1 2 3 Free State

The Free State, the third largest province in South Africa, lies in the heart of the country. Wedged between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south it is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. 

In 1836 the Boers trekked away from British rule in the Cape and crossed the Orange River. They found sparsely inhabited grasslands teeming with game. Here they spread out their oxen, built homesteads and cultivated crops. The rolling prairies are still today covered with agricultural fields and the N1 highway follows the route the Voortrekkers took, linking the modern towns with the rich gold mines.

Cities, Parks & Culture

The Capital, Bloemfontein, is an attractive medium sized city with a surprising variety of activities. On the eastern side, bordering Lesotho, is the Golden Gate National Park with its rolling grasslands and golden-red sandstone cliffs. The QwaQwa National Park is home to the Basotho Cultural Village which takes you on a walk through time with its museum and amphitheatre. Here you will find the essence of South Sotho culture and lifestyle, spanning the 16th century to the present day.

The village of Clarens is situated in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in close proximity to the Golden Gate National Park. Clarens is an artists haven with many art galleries scattered around the village square. In spite of its small permanent population Clarens has a wide variety of accommodation to choose from and there are also excellent restaurants situated around the village square to choose from.

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Selection of Places to Stay