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...
Marrakech Guest House
Discover the tranquility of Marrakech Guest House, a serene retreat set on an expansive 8-hectare property. We are dedicated to fulfilling the un...
Ceelee's Place
Ceelee's Place is situated in the tranquil Universitas neighborhood, just a brief drive from the N1 and conveniently close to the vibrant heart o...
Rhino Creek Estate
Rhino Creek Estate is located in a peaceful and quiet area on the outskirts of Bloemfontein. It is set on a river bank and surrounded by farmland...
Guest Suites on Connor
Guest Suites on Connor is centrally located guesthouse in Bloemfontein in the wonderfully green and lush Suburb of Westdene, less than 3km from M...
Anna Africa Guest House
Anna Africa Guest House offers a peaceful and comfortable escape just 10 km outside Bloemfontein, ideal for both short getaways and longer stays....
College Lodge
Discover comfort and excellent service away from home. For more than 10 years we have welcomed business travellers, holiday makers and friends at...
Bio Self Catering
Bio Self Catering offers affordable overnight accommodation in Bloemfontein. The town has an abundance of historical, cultural, and natural attra...
Castello Guesthouse Bloemfontein
Castello Guesthouse offers accommodation in Fichardt Park, Bloemfontein. We offer 10 lovely rooms, to suite our Guest's needs. Our rooms are serv...
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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