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Free State

Free State, South Africa

Discover the Heart of South Africa: Free State Awaits Escape to the heart of South Africa, where rolling grasslands meet dramatic mountains and history whispers on the wind. The Free State, a province brimming with natur…

#South Africa#Free State#Central South Africa#Agricultural hub#Historic sites

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Free State.

Top Hotels in Free State

Top Flights to Free State

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Free State.

Tours

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

A stunning park known for its sandstone formations, offering scenic hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and beautiful landscapes.

Naval Hill and Franklin Game Reserve

A unique game reserve within the city of Bloemfontein, ideal for game viewing and panoramic views of the city.

Shopping

Loch Logan Waterfront

A vibrant shopping and leisure hub in Bloemfontein, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Clarens Village

Known as the "Jewel of the Free State," this charming village is famous for its picturesque views, art galleries, and unique shopping experiences.

Outdoor

Cheetah Experience

A conservation project offering intimate encounters with cheetahs and other animals, focusing on education and preservation.

Gariep Dam Nature Reserve

A beautiful reserve offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing around South Africa's largest dam.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Free State.

Currency

R | ZAR | South African Rand

Population

2.9 million

Languages

Afrikaans, English, Sesotho, Xhosa, Zulu

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Free State.

What people love

The Free State province in South Africa offers a variety of attractions and experiences for travelers. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Free State:

Natural Beauty: Free State is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the stunning Maluti Mountains and the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and photography in these beautiful natural settings.
Outdoor Activities: The province offers a range of outdoor activities such as horse riding, mountain biking, and hot air ballooning. Adventure seekers can also try their hand at white-water rafting on the Vaal River.
Cultural Experiences: Free State has a rich cultural heritage, with many historical sites and museums to explore. Visitors can learn about the province's history at locations like the Anglo-Boer War Museum in Bloemfontein and the Basotho Cultural Village near the town of Clarens.
Wine Tasting: The Free State is home to several boutique wineries producing award-winning wines. Travelers can enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours in the scenic countryside.
Friendly Locals: Visitors to Free State often comment on the warm hospitality and friendliness of the local people. Engaging with locals can provide unique insights into the culture and way of life in the province.

Overall, traveling to Free State can offer a mix of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality for visitors to enjoy.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Free State, South Africa, may include:

Safety concerns: Like many regions in South Africa, Free State may have some safety issues, such as petty crime and theft. Travelers should take precautions to safeguard their belongings and be cautious in unfamiliar areas.
Limited tourist infrastructure: Free State is not as heavily visited by tourists as other regions in South Africa, so the tourist infrastructure may be less developed. This could mean fewer accommodation options, limited transportation services, and fewer tourist attractions compared to more popular destinations.
Remote location: Free State is situated inland and may not be as easily accessible as other destinations in South Africa. Travelers may need to spend more time and effort on transportation to reach the region.
Language barriers: While English is widely spoken in South Africa, Free State is home to a diverse population with various languages spoken. Travelers may encounter language barriers, especially in more rural areas where English proficiency may be lower.
Limited activities: Free State is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, but the region may offer fewer tourist attractions and activities compared to other parts of South Africa. Travelers looking for a wide range of entertainment options may find Free State less diverse in this regard.

It's important to note that these potential cons may vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances. It's always a good idea to research and plan your trip carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Free State is a province in central South Africa, known for its agricultural output and rich history. It is bordered by six other provinces and the independent country of Lesotho. The capital city of the Free State is Bloemfontein, which is also one of South Africa's three national capitals, serving as the judicial capital. Here's a detailed history of the Free State:

Early History

Pre-Colonial Era: The region was originally inhabited by the San people, followed by Bantu-speaking groups such as the Basotho, who migrated southward.
19th Century: European settlers, primarily of Dutch origin, began to occupy the area. The Voortrekkers, Dutch-speaking farmers moving from the Cape Colony, established settlements in the region.

Boer Republics

Orange Free State: In 1854, the British formally recognized the independence of the Boer settlers in the region, leading to the establishment of the Orange Free State as a distinct Boer republic.
Conflicts: The Orange Free State was involved in various conflicts, including the Basotho Wars against the Basotho kingdom under King Moshoeshoe I.

British Colonization

Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902): The Orange Free State allied with the South African Republic (Transvaal) against the British Empire. The war resulted in British victory and the incorporation of the Orange Free State into the British Empire as the Orange River Colony in 1900.
Union of South Africa: In 1910, the Orange River Colony became a province of the newly formed Union of South Africa and was renamed the Orange Free State Province.

Apartheid Era

Policy of Apartheid: Under the apartheid regime, the Free State, like other provinces, was subject to racial segregation policies. Bloemfontein served as a key administrative center for apartheid governance.
Resistance and Struggle: The province was a site of resistance against apartheid policies, with significant movements and figures contributing to the struggle.

Post-Apartheid Era

1994 Elections: The first democratic elections in 1994 marked the end of apartheid, and the province was renamed the Free State.
Development: Since then, the province has worked to address the historical imbalances and develop its economy, focusing on agriculture, mining, and education.

Significant Historical Figures

Johan de Witt: A prominent leader during the early European settlement.
Moshoeshoe I: The Basotho king who resisted Boer and British encroachments.
Emily Hobhouse: A British welfare campaigner who exposed the conditions of Boer concentration camps during the Second Anglo-Boer War.

Landmarks and Cultural Sites

Vredefort Dome: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the largest verified impact crater on Earth.
Basotho Cultural Village: Offers insights into the Basotho people's history and culture.
National Women’s Memorial: Located in Bloemfontein, commemorates the women and children who suffered during the Anglo-Boer War.

The Free State remains a province with a rich history and cultural heritage, contributing significantly to South Africa's diversity and development.