Free State Travel Guide

Discover the best of Free State with this comprehensive travel guide. Explore the cultural and natural attractions, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Free State

Located in the heartland of South Africa, Free State is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural history, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in exploring local museums and historical landmarks, hiking or biking through scenic routes, sampling local cuisine, or observing the unique customs and traditions of its people, Free State offers something for everyone.

In this travel guide, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more information to help you plan your next trip to Free State.

List of Places to Visit in Free State

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Basotho Cultural Village - A living museum that showcases the traditional life and customs of Basotho people, including their architecture, crafts, and music.

  • Anglo-Boer War Museum - A tribute to the history of the Anglo-Boer War, featuring artifacts, documents, and weapons used during the conflict.

  • National Museum - One of the oldest museums in South Africa, housing a collection of natural history, cultural history, and art exhibits.

  • Vredefort Dome - A UNESCO world heritage site, this is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world, believed to be over two billion years old.

Natural Attractions of Free State: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Golden Gate Highlands National Park - A stunning park with unique sandstone formations, hiking and biking trails, and stunning views.

  • Clarens Village Conservancy - A picturesque town surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and pristine natural landscapes, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

  • Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve - A popular attraction for fishing, birdwatching, water sports, and nature walks, the reserve also offers breathtaking views of the snowy peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Free State

Free State has an impressive network of hiking and biking trails, offering a range of difficulty levels, from gentle strolls to challenging mountain climbs.

Some of the most popular trails include:

  • The Rheebok Hiking Trail - A 12km trail that takes you through the magnificent Rheebokpoort Dam, mountain ranges and along diverse terrains.

  • The Cathedral Peak Hiking Trail - This is a five-day hike through the Maluti Mountain range and offers stunning views.

  • The Cannibal Trail - This is a four-day hike which uncovers the tragic history of the Basotho war and legends of the cannibalism during that time.

Best Things to Do in Free State: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking, there are lots of other things to do in Free State, from tours of local farms and vineyards, wildlife safaris and nature walks, to hot air balloon rides, and cultural activities.

Some of the must-try activities and tours in Free State include:

  • Hot-Air Balloon Ride - Take in the breathtaking views of the Drakensberg Mountains and the Golden Gate Highlands from a hot air balloon.

  • Horseback Riding - Explore the beautiful landscapes and mountains of Free State on horseback.

  • Wine Tasting Tours - Visit some of the best vineyards in Free State and enjoy a taste of their award-winning wines.

Week-Long Itinerary for Free State

Day 1: Explore Golden Gate Highlands National Park Day 2: Visit The Basotho Cultural Village and experience the unique lifestyle of the Basotho people. Day 3: Go on a hot air balloon ride over Clarens Village Conservancy. Day 4: Visit Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve for fishing, birdwatching, water sports, and nature walks. Day 5: Visit Anglo-Boer War Museum and National Museum for a glimpse into South Africa’s cultural history. Day 6: Hike the Cathedral Peak Hiking Trail. Day 7: Spend the day in Vredefort Dome, and explore the world’s oldest and largest meteorite impact site.

Food and Drink Scene of Free State

Must-Try Dishes

Free State is known for its rich culinary heritage, and there are some local dishes that are a must-try for every visitor.

  • Potjiekos - Made with meat, vegetables, and spices cooked slowly over a fire and served with rice, this is a must-try dish in Free State.

  • Boerewors - A traditional South African sausage made with beef and spices, boerewors is a staple of South African cuisine.

  • Koeksisters - A sweet pastry made with deep-fried dough dipped in syrup, koeksisters are an iconic dessert in South Africa.

Local Beverages

Apart from its culinary offerings, Free State also has its signature beverages you can’t miss:

  • Pinotage - A South African red wine that originated in the Cape Winelands, Pinotage is widely produced in Free State, and there are some excellent vineyards to visit.

  • Mampoer - This is a traditional distilled fruit spirit made from fruit trees. Mampoer is a potent alcoholic beverage that is very popular in Free State.

Where to Stay in Free State: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Free State offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, preferences, and styles, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and homestays.

Some of the best places to stay in Free State include:

  • Protea Hotel by Marriott Bloemfontein Willow Lake - A 4-star hotel located close to the Free State National Botanical Garden, offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.

  • Clarens Inn and Backpackers - A budget-friendly hostel that offers clean rooms and dormitories, excellent meals, and a lounge area with a fireplace.

  • Lentha Lodge - A family-run guesthouse with seven en-suite rooms, serving delicious farm breakfasts and dinners, and offering horse-riding and hiking tours.

What to Buy in Free State: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Any visit to a new place would not be complete without taking home a souvenir. Here is a list of souvenirs and Local products that you must consider purchasing in Free State:

  • POKO Ethnic Wear - This is a local brand that features unique designs inspired by traditional African fabrics.

  • Pelle leather - Which are locally made and crafted using high-quality materials

  • Mampoer Brandy - A distilled fruit spirit made from fruit trees, perfect for a long trip home.

Local Culture and Customs of Free State

Free State has a thriving cultural scene, and there are lots of opportunities to explore the local customs and traditions. When visiting, it is essential to respect the local cultures and customs.

Some of the cultural observances and customs include:

  • Tsehlanyane National Park Pony Trek - Experience the unique lifestyle of the horse-riding Tsehlanyane people, and enjoy a scenic horseback ride through the park.

  • Pulane’s Home of Traditional Pedi Wear - Visit Pulane’s Home of Traditional Pedi Wear to discover the traditional clothing styles of the Pedi people, and learn about the customs and cultural significance of these garments.

Best Time to Visit Free State

The best time to visit Free State is during the Autumn and Spring seasons, from March to May and September to November, respectively. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, and the scenery is at its best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Free State

Do:

  • Respect the local cultures and customs.

  • Try the local cuisine and wines.

  • Experience the natural beauty of Free State.

Don’t:

  • Don’t leave behind trash or litter, always use designated waste areas

  • Don’t engage in illegal activities like poaching or fishing without a permit.

  • Don’t drive after consuming alcohol.

Safety and Health

Safety in Free State

Free State is generally safe for visitors as long as they take the necessary precautions, such as avoiding dark alleys at night, not carrying large sums of money or valuables, and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Free State

Visitors should ensure they have all the necessary vaccinations, especially if they plan on going on a safari. It is also essential to stay hydrated, use sunscreen to protect against the sun’s rays, and keep mosquito repellents on hand to avoid contracting malaria.

Getting to Free State: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Free State

  • Bram Fischer International Airport
  • Bloemfontein Airport

Bus Stations Near Free State

  • Johannesburg Checkers
  • Pretoria Station

Other Options

One of the best ways to explore Free State is by car, as there is much to see and do in the area, from its natural landscapes to its cultural attractions. You can also use local taxis and public transportation if driving is not your thing.

How to Get Around in Free State

Free State can be explored by car or on foot, with many of its popular attractions accessible via well-marked roads and hiking trails.

Where to Go Next from Free State: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations and excursions to consider include:

  • Kruger National Park - A world-renowned wildlife reserve, located a few hours’ drive from Free State.

  • Cape Town - A vibrant and bustling city famous for its wine, beaches, and scenic beauty, located about 10 hours’ drive from Free State.

  • Drakensberg Mountains - A stunning mountain range located on the border between South Africa and Lesotho, about eight hours’ drive from Free State.

Conclusion

Free State is a potpourri of cultural heritage, natural wonders, scrumptious cuisines, and outdoor activities that makes it one of the top destinations in South Africa. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoors enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, you are bound to find something interesting in Free State. With this comprehensive guide on the top destinations, activities, accommodations, and more, we hope you can make the most out of your next trip to Free State.

Large areas of the Free State are dedicated to farming Large areas of the Free State are dedicated to farming Free State Free State


    Bethlehem
    Bloemfontein
    Clarens
    Ficksburg
    Gariep Dam
    Kroonstad
    Ladybrand
    Norvalspont
    Parys
    Vredefort
    Welkom