Top Things to do in Free State
10 Things to do in Free State That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Free State, South Africa including Anglo Boer War Museum, The National Museum, Free State National Botanical Garden, Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, The Dell Cheetah Centre, Bagamoya Wildlife Estate, Vredefort Dome, Loch Logan Waterfront, Naval Hill.
Restaurants in Free State
1. Anglo Boer War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 199 reviews
One of the most significant events in the history of South Africa was the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. Although the protagonists were Britain and the two Boer Republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, the population of South Africa as a whole became embroiled in the war either directly or indirectly. The War Museum in Bloemfontein provides an understanding of the background against which the Anglo-Boer War took place through its unique art collection, dioramas and exhibitions. The course and development of the war unfolds in front of your eyes as you progress through the museum. You are also afforded a glimpse into the life and suffering endured in the concentration and prisoner-of-war camps. We are immensely proud of this historical landmark in South Africa, and urge everyone who wants to understand this part of South African history, to pay us a visit.
Reviewed By waldmeister1 - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
The Museum has an extensive collection of items associated with the Boer War. There are large paintings, the one of the Boers pinned down in the Modder River Banks under fire from the British is very touching when you consider there were women and children there also. It lead of course to the surrender by General Cronje at the battle of Paadeberg. There is an extensive collection of Handicraft items made by the POW's in overseas Camps to which they were "Banished" namely St Helena, Ceylon, India and Bermuda as well as those made in Camps in South Africa. The Women's Monument depicting two women, one holding a baby is very memorable since the ashes of British woman, Emily Hobhouse who did so much to help those suffering during the war are buried there. The recent addition of the lengthy wall, inscribed with the names of the Women and Children who died in the Concentration Camps during Britain's Scorched Earth Policy when farms were burnt and the Women and Children were herded into Concentration Camps with little of no fresh water or medical care is very memorable ! This certainly does not depict the "Best Period" of British History!!
2. The National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Excavated fossils are among the many fascinating items at this natural history museum.
Reviewed By jill464 - Cape Town, South Africa
Immense care is taken with the exhibits. It is always most interesting to visit. The staff are friendly and a pleasure to talk to.
3. Free State National Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
This carefully landscaped and colorful garden, with paved walkways, nature talks and moonlight walks, is popular year round.
Reviewed By Simonwien1961 - Rushden, United Kingdom
This was my second visit to the Gardens its a well maintained beautiful and peaceful place the entrance fee is so cheap 28 Rand under £2 & $2. I walked all around to the top of the hill and down with nice views. There are plenty of different birds to see on my first visit in March 2018 the dam didn't have any water in it but this time it did so able to watch many waterfowl there is a bird hide to view them, I saw a coot couple building a nest on the dam I loved it watching the male swimming out to collect twigs for the female to build her nest it was so sweet. Later in the afternoon the Mongooses come out and walk around. The restaurant is very cheap with nice food too just be careful of the swallow who seems to like to attack you as you enter the restaurant. My only suggestion to make it better is to put the price up a little and supply a map I have seen some people complain about the noise from the Motorway but unless there is a very noisy lorry you hardly notice it.
4. Oliewenhuis Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By ruthsZ2714QE
We looked up places to visit and enjoyed going round the museum especially the film of William Kentridge which is very powerful. The sculptures in the garden are amazing and it’s free entry.
5. Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By LorenS728 - Johannesburg, South Africa
Each time we visit Witsieshoek hotel in the Drakensberg and/or Clarens we schedule a visit to this gorgeous serene mountainous National Park...we visit the Vulture Restaurant and often see the rare Bearded Vultures, I book a horse back ride for an hour and get up close with some of Africas awesome antelope and zebras. Breath taking views and peace and quiet...if this is what your soul needs, do yourself a favour and go. You dont need a 4x4 vehicle.
6. The Dell Cheetah Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
7. Bagamoya Wildlife Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Bagamoya Wildlife Estate is a lion sanctuary farm, ideally situated about 25km from the Bloemfontein International Airport and 35km from the centre of the City of Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa. A beautiful getaway place, where you get the chance to move around in the African bush, and see the African wildlife in a way that will leave you captivated. There are currently over 27 lions at Bagamoya and you can have the opportunity to interact with some them. You will get extremely close to lions and tigers, you will never forget this amazing moment! Interactions are possible on Saturdays & Sundays from 9am to 6pm, also during the week on reservation. Bagamoya offers all the necessary facilities to give you a relaxed and comfortable stay: the Lioness Restaurant with children's play area and swimming pool, a Mini-Zoo with animals from all over the world, self-catering Chalets and outdoor activities. The Estate is also the perfect venue for functions of any kinds (weddings, birthdays parties, kids parties, conferences, corporate functions, and more).
Reviewed By C3834GSmichellec
If you go to Bloemfontein this is one place you do not want to miss. Support these guys and if you can donate funds to them, because they are doing great work with these beautiful animals. It is amazing what costs are involved so if you know anyone wanting to support a great cause, Botha and Sharline Barnard need all our help. My afternoon spent there( after a very tough trip for family reasons ) was a great distraction and their kindness and hospitality was incredible.
8. Vredefort Dome
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 73 reviews
Mountains, River, Bushveld and rugged beauty draw visitors to this unique World Heritage Site. A geological treasure trove, white water rafting, Africa's wildlife, Bushveld, trillions of stars, amazing sunsets, and wonderful people. Only 90 minutes from Johannesburg but a whole different world. There are a wide variety of accommodation venues available including camping and caravan sites. Use of a registered guide is well advised for an informative tour. Heritage Site tours range from 90 minutes to full day outings.
Reviewed By Sassghjjk
I did a tour with Dome Impact Tours (Gustav Engelbrecht). I really enjoyed it. The tour was for the whole day and Gustav used his car so it was good value for money at R610. A lot of information was covered from history of the Anglo Boer war to the gold rush. Gustav's knowledge of the area and its geology is excellent. We even saw bushmen rock carvings. It was a wonderful day.
9. Loch Logan Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 94 reviews
10. Naval Hill
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 250 reviews
Reviewed By CharlNel71 - Potchefstroom, South Africa
Naval Hill is one of our favourite places to visit when in Bloemfontein. Wonderful view of the city especially at dawn and dusk. Even better now that the restaurant has finally opened.
