Must-see attractions in Free State

This breathtaking, family-owned reserve protects a 3000-hectare stretch of grasslands, stone rock formations and valleys of the Wittenberg mountains…

During the Anglo-Boer War, this was the site of the British naval-gun emplacements. There are good views from the top of the hill, which is also home to…

The Free State's only national park is known for its dramatic, golden-hued sandstone cliffs and outcroppings, abundant wildlife (including eland, zebra…

Off the N1, about 70km south of Kroonstad, is the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, one of Free State’s biggest recreation areas. Divided by the Sand River…

One of South Africa’s most striking art galleries, the Oliewenhuis Art Museum occupies an exquisite 1935 mansion set in beautiful gardens. An imaginative…

The Free State’s largest nature reserve is a combination of the 365-sq-km Gariep Dam (which holds back a vast 6 billion cubic litres of water) on the…

Within the park you’ll find the small Basotho Cultural Village, essentially an open-air museum peopled by actors depicting various aspects of traditional…

The Anglo-Boer War Museum has some interesting displays, including photos from concentration camps set up not only in South Africa but also in Bermuda,…

This small museum features a handful of historical exhibits, including a tribute to Emily Hobhouse, who started a weaving school for women after the Anglo…

The small Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve is in a beautiful area of the Drakensberg foothills, and home to springbok, zebra, rhebok and wildebeest…

Eighteen kilometres from Bethlehem, Lionsrock is a 12.5-sq-km sanctuary and wildlife park for big cats rescued from all over the world and includes lions,…

The 40-sq-km Koppies Dam Nature Reserve, about 70km northeast of Kroonstad on the Rhenoster River, is popular with anglers. Yellowfish, barbell, mudfish…

Commemorating the 26,000 women and children who died in British concentration camps during the 1899–1902 Anglo-Boer War, the National Women’s Memorial…

Yes, Bloem has a Waterfront, modelled on Cape Town’s. Although it’s a bit tacky, Loch Logan Waterfront is more pleasant than a shopping mall. It’s outside…

At Venterskroon is an information centre where you can watch a brief video on the dome (ask for the English version, unless you understand Afrikaans) and…

This glasshouse has a beautiful, if small, collection of flowers and some dazzling orchids. The surrounding Hamilton Park is an ideal place to take the…

A great recreation of a 19th-century street, complete with sound effects, is the most interesting display at this museum. It also has a shop and a cafe.

Atop Naval hill, the Franklin Nature Reserve is a great place for a walk or a short drive to spot zebras, antelope and giraffes.

Nestled under a boulder in scenic surroundings about 12km north of Ladybrand, Modderpoort Cave Church dates back to 1869 and is on the property of St…

A Dutch Reformed church on Floreat Ave that serves as a good landmark for orientation.