Major Attractions in the Free State

The Free State has much to offer the tourist in search of insight and adventure. The following are some of the highlights:

The Maluti Route - This route follows the scenic Highlands of the Free State and over the border into the magnificent Maluti Mountains of Lesotho and ens at the Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve.

BBT Heritage Route - Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu are in close geographical relationship to each other and, yet, have an extreme divers cultural and political heritage.

Diamond and Wine Route - A man made diamond hole at Jagersfontein 760m beats the well known Big Hole of Kimberley for size. Also visit the wine cellars of Landzicht and Wilreza in the scenic Jacobsdal area.

Steam Train Route - Steam Train enthusiasts can take a trip down memory lane, along the historic Bethlehem - Bloemfontein railroad to destinations such as Maseru and Ladybrand.

The Battlefield Route - The province contains many historic sites related to the Anglo-Boer War including 13 battlefield sites, 8 military monuments, 2 war museums and 3 war and concentration camp cemetries.

The Golden Gate Highlands National Park - An area of Highveld and Mountain grassland covering 12 000 hectares is well stocked with Eland, Red Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Blesbok and Zebra.

Clarens and the Mountain of Gold - It is also know as the "Jewel of the Free State". Clarens can be found on the way to Golden Gate. This is where the famous ochre and gold sandstone outcrops offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Fossil Hunting - In the Free State you may be lucky to find some dinosaur bones, eggs or teeth. You will almost certainly find the fossils of smaller creatures dating back to well over 200 million years.

Rock Art - There are countless examples of historic rock art to be found in different parts of the Free State.

Water Sport - The Free State has three major Water Sport Venues. The Vaal River, the Gariep Dam and the Sterkfontein Dam near Harrismith.