Budget Travel in the Free Sate - ever-present windmill is the geographic and agricultural centre of South Africa.

                                                                                         

The best time to visit this part of South Africa is in the months of April and May.

This Provice of South Africa is famouse for its `boerekos (traditional Afrikaner farm-style cuisine) and decidedly slower-paced lifestyle.

The Free Sate Province is the third-largest province in South Africa famous for its warm South African hospitality. It has the second-lowest population density, on about 129 480 km2 of land. All the towns display a mix of cultures. You will find the most valued San (Bushman) rock art is found in the Free State. The Free State South Africa offers you open plains between the Vaal and Orange Rivers.

Bloemfontein is the ideal place to start a tour of the Free State. North of Winburg, the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve is a must see, offering a wealth of wildlife, excellent fishing conditions, and a wide range of sports facilities.

Loch Athlone, one of the major attractions of Bethlehem, is a magnet for fresh water fisnerman.

Starting at Harrismith and ending at Zastron, the route is particularly notable for the Golden Gate National Park, beautiful mountain scenery and charming country towns. In the south-west, the Gariep Dam resort offers an extensive range of leisure activities including water sports, tennis, bowling, horse-riding, golf and 13 nature reserves.

This province presents the classic scene of veld, grass-covered prairie land with deep-blue African skies.

The Free Sate is known, locally, as our 'bread basket', the this part of South Africa is cultivated by more than 30 000 farms to produce over 70% of South Africa's grain consumption. It is also home to the most productive gold and diamond mines in the world.

The Free State climate in the summer-rainfall region is warm but can be relatively cold during the winter months.

This Province boasts an extensive system of parks and reserves, including one national park (Golden Gate) and more than 80 provincial, municipal, and privately owned nature parks, nature reserves, game reserves, and game farms. Activities include bird and game viewing, trophy and biltong hunting, hiking, horse-riding, biking, 4x4 off-road driving, camping and climbing.With its wealth of historical and cultural attractions and excellent facilities, Bloemfontein is the ideal place to start a tour of the Free State. North of Winburg, the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve is the Free State's major provincial reserve, offering a wealth of wildlife, excellent fishing conditions, and a wide range of sports facilities. Kroonstad has all you need for a relaxing break, including an excellent holiday resort. Loch Athlone, one of the major attractions of Bethlehem, is a magnet for anglers and those who enjoy pottering around in boats. No visit to the Free State is complete without following the renowned Highlands Route.

Attractions:

Motheo (Central Bloemfontein)

Botanical Gardens & Zoo Gardens
National Museum
Loch Logan Waterfront
Rustfontein Dam and Nature Reserve
Thaba 'Nchu Sun
King's Park & Prince's Rose Garden

Transgariep

Gariep Dam
Jagersfontein Open Mine Museum & Koffiefontein Open Mine Museum
The 'Eye' of Zastron
Mayaputi Nature Reserve

Goldfields

Winburg Voortrekker Monument
Welkom Gold Museum
Saltpans Mining
Underground mine tours
Willem Pretorius Game Reserve
Phakisa Racetrack

Northern Free State

Vredefort Dome - the world’s largest meteorite impact site
Viljoenskroon Tractor Museum
Frankfort Sandstone NG Church

Eastern Free State

Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Titanic Rock in Clarens
Ficksburg Cherry Festival
Bushman rock art
Basuto Cultural Village at Qwa-Qwa
Bushman Rock Art
Seekoeivlei Wetlands at Memel

Suggested Travel Route

Day 1: Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein Reyneke Park

Motheo
Tel: 051 523 3888
Fax: 051 523 3887

Day 2: Fauresmith

Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve

Transgariep
Tel: 051 722 1441
Fax: 051 723 0134

Day 3: Ventersburg

Africas Best Aldam Resort

Goldfields
Tel: 086 183 6237
Fax: 057 652 0014

Day 4 & 5: Parys

Dimalachite Nature Resort and River Lodge

Northern Free State
Tel: 056 818 1860
Fax: 056 818 1854

Day 6 & 7: Clarens

Golden Gate Highland National Park

Eastern Free State
Tel: 058 255 0012
Fax: 058 255 0901

Distances in km from Bloemfontein:

Aliwal North 207 km
Bethlehem 238 km
Clarens 298 km
Harrismith 339 km
Kimberley 175 km
Kroonstad 211 km
Sasolburg 344 km
Welkom 154 km

We invite you for a visit.

About the author:
Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za

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