Free State travel

This tranquil land of the ever-present windmill is the geographic and agricultural centre of South Africa. Of all the provinces, this one presents the classic scene of the sunny veld, the high-lying, spacious grass-covered prairie land with deep-blue African skies, majestic cloud formations in summer and a skyline broken by the occasional flat-topped koppie (hill-like mountain).

The Free State is fast becoming a tourist destination in its own right. Famous for its warm South African hospitality, `boerekos' (traditional Afrikaner farm-style cuisine) and decidedly slower-paced lifestyle, this province has become a mecca for holiday-makers intent on exploring small-town South Africa.

Known, locally, as South Africa's 'bread basket', the Free State 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.

This summer-rainfall region is warm and temperate in the summer but can be relatively cold during the winter months, especially towards the eastern mountainous regions where temperatures can drop as low as 9ºC. The western and southern areas are semi-desert.

The southern Free State shares the true Karoo semi-desert and its barren landscapes, while the north is blessed by the liquid gold of the Vaal River. The Western Free State traverses savannah and substantial mineral wealth, whilst the Eastern highlands offer a wealth of scenic splendour. A Free State travel guide.

Free State accommodation

The Free State accommodation 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. The capital is Bloemfontein.
Free State accommodation

South Africa safari

A South Africa Tour is the easy way of getting around South Africa. We at Uyaphi.comspecialise in tailor-made tours and scheduled or daily excursions. Enjoy the diversity of this region with the security, convenience, flexibility and knowledge that these professional guides offer.
South Africa safari

South Africa hotels

South Africa Hotel and accommodation in every area of this beautiful country. We offer a large and comprehensive portfolio of hotels, B&B's, guesthouses and game lodges from Cape Town in the South to Kruger National Park in the North including Natal, Eastern Cape & Garden Route.
South Africa Hotels

Clarens

The beautiful town of Clarens lies just west of the Maluti mountain range and is the perfect country retreat. Known as the `jewel of the Free State', Clarens is very popular with the artistic community. Clarens can be found on the way to Golden Gate, a Free State Travel guide

Golden Gate National Park

An area of highveld and montane grassland, covering 12 000 hectares is well-stocked with eland, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok and zebra. Golden Gate National Park is one of the few places in the country where one stands a good chance of seeing the Bearded Vulture.

Moolmanshoek Game Reserve

Moolmanshoek is surrounded by soaring mountains, sweeping views, breathtaking natural beauty, and invigorating country air. A private nature reserve of over 3 500 hectares, Moolmanshoek was developed from a conservation area into a natural heritage site.

Gariep Dam

The Gariep Dam forms the largest storage reservoir on South Africa with a total storage of approximately 5 500 million cubic meters and a surface area of more than 370 square kilometers when full. The dam itself is on the Orange River which is the longest river in South Africa.

Sterkfontein Dam

Sterkfontein Dam is situated a few kilometres from the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment. Excellent birding includes the bald Ibis, the blue and whitebellied Korhaan, Bearded and Cape Vultures, Black and Martial Eagles as well as Secretary Birds. Oribi, Reedbuck, and Grey Rhebuck.

Basotho Cultural Village

The Basotho Cultural Village nestles in the heart of the Qwaqwa National Park some mere stone's throw away from the Golden Gate area. Here the lifestyle and architecture of the South Sotho is accurately depicted from the sixteenth century to the dramatically colourful present.

Free State travel planner

The key to a successful Free State Holiday is having an agent that has great local knowledge, experience and excellent products.

At Uyaphi.com we offer a wide and comprehensive portfolio of scheduled, self drive and tailor-made tours & safaris as well as accommodation/ lodging and vehicle hire for travel in South Africa.

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