Free State

In a Nutshell
Situated on the plateau between the Vaal and Orange Rivers, the Free State is farming - and gold mining - country. Historic Bloemfontein, (also known as Mangaung), is the judicial capital of South Africa. Welkom, in the goldfields, is South Africa's youngest town. Pride of the province is the beautiful Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the eastern Free State

Area 129,480 sq kms

Population approx 3 million

• Transgariep - the most southern region, is dominated by Bloemfontein, the Free State's capital and major city. The Gariep Dam, 200 kms from Bloemfontein along the N1, is an attractive resort for water-sport enthusiasts

• Goldfields - Gold and maize are the two products of this mineral-rich and fertile region. Welkom, founded in 1946 after gold was discovered there, is its largest and most attractive town.

• Northern Free State - The Vaal Dam, an important source of water and a magnet for water-sport lovers, dominates this fertile maize-growing region. Kroonstad is its largest town

• Eastern Free State - one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa, the majestic sandstone mountains and lush valleys of the eastern highlands attract thousands of visitors via Bethlehem, gateway to the area. The huge Sterkfontein Dam, near Harrismith, is another major tourist amenity.

An old church in Philippolis

Top attractions

• Bloemfontein, the stately capital is renowned for its impressive reddish sandstone buildings, and for its parks and roses. The annual Rose Festival takes place in October

• Golden Gate National Park, in the foothill of the Maluti Mountains in the east, is a high-level wonderland of cliffs, crags, rocks and rolling grassland. Its 'golden' colour comes from the reflection of the sun on sandstone.

• Clarens, the 'jewel of the Free State', on the route to Golden Gate. An ideal country retreat, popular amoing artists and craftspeople.

• Vaal River towns in the northern Free State, including Deneysville and Oranjeville, noted for their outstanding watersport amenities.

• The Gariep Dam, the largest in the country, offering excellent watersports, camping and fishing facilities.

Getting there

By air: Bloemfontein has daily flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London (l 051 433 2901)

By train: Bloemfontein's railway station is on the corner of Maitland and Harvey streets. There are daily trains to Cape Town, Johannesburg/Pretoria and East London and a weekly train to Durban.

By bus: Buses arrive and depart from the Transit Centre at the Bloemfontein Tourist Information Centre. Translux (051 408 4804), Greyhound (051 447 1554) and Intercape (051 407 1700) buses run daily to Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and P.E.

Visitor Information

Free State Tourism Marketing Board 051 430 7769
Bloemfontein Tourist Information Centre 051 405 8489/90
Bloemfontein Publicity Association 051 405 8111
Highland Tourism Association 058 223 0552
Tourist Forum, Gariep Dam 051 754 0071
Philippolis Information Office 084 58 101 49

Useful numbers

Police (Bloemfontein) 051 448 1701
Hospital (Bloemfontein) 051 405 3483
National Parks Board 012 343 1991 (for Golden Gate reservations)

Links to Useful Sites

www.fstourism.co.za

 

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