| Free
State, South Africa:
'The
Free State landscape gladdens my heart, no matter what my mood. When I
am here I feel that nothing can shut me in, that my thoughts can roam as
far as the horizons.' Nelson Mandela
The
Free State is South Africa's Cinderella province. Every country has one
- the place you make jokes about. You know what they're like ... 'first
prize is a week's holiday in the Free State. Second prize is two weeks...'
Well, as in most parts of the world, it's a bit mean and it's pretty uncalled
for. OK - the Free State is landlocked so it doesn't have Cape Town's beaches,
and its economy is based on large scale maize agriculture and mining, neither
of which are particular decorative. However - it is seriously underrated.
The
N1, which runs from Cape Town to Johannesburg and beyond runs right through
the middle of the Free State and many people who've travelled along it
at 120km/h, looking neither left nor right, can state with blissfully ignorant
authority that 'there's nothing in the Free State'. Well, yeah - but head
away from the N1 into the smaller towns and villages and you'll find lovely
scenery and a host of cultural attractions, including some unusual museums,
places of pilgrimage, and township tours. Even the rather dry industrial
mining towns of the western part of the province have their attractions.
As well as visiting a handful of museums and small nature reserves, you
could do an underground mine tour and watch gold pouring.
There
are lovely mountainous areas in the east, where the dramatic, concave sandstone
cliffs and bright green rolling grasslands form the foothills of the Maluti
Mountains and the Drakensberg.
The main farming activity here is the growing of cherries, which tends
to be a much prettier crop than maize. There is great hiking and mountain
biking in the hills, and the scenery is awesome.
The
Golden
Gate Highlands National Park, with its many day walks and hiking trails,
pony trails, lovely rock art and small game, gets its name from the magnificent
golden-hued sandstone cliffs. Adjacent to the park is the Basotho
Cultural Village, which showcases both historical and contemporary
aspects of the Sotho culture, which straddles both the Free State and the
adjacent kingdom of Lesotho. |
Places in Free State
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| Game
Reserve
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| Through
Route
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| Tourism
Region
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| Town
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 Small
towns, such as Clarens, are idyllic little hideaways with a significant
population of artists, crafters and other rat-race refugees, and many lovely
old houses are built from the glowing golden sandstone.
The
Ash River, which tumbles into the eastern Free State from the mountains
of Lesotho, has some of the most dependable white water rafting in South
Africa. There is excellent fly fishing in the Eastern Highlands - both
for trout and the far more interesting indigenous yellow fish, which is
found in abundance in the huge Sterkfontein Dam. The small farming town
of Marquard is the centre of the cherry growing area, and is a mountain
biking destination of note. Every November in Ficksburg - another small
farming town with pretensions to becoming a hip spot - throws a cherry
festival. It's an excuse for the local people to see a few outsiders as
the huge band of gypsy traders that travel from festival to festival turn
up in force. You may - if you're lucky - even find a few cherries.
The
northern boundary of the province is the Vaal River, which supports some
fun rafting trips, particularly near the town of Parys.
Parys, which is the Afrikaans version of Paris, is a great little town,
with excellent coffee shops, loads of arty crafty outlets and - it must
have something to do with the name - a good number of fashion designers.
Close to Parys is the Vredefort Dome, which is South Africa's newest World
Heritage Site. It's the site of an ancient meteorite impact, the scars
of which are still discernable. As well as the spectacular, rather rugged
terrain, which is as a result of the impact, attractions here include some
small game farms, hiking trails and some pretty mean mountain biking trails.
©
Safarinow.com |
| Bloemfontein,
the capital of the Free State, is a pleasant small city with lots of open
space and some interesting museums. So there is loads to do in the Free
State, but bear in mind that it's all pretty low key and laid back. This
is still the agricultural heartland of South Africa - a place where things
should not be rushed.
Things
to do in Bloemfontein:
Conveniently
close to most of Bloemfontein’s upmarket accommodation, Loch Logan Waterfront
offers a good selection of retail and entertainment choices. The
lively mall houses more than 100 shops, 17 restaurants and coffee shops,
10 fast food outlets, cinemas, salons, banks, a gym and a medical centre. |
View
Map of Bloemfontein
|
| Loch
Logan Waterfront is centrally situated in King’s Park, a few blocks west
of the City Hall and National Afrikaans literary Museum. The Bloemfontein
Zoo, home to a fair amount of African wildlife, is also found in King’s
Park. The convenient situation of Loch Logan Waterfront places it
in close proximity to the Free State Stadium, Free State Cricket Stadium,
Sand du Plessis Theatre, Bloemfontein Medi-Clinic, and Bloemfontein Rose
Gardens. Bloemfontein International Airport is only a ten-minute drive
away.
The
small Soetdoring Nature Reserve and Predator Park makes a great
day outing from Bloemfontein. Although it isn't one of the top scenic parks
in South Africa, you can observe a pride of lions in their fenced enclosure.
Gemsbok, eland, springbok, blesbok, black wildebeest, zebra and red hartebeest
can easily be seen on the open plains. More secretive impala, kudu, steenbok,
duiker and mountain reedbuck are harder to spot in the riverine bush. The
park also offers the best birding around Bloemfontein with over 284 species
recorded. Most visitors come here to picnic, braai, spot wildlife
or to fish along the river and dam. Braai and picnic facilities are dotted
along the shore. |
BLOEMFONTEIN
BED & BREAKFASTS/GUEST HOUSES/LODGES, FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA
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A
la fin Country Ranch B&B, Bed & Breakfast, Ferreira, BLOEMFONTEIN
We
offer the best alternative accommodation to the comfort of your home. Family
accommodation is our speciality. For the businessman, we offer tranquillity
after a busy day in the office, or a day on the road.
For
the tourist, we are part of your itinerary. To the bride we offer a heavenly
start to the start of the journey of the rest of your life. We are situated
South East of Bloemfontein on a 4,28 hectare small holding. Thus the setting
is in a country side environment, yet within 6 - 12 kilometers from all
major shops, hospitals, casino, other entertainment and Health and fitness
establishments and the city of Bloemfontein. We are about 1,8 km from the
N1. The house has spacious bedrooms, is thatched and very cool in summer. |
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@Flo-Ben
Guesthouse, Guest House, Dan Pienaar, BLOEMFONTEIN
An
upmarket Guesthouse where Bennie & Florein invites you to their little
luxurious @Flo-Ben Guesthouse with secluded tranquil garden and swimming
pool close to nature. While relaxing in the garden where the sounds
of nature with waterfalls and birds surrounds you while evening approaches.
Situated in an upmarket northern surburb of Dan Pienaar where you experience
warm hospitality and tasteful furnished suites with secure parking.
@Flo-Ben Guesthouse you will feel welcome with spotless and luxury accommodation
with fully equipped bedrooms, private entrance, salt-water swimming pool
and laundry facilities. All rooms consist of: Aircons, Hairdriers,
Electric Blankets, Heaters, Laundry facilities, Television (M-NEt and Dual
DSTV System), Coffee & Tea facilities. Fax/Photostat and Internet facilities. |
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Connie's
B&B, Bed & Breakfast, Dan Pienaar, BLOEMFONTEIN
This
is a super-friendly B and B is run by Connie Hartley in the Northern Suburbs
of Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein. Safe and undercover parking is available
on the premises. Ideal for business men, families, reps, groups and
semi-permanent guests and close to the N1. Right opposite Sentraal High
School and Preller Square. Close enough to UFS, Grey College, Eunice, stadiums
and hospitals. We are walking distance to Preller Square shopping centre
with all modern amenities and at least 10 restaurants and take-aways quiet
suburb and green gardens. Clean and spacious with air-conditioners in all
rooms. We have five spacious rooms to choose from, two en-suite with complete
bathrooms and showers, in other rooms en-suite showers. Sparkling swimming
pool and braai facilities. Hair dryers, irons, ironing boards and free
Internet on request. |
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Plover
Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Self-Catering/B&B, Glen, BLOEMFONTEIN
Plover Cottage offers the
ideal stopover for the weary traveler. Come relax in the beautiful countryside
of ' big sky country' and breathe the fresh air of the Orange Free State.
Make your overnight stop part of your holiday. Plover Cottage caters for
the overnight traveler and those visiting Bloemfontein who prefers the
peace and quite of the country to the noisy city. We are not involved with
conferencing and guarantee no loud business parties. Plover Cottage
B&B elegant thatched cottages/units situated in the Bloemfontein countryside.
There are four units available for guests with some sleeping two people
while the other two caters for the families. The cottages are furnished
with antique and collectable furniture with heaters and extra blankets
in each room for the cool winter nights. |
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The
Resting Place, Bed and Breakfast, Self-catering, BLOEMFONTEIN
Here
at the Resting Place Guesthouse we encourage you to take a break from running
this race called life and find rest for your soul. Matt 11:28-30. We are
proud to be one of the first established Guesthouses in Bloemfontein, since
1993. Our Guesthouse is Ideal for business men, families, rep groups, large
group bookings, honeymoon couples and long term guests. We have a large
variety of rooms available to suit your need and budget, from Honeymoon
Suite with own Jacuzzi to self-catering rooms to budget B&B rooms.
We are located in peaceful suburb surroundings, in close proximity to N1
highway. Our premises stretch over three properties with wide open spaces
and lovely gardens. |
View
all bed & breakfast and guest
house accommodation in Bloemfontein
BLOEMFONTEIN
HOTELS, FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA
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Hobbit
Boutique Hotel, Westdene, BLOEMFONTEIN
Kick
off your shoes and indulge in the luxurious comforts of Hobbit Boutique
Hotel. From the warm welcome at the door to the fine furnishing and stylish
decor. Our suites are fit for royalty - their serenity a delight to the
soul, tempting to the romantic at heart. Retreat into our lush garden,
expecting to see gnomes and goblins hiding in the ferns and lilies with
the tranquil sounds of a water feature and secluded pool. The hotel have
9 luxury rooms and 3 executive suites. It has a very good location near
all major shopping malls, City centre, Medi Clinic and also the Loch Logan
waterfront. We offer hearty breakfasts in our beautiful dining room. Dinner
is a unique experience. Candlelit tables are tastefully set. Dinner reservations
must be made when booking is done. Special Diets are catered for. Our Menu
is traditional South African. |
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Protea
Hotel Bloemfontein, Brandwag, BLOEMFONTEIN
Situated on Nelson Mandela
Drive, in the heart of Bloemfontein's Business District, the modern 4 Star
Protea Hotel Bloemfontein is set in secure landscaped gardens, its swimming
pool and terrace being the ideal setting to enjoy the City of Roses after
a strenuous day of business. Accentuate your stay in our unique and comfortable
accommodation with a magnificent evening in the Amoretta Restaurant before
turning in for the night in one of our luxurious bedrooms, offering crisp
white duvets with separate bathroom and shower. With its friendly and efficient
service, easy access to national roads, the Central Business District,
University of Bloemfontein, and just 15 kilometers from the airport, the
4 Star Protea Hotel Bloemfontein is an ideal venue for the overnight traveller
and corporate executive alike. |
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more hotels in Bloemfontein
BLOEMFONTEIN
SELF-CATERING ACCOMMODATION, FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA
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Plaas
Cottage, Self-Catering on a Farm, Kwaggafontein, BLOEMFONTEIN
Enjoy peace and tranquillity
in a safe farm environment for your overnight stay. Great for a stop off
on your way to the coast or while attending to business, sport or functions
in Bloemfontein. Situated on a farm seven minutes from the N1 and 15 minutes
from Bloemfontein Central Business District. Consisting of self-catering
luxury units, each with their own fully-equipped kitchenette and en-suite
shower. Sleeps two people per room. Tame miniature horses, goats and geese
live on the premises. A collection of vintage, historic racing and other
motorcycles are on show. |
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Plover
Cottage Bed & Breakfast, Self-Catering/B&B, Glen, BLOEMFONTEIN
Plover Cottage offers the
ideal stopover for the weary traveler. Come relax in the beautiful countryside
of ' big sky country' and breathe the fresh air of the Orange Free State.
Make your overnight stop part of your holiday. Plover Cottage caters for
the overnight traveler and those visiting Bloemfontein who prefers the
peace and quite of the country to the noisy city. We are not involved with
conferencing and guarantee no loud business parties. Plover Cottage
B&B elegant thatched cottages/units situated in the Bloemfontein countryside.
There are four units available for guests with some sleeping two people
while the other two caters for the families. The cottages are furnished
with antique and collectable furniture with heaters and extra blankets
in each room for the cool winter nights. |
|
The
Resting Place, Bed and Breakfast, Self-catering, BLOEMFONTEIN
Here
at the Resting Place Guesthouse we encourage you to take a break from running
this race called life and find rest for your soul. Matt 11:28-30. We are
proud to be one of the first established Guesthouses in Bloemfontein, since
1993. Our Guesthouse is Ideal for business men, families, rep groups, large
group bookings, honeymoon couples and long term guests. We have a large
variety of rooms available to suit your need and budget, from Honeymoon
Suite with own Jacuzzi to self-catering rooms to budget B&B rooms.
We are located in peaceful suburb surroundings, in close proximity to N1
highway. Our premises stretch over three properties with wide open spaces
and lovely gardens. |
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Valentina,
Self-catering/B&B, BLOEMFONTEIN
Suitable
for overnight or short term stay, self-catering, bed & breakfast, holidays
or business. We offer spacious rooms which are furnished with double beds,
fridges, microwaves, air conditioning and TV. You will have your own entrance
and secure parking is available. Our establishment is situated close by
to shopping centers (Mimoza Mall, Waterfront Logh Logan, Preller Plein),
Medi-Clinic, Stadium, Schools (St.Andrews, Orange, St. Michael, High Central
& Willem Postma). Bloemfontein hosts the Botanical Gardens in the Free
State, Oliwenhuis art museum and park area where you can relax in shade
of trees, Naval hill, Zoo wild life just in the middle of busy city. |
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more self-catering holiday rental accommodation in Bloemfontein
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