The beautiful Free State, situated within the heart of South Africa, is well known for its lush scenic interior and arid borders. The seemingly endless landscapes, mountains, farmlands, and scented flowers are a welcome sensory distraction, especially if you’ve been driving for several hours. If you’re only in the Free State region for 24-hours, here is a recommended list of things to see, smell, taste, and explore.
Xhariep Region, Free State:
1. Gariep Dam Nature Reserve
If you’ve arrived travel-weary, after a long drive from Cape Town, then a stop at the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve is in order. Here, you can enjoy the numerous hectares of unspoilt wilderness, spot the wildlife, and then take a dip in the largest freshwater dam in South Africa. The birdsong, breezes, and laughter of fellow travellers along the banks, will sooth your spirit. After your dip you’ll feel invigorated and ready to continue your journey. If you’re a keen angler you should stick around for a while.
2. Philippolis
An easy hour’s drive away from the Gariep Dam is the town of Philippolis. Here you can stock up on snacks, take a wander through the town, visit the old jail – and even overnight in the ‘slammer’ if you’re so inclined. If you’re a lover of wildlife, Tiger Canyons is only 25km away from Philippolis, but you’ll need to book a tour in advance to interact with these incredible felines. Once you’ve had your fill of the scenery, head back to the car and get ready for another short drive.
3. Trompsburg
The drive from Philippolis to Trompsburg is just under an hour, and reveals scenic farmlands, the occasional hill, and green or brown grass depending on which season you’re visiting in. If it’s your first visit to Trompsburg, you can expect a sleepy, friendly town with small shops and stores. It’s another place to stretch your legs, and other cramped muscles. Stop for tea, or take out your binoculars and gaze at the birdlife, or the multitudes of sheep.
The ex-mining town of Jagersfontein is only 44 minutes away from Trompsburg, and has the prestigious honour of being home to the largest man-made hole in the world! Yes, it’s been measured, and is only slightly larger than the more well-known “Big Hole” of Kimberley. The “Jagers” mine has produced some of the clearest diamonds to have ever been unearthed. Interestingly, the infamous gangster, Al Capone, once wore one as a tie pin, and silver-screen star Elizabeth Taylor is also believed to have a “Jagers” diamond of her own. While here, you can view the ancient water penny pumps, pick up an authentic French-African wire work or stained-glass item, before moving on.
Motheo Region, Free State:
5. Bloemfontein
Translated, Bloemfontein means “flower fountain”, and this sweet-smelling city is an hour away from Jagersfontein and only 12-hours away from almost everywhere in the country (or so the tourism website for Bloemfontein claims). You will find a wide variety of beautiful blooms in the Free State National Botanical Garden, which has contributed to the city being nicknamed the “City of Roses”. While here, there are plenty of great museums to keep you occupied, as well as a casino for those looking to kill an hour or two. Also, the Boyden Observatory is a must for anyone with amateur astronomer tendencies.
Northern Region, Free State:
6. Kroonstad
Slightly less than two and a half hours from Bloemfontein is the town of Kroonstad, which is known for its lovely architecture and fertile farmlands. You can enjoy a game of golf at one of the nearby clubs, to stretch out those tense muscles, or else spend some time fishing or bird watching along the Vals River. While here, take in the fresh air, explore the flea markets and tea gardens, or else take a brisk walk through the Garden of Remembrance.
7. Vredefort
The Vredefort town is situated an hour outside of Kroonstad, and despite being a peaceful farming community, they house the seventh World Heritage Site within South Africa: The Vredefort Dome Crater. This verified meteor impact crater is considered to be the largest, and the oldest, of its kind in the world.
If you’re planning on heading on to Johannesburg, you’ll only be an hour and a half away from the city. You can also continue to explore the Free State, as the towns of Parys and Koppies are within easy driving distance. This is only one of several routes through the Free State, but it provides one of the best varieties of landscapes, attractions, and cuisines.
Let us know what other places you’d include for a visitor who only has 24 hours to spend in the Free State.
Main image credited to Ian n. White (Flickr)
