The Free State, a province of wide horizons and blue skies, farmland, mountains, goldfields and widely dispersed towns, lies in the heart of South Africa. Between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south, this immense rolling prairie stretches as far as the eye can see. Mining, particularly gold, is the biggest employer, followed by manufacturing. The Free State also produces high-quality diamonds from its kimberlite pipes and fissures, and the country’s largest deposit of bentonite is found in the Koppies district. The National Development Plan has intensified the mining potential that still exists in the goldfields region of Matjhabeng in the Lejweleputswa District as a job intervention zone. The capital, Bloemfontein, houses the Supreme Court of Appeal, a leading university and some top schools. Important towns include Welkom, Sasolburg, Odendaalsrus, Kroonstad, Parys, Phuthaditjhaba, Bethlehem. The charming village of Clarens situated in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains. Some of South Africa’s most valued San rock art can be found in the Free State. Other key tourist attractions in the province include the majestic Golden Gate National Park, the annual air show in Bethlehem, the Cherry Festival in Ficksburg, and the Fauresmith International Endurance Ride equestrian event. The annual Mangaung African Cultural Festival, known as Macufe, is hosted in partnership with the Tourism Authority and the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State. The Vredefort Dome, 10 km in diameter, is on the United Nations’ (UN) World Heritage Site List.

Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein, the Capital City of the Free State Province in South Africa, is centrally situated in the Transgariep Area roughly in the middle of the Province, as well as in the country. The "City of Roses", as it had become known locally, is placed with more pivotal importance than any other city in the country. It is the Judicial Capital, the sixth largest city in South Africa and lies on the main road, rail and air links between north and south, east and west.

Bloemfontein, "fountain of flowers" also known as Bloem, is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa; and, as the judicial capital of the nation, one of South Africa's three national capitals. The city of Bloemfontein hosts the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa, the Franklin Game Reserve, Naval Hill, the Maselspoort Resort and the Sand du Plessis Theatre. The city hosts numerous museums. including the National Women's Monument, the Anglo-Boer War Museum, the National Museum, and the Oliewenhuis Art Museum.

Bloemfontein also hosts sub-Saharan Africa's first digital planetarium, the Naval Hill Planetarium and Boyden Observatory, an astronomical research observatory erected by Harvard University. Bloemfontein is popularly and poetically known as "the city of roses", for its abundance of these flowers and the annual rose festival held there. Every year Bloemfontein, the 'City of Roses', celebrates the 'Bloemfontein Rose Festival', known also as the 'Mangaung Rose Festival', in October—the cool month in which roses in the Free State bloom best. The festival attracts rose enthusiasts from all over South Africa and the world to participate in and experience this grand showcase of roses and other local events and attractions. The festival has made Bloemfontein a popular tourist destination with thousands of people attending the festival annually.

In Bloemfontein, you can see stars at the first digital planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa. Book yourself a luxurious spa day, De Oude Kraal Estate and Spa, set on a working sheep farm. You can also try one of their unique merino wool treatments. Eat dinner at Seven on Kellner. “Seven” as it’s known for short, consistently wins awards and is one of the best restaurants in Bloemfontein. This romantic spot has a cosy roaring fireplace in winter and a lovely summer courtyard for warmer days. The menu is varied and delicious, and everything is made from scratch in the kitchen. Get tickets to Manguang Rose Festival. Take a well-deserved break to stop and smell the roses. The Manguang Rose festival takes place at various venues throughout the city in October, featuring a flower exhibition, cut-rose competition, various pageants including Grandmother and Grandfather Rose, a garden and art tour, the rose classic bicycle race, open gardens and an organic market. There is a 22-kilometre fun family cycle race and a variety of workshops to take part in. Enjoy good coffee and art at Gallery on Leviseur. This elegant gallery hosts talented contemporary sculptors such as the likes of talented Anton Smit. Stop in for a quiet coffee or attend one of their stylish events. Buy fresh farm goods at the Boeremark. Every Saturday from 7am to 1pm head to the Farmer’s market for fresh farm goods, tasty bakes, homemade jams, pancakes and sizzling braais. Watch the Cheetahs play on their home turf at Vodacom Park. Clad yourself in orange and go cheer on the Cheetahs on their home turf while enjoying the thrill of thousands of fiercely proud supporters. conservation at the cheetah Experience Conservation Centre. The Cheetah Experience Centre has a rigorous conservation and education focus and the animals are well cared for with volunteer opportunities available.

Welkom

Welkom, city, Free State province, South Africa, southwest of Johannesburg. It was founded in 1947 amid goldfields, the development of which brought rapid growth, quickly making it the province’s second largest town. In addition to gold and uranium mining, Welkom has many industries, including slaughtering, steelmaking, sawmilling, and a variety of manufactures. The city has a technical college, a technological institute, and an airport.

Fondly known as the ‘City Within A Garden’, Welkom is (literally) a goldmine of a destination, with all sorts of entertainment options. 'Welkom’ is the Dutch and Afrikaans word for 'welcome’! While the city may not match its snazzier neighbour Jo-burg, or Johannesburg in terms of popularity and facilities, Welkom has its fair share to awe visitors. Majestic monuments, sprawling gardens, impressive attractions, and a vivacious shopping scene, Welkom has it all! At the Welkom Museum you’ll find the complete history of gold, something that South Africa is a well known producer of. Not only will you find out the history of gold but you’ll get insight into the history of the mining of this mineral as well as the production. All of this is on display in the library. It’s fitting for the museum to be located in Welkom as this is one of the mining hubs of the Free State thanks to its many gold fields with a number of uranium and gold mines in the area. Additionally, the museum’s collection also does brilliantly well in versing visitors with the local history of the town, indigenous flora and fauna, and interesting facts about the touristy sites around.

Travel about 7 km (4.3 mi) east of Welkom city centre and you will reach Oppenheimer Park Golf Club, which is so much more than a usual golf course. Its carefully manicured golf course, marvellous use of old trees to amplify the scenic appeal, and a range of other facilities, such as the pro shop, clubhouse, bar, and restaurant make it a fun outing spot. You need not be a member of the club to make use of its facilities, just pay a-la-carte and enjoy! One such trail that’s most popular among tourists is the Kameelkop Hiking Trail, set in the Eastern Free State Highlands. Carpeted with acacia Karoo thickets and wild olive trees all along, the trail allows sumptuous views of the Lesotho Mountains and its many stunning sandstone formations. Additionally, Warden’s Tower, Gaudi’s Skilpad, views of the Slanghoek Valley, De Hoek Bluff, Slanghoek Gorge, Makathi Massif, and several rock pools are some of the many notable features that you must look out for along the 23-km (14.3 mi) long route. You can book a show at ernest oppenheimer theatre, witness crazy races at Phakisa Raceway, party with your mates at Rovers Club & Chalets, step into the kid-friendly Die Melkkan, indulge in mouth-watering fare at Modern Pantry or enjoy a buffet at the Mediterranean Wine & Grill.

Kroonstad

Kroonstad, town, northern Free State province, South Africa. Founded in 1855, it served briefly as the Boer capital of the Orange Free State (March 13–May 11, 1900) after the fall of Bloemfontein during the South African War (1899–1902). The Vals River runs through the city, its banks of willows and poplars laid out in parks. Kroonstad is a busy agricultural and transportation centre with marshaling yards, grain elevators, and engineering works. It is the northern educational focus of the province, with vocational and trade schools. It is within 40 miles (64 km) of the Free State goldfields, and there are coal and diamond mines to the north.

Located on the bank of the Vals River, Kroonstad lends itself to many water sports activities, and is popular with anglers. Kroonstad has a range of activities to keep all members of the family entertained. The Kroonpark is a definite stop for visitors. The pools and waterslides at this impressive resort are sure to produce hours and hours of fun. Other things to do in Kroonstad include Fishing, Hiking and Biking, Historical Buildings, Sarel Cilliers Museum, Water Sports, Lion Breeding programme, Horse riding.

You can taste the best cappuccino at Squirrels restaurant Squirrels serve the best cappuccino in Kroonstad with delicious cakes and confectionery. From their breakfasts to their lunch and dinner menu to the delicious pizzas, Squirrels not only offer great value for money, but their food is highly recommended. If you visit Kroonstad, treat yourself by visiting Squirrels and utilise the opportunity to sit on their outside veranda area while watching Kroonstad go past.

Sasolburg

Sasolburg, town, northern Free State province, South Africa, south of Johannesburg. Established in 1954, it was built by Sasol Ltd. (the former South African Coal, Oil, and Gas Corporation Ltd.) to house employees at the world’s first oil-from-coal plant producing commercial quantities of oil. The location was selected for its proximity to large coal deposits, the Vaal River, and the Witwatersrand markets. A variety of petrochemicals are also produced. Sasolburg attained official town status in 1967.

Sasolburg not only has activities for the art enthusiasts, but also caters for the nature-lovers.There is a Bird Sanctuary, where up to 70 different species of highveld birds can be viewed in their tranquil, indigenous surroundings. Things to do in Sasolburg include Etienne Rousseau Théâtre, Galery 88 (Contemporary art), Highveld Botanical Garden, Horse Racing (Vaal Racecourse), Hiking Trails, Day Walks

Bethlehem

Bethlehem, town, northeastern Free State province, South Africa, located near the northernmost point of Lesotho, was named Bethlehem (“House of Bread”), after its Biblical counterpart, because wheat thrived in the region. The river flowing through the town (since dammed to form Lake Athlone) was named Jordaan. Bethlehem was the temporary seat of the government of the Orange Free State in 1900 during the South African War. The town has railway workshops, cold-storage plants, flour mills, a dairying and malting industry, furniture-manufacturing plants, and textile mills. It is a centre for the distribution of agricultural produce and has major rail, air, and road links. The Pretorius Valley Bird Sanctuary has been created where the Jordaan River passes through Pretorius Valley, and Lake Athlone is a recreation area.

The Bethlehem Museum is one of Cultural History and is housed in the old Nazareth Mission Church on Muller Street. You will find a number of historical items at the museum one of which is an old steam train which is housed on the grounds. The museum has a strong focus of the town’s history and culture so you will notice a fair number of farming implements and period furniture that depict the lifestyle of former residents of the town. If you’re interested in war you’ll be pleased to know that there is a very good collection of war memorabilia at the Bethlehem Museum.

Dine at Jenka The moment you step through the doors not only does one get a Hearty Warm welcome but you are also drawn into a world where the Aroma of freshly ground Coffee beans and baked pastries Tease and Tempt you. Early evening the setting changes when you are shown to your table in our Fine Dining Restaurant where the Spirit of Morocco has influenced every little detail. The menu at Jenka is classic fine dining but the Executive chef has interpreted every dish with Contemporary Flair and our Wine list has a glass for every Palate.

Hike at Holhoek Hiking Trail. Not far from the popular towns of Ficksburg, Fouriesburg and Clarens, in the heart of the Witteberg Mountains, is a two-day, figure of eight base camp trail. The beauty of the hike's terrain is difficult to encapsulate in words, but hikers rave about the wide variety of birds, sandstone cliffs, vegetation and the access to rock art.