'Nchu (a homeland). Botshabelo was reserved exclusively, at the time, for the Tswana people (interestingly the largest group of people originally from Botswana to live in South Africa, whose language is Tswana).
Thaba Nachu, which was settled as early as the 1830s, was something of an enclave of Bophutatswana as a result of apartheid and today remains governed by His Majesty Chief Albert Moroka, responsible for civil matters and judge of the tribal court.
Botshabelo, which means 'place of refuge', is the largest township in the Free State and, after Soweto, the largest in the country. Botshabelo and Thaba'Nchu are known collectively as the Thabelo Area.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Fiori Rosa
Guests can expect a warm Free State welcome at this gem of a guest house in Bloemfontein. Fiora Rosa is located a quiet street in the northern su...
Che La Moir Guesthouse
Che La Moir guest accommodation in Universitas. Enjoy your stay in tranquillity and style. Our rooms are suited for families or the business trav...
Baobab Tree Guest House
Baobab Tree Guest House is ideally and conveniently situated in the heart of Free State Province in the city of Mangaung in Lourierpark suburb. T...
Bains Lodge
Bains Lodge is situated on 42ha of prime land, 2km west of the Bloemfontein border in Bainsvlei. It features 49 rooms, 2 Suites, 16 Express Rooms...
De Oude Kraal Country Estate and Spa
De Oude Kraal Country Estate and Spa is one of the finest Bloemfontein Guest House establishments and a good choice for your stay in the Free Sta...
City Living Boutique Hotel
This 4 star hotel offers a modern retro element to luxury, tranquility and unrivaled style for the discerning traveller, visitor or business exec...
The Nightingale Guesthouse
Situated in the heart of the 'City of Roses', The Nightingale Guesthouse is conveniently located and ideal for exploring Bloemfontein. With the c...
Relekane Guest House
Relekane Guest House offers affordable and comfortable accommodation and great personal service, and is situated in the quiet suburb of Ehrlich P...
Pepper Tree Cottage
Pepper Tree Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein. Choose from either the Pepper Tree Cottage which sleeps four...
Noteworthy attractions
Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Home to the Sundowns Football Club and the Blue Bulls rugby team, Loftus Versfeld received a welcomed revamp and renovation in preparation for th...
Soetdoring Dam Nature Reserve
Soetdoring Nature Reserve has two entrances. The eastern entrance is at the Modder River on the Bloemfontein / Bultfontein road (R700). Here visi...
Bloemfontein Golf Club
The Bloemfontein Golf Club is situated about 6 kilometres from the city centre just off Maselspoort Road - more commonly known as the Airport Roa...
Schoeman Park Golf Club
Schoeman Park Golf Club, as it is known today, had its origin in 1904 when a few Scottish members of the old Bloemfontein Railway Institute start...
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 ...
Bloemfontein Zoo
The Bloemfontein Zoo was established in 1906, and has continued to grow and develop since then to be one of the most popular animal sanctuaries i...
Franklin Nature Reserve
Named after Sir John Stuart Franklin, the mayor of Bloemfontein during the 1920s, Franklin Game Reserve lies right in the heart of Bloemfontein. ...
Sand du Plessis Theatre
Completed in 1985 at a cost of over R60 million, the Sand du Plessis complex is one of the most modern theatres in the world. The facade features...
National Museum Bloemfontein
Notable for its large collection of fossils, cultural historical exhibits and archaeological displays, including the Florisbad skull which was di...
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