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
Florentia Guest House
Situated in the charming old suburb of Waverley with its tree-lined streets, at the foot of Naval Hill, Florentia Guest House offers spacious bed...
Summer Palace Guesthouse
Summer Palace Guesthouse has six en-suite rooms that are serviced daily. Each room is uniquely decorated. All the rooms have a smart TV, Wi-Fi, a...
Die Moerbeiboom
Die Moerbeiboom offers self-catering accommodation in Bloemfontein in the heart of Langenhoven Park. These units are ideal for families or couple...
Cottonwood Guesthouse
Cottonwood Guesthouse, situated on Waverley Road in the peaceful suburb of Dan Pienaar in Bloemfontein, offers luxurious and comfortable accommod...
Dias Guest House
Dias Guest House is situated in the safe and tranquil neighbourhood of Dan Pienaar in the northern suburbs of Bloemfontein. We offer eight spacio...
Jedidja Bed and Breakfast
Jedidja Bed and Breakfast offers rooms with private entrances which are surrounded by a garden with water features, hammocks and an African barbe...
A Little Guesthouse
Situated just off the N1, A Little Guesthouse provides accommodation in Bloemfontein with a good mix of Platteland and city. Whether traveling fo...
Allegro Guesthouse
Allegro Guesthouse offers bed & breakfast accommodation in the area of Bayswater, Bloemfontein. All rooms have a TV with DStv and guests have Wi-...
Oakwood Lodge
Oakwood Lodge is a lovely guest house found in Westdene, Bloemfontein. Here you can enjoy a tranquil environment. All rooms are offered on a bed ...
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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