Location: Bloemfontein
Top Things to do in Bloemfontein
The 10 Best Things to Do in Bloemfontein, South Africa
Roughly translated as "fountain of flowers," Bloemfontein is known as the City of Roses, both because of the abundance of the blooms throughout the city and the annual festival dedicated to the flower. As the seat of the South African Supreme Court, the city is the judicial capital of the country as well as the provincial capital of Free State. Several sports teams and stadiums also call the city home, and its many museums outline the history of the region.
Restaurants in Bloemfontein
1. Anglo Boer War Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 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 Jabu M - Nelspruit, South Africa
Situated in Mangaung / Bloemfontein Monument Road, General De Wit. The museum is dedicated to the South African war that took place in 1899 to 1902 it was called Anglo Boer War because the writers of history deliberately ignored the participation on blacks in both British and Afrikaans Camps and perished together. Black women and children died in the concentration camps. The history of this was is being retraced and rewritten and depicted in this museum.
It's a must visit by local South Africans tourist, foreign tourist, students and children. The museum is spacious lots of parking, with proper bookings on 051-4473447 you'll have a good experience. The team here is very dedicated to their work.
There is a coffee shop and restaurant plan a day or half day out for this exposition and its life changing
2. Oliewenhuis Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By Jacqueline B - Holland
Even as a not very enthusiastic visitor of museum/art galleries, this is one of the museum I really liked. What a beautiful place with some really beautiful pieces of art, we really enjoyed the art. And the location itself is also beautiful to just relax and sit in the garden with a great view
3. Free State National Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
This carefully landscaped and colorful garden, with paved walkways, nature talks and moonlight walks, is popular year round.
Reviewed By dik-bardon - Worksop, United Kingdom
I foolishly glanced at google earth then set off from Die Restpluk and headed in the general direction of the Gardens believing they would be well tourist signposted. Wrong!
We finally found this place after driving around for over two hours. Use a map or a satnav because signposts are not overly evident. However, once we arrived, what a pleasure, ticket prices reasonable and really worth an all day visit. Bring snacks etc because there are numerous stunning spots to outspan and enjoy these beautiful Gardens.
I loved the British dam built to water the horses during the Anglo-Boer war. It is now a centre for wildlife and offers a beautiful tranquil spot with lovely walks around and about. It is an example that good things in the present can have terrible origins in the past.
4. Bagamoya Wildlife Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 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 Monica J - Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
A MUST DO when in Bloemfontein surroundings!
DO:
- Visit Sunday @ midday as the Lions / tigers are fed then and a little talk from the "lion whisperer" is great! They also get fed on Wednesdays
- Burgers are great
- Entrance fee: R50 adults (think it was R20 kids)
- Jungle gym and lots of entertainment for kids
DONT:
- about 3km on your way there is on dirt road but quite graded, accessible with a sedan
5. The National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Excavated fossils are among the many fascinating items at this natural history museum.
Reviewed By LiezelvZ - Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
The place is well managed and have a lot of surprising features, eg you can try for yourself to pick up an asteroid (remains of a shooting star) that fell in the area; the dinosaur -, space- and Bloemfontein town development exhibitians are also done extremingly well! Vibrant and fresh presentation,,,thanks!! :-)
6. Naval Hill
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By Elisabeth C - Catalonia, Spain
Drove up to Naval Hill with colleagues just before our meeting. Great view on the city and the different neighbourhoods. Walked around in the fields close to giraffes, zebra, antelopes. Saw Mandela's statue. A haven in the middle of the city!
7. Loch Logan Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By Noel G - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
A good location, accessible, great value for money and don't remember the restaurant name ( Portuguese) but one of the best steaks have ever had.
Also a good starting point if you are heading to a sporting event at the stadium, ample parking and a short walk.
8. Langenhoven Park Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Rudi456 - Bloemfontein, South Africa
I remember coming to the Boeremark back in the early nineties when it consisted of about 5 tables. The typical South African tendency to administrate everything turned this into a favorite Saturday morning outing! Good old country food can be ordered while wandering around the stalls looking for a bargain. This will range from fresh produce to free range meat, from fake Nike's to seriously creative crafts and art and other entertaining add-ons, this market located in an upmarket neighborhood promises to surprise.
9. Naval Hill Planetarium
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By namesalreadyused - Bloemfontein, South Africa
Although a bit difficult to get to as a result of construction work under way there are still plenty of parking spots available. The newly refurbished interior provides comfortable Seating for your interstellar journey, or you can also simply lay down on the floor (bring your own blanket/pillow). The presenter was very knowledgeable and the presentation informative. The movie that followed was also informative. Everything was done in a way as to hold the attention of a 6-year old (it was a family show for people with small children) and get them to request a follow-up visit. A very good outing, assisted by the "magic" of a digital Planetarium.
10. Vodacom Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Mike_de_Meyer - Bloemfontein
Went to see the Currie Cup Final. Parking was no problem as we parked at the Waterfront Shopping Centre. The walk was about 100 metres. Gate staff were friendly. Refreshments and snacks were readily available. The stadium is very well maintained and we have great seats. Could see the whole field. All in all, a great outing with a great atmosphere. Did not hurt that the Cheetahs won.
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