The Free State has a hot, dry climate, with summer rains, cold winters and lots of sunshine. The Vaal River keeps the Northern farms well watered, while the East experiences snow-capped mountains in winter and green valleys in summer. The West and South both experience hot dry summers and cold winters. The capital city of Bloemfontein has an average summer temperature of 23°C, with temperatures in January sometimes soaring as high as 32°'C. Winter temperatures can be as cold as 01°C, but average on 8°C, but sometimes creeping up to a milder 17°C.

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

At the foot of the Maluti Mountains lies the Golden Gate Park, and offers visitors over 11 000 hectares of true highland habitat. Home to an array of animals, black wildebeest, eland, springbok, Burchell’s zebra, the rare bearded vulture and bald ibibs. The park gets its name from the golden hues created by the setting sun falling on the park’s enormous sandstone cliffs, “truly a sight to behold”. From trails to game drives to Glen Reenen natural swimming pools, Golden Gate is a haven for even the most discerning nature lover.

Booth Cultural Village

The Booth Cultural Village lies in the heart of the Wa-wa national park. A place that time forgot, with the Booth people still living in their age old traditional ways. See the “Kola”, the gathering place for men, enjoy a taste of traditional African beer, hear the wise words of a traditional healer, watch the women grind maize in their Ndebele decorated huts. An interesting cultural experience.

Vredefort Dome

Considered the oldest meteorite impact site in the world, a huge 40 km crater at Vredefort was created by an equally big meteorite collision some 200 million years ago. The area is a veritable land of adventure, offering visitors a host of outdoor activities, river rafting, river tubing, abseiling, horse riding and mountain biking. A number of Anglo Boer war sites can be explored, the largest wild olive forest can be found at Venterskroon and a Witblits distillery - a potent South African liquor that only the strongest, of constitutions can enjoy! For its geological significance, natural beauty and the many activities Vredefort is definately worth a visit.

Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens

A mix of indigenous and planted environments make up the Botanical Gardens. Included is an orchid house, the most modern of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, two reeded dams, small hills and indigenous Karee and Wild Olive trees. Beautiful waterfalls and pools surround over 6000 orchids, or try the fragrance garden. Also home to over 100 species of bird, this makes out for a relaxing day.

Lejweleputswa Gold Mines

In 1938 while sinking a borehole in search for water, a ancient lava vein was struck, a deep flowing source of gold ore. Consequently scores of people flocked to the region in search of wealth. Today the region’s main attraction centres around the gold mines. Welkom is the main town with other mines at Virginia or Theunissen. Visitors have the opportunity to traverse the depths of these deep gold mines, an unforgettable experience. Or if you need a more mellow experience simply go for the scenery, peaceful surroundings and game opportunities in this historic region.

War Memorials & Monuments

A turning point in South Africa’s history was the Anglo Boer War, which broke out in 1899. This was the last full scale war to happen on South African soil. The Free State offers a number of war monuments and memorials from this period. These include various battlefield sites, monuments, museums, cemeteries of war - and the unforgettable concentration camps. The War Museum in Bloemfontein has a host of information for visitors wanting to explore these sites, dotted across the country side.

Oliewenhuis Art Museum

Originally a residence for Governor Generals and State Presidents of South Africa, the museum collects only South African art and has an excellent compilation of historical and contemporary paintings, sculptures and graphic art. The underground reservoir, built in 1904, is now a general space for workshops, exhibitions and conferences. Enjoy the fine artworks on display, be entertained on weekends by local musicians, enjoying light lunches or walking trails through the surrounding areas.

Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve

This reserve is home to an array of wildlife including the oribi, reedbuck, bald ibis, woodpecker, cape vulture and secretary bird. At over 18 000 hectare the region is a spread of rugged mountains, lush kloofs and clear lakes. Vegetation includes the yellowwood, wild peach and various types of fungi and lichen, as well as the Protea and sugar bush. The reserve offers a host of outdoor activities, sailing, hiking, biking, game viewing, and makes for an excellent camping spot. For the great outdoors, this is the place.

Steam Train Excursions

Tourists can enjoy timeless travel through unique African destinations such as Maseru, Ladybrand, or take the historic Bethlehem - Bloenfontein Rail road. This is made possible by the Sandstone Steam Rail Company who’s mission is to restore steam trains for tourism. A nostalgic way to explore the Free State in old style comfort. Go places were no road can take you.

Thabo Mofutsanyana Region

With pristine snow-capped mountains, this beautiful untouched region of the Eastern Free State offers awe inspiring scenery. Visit the country towns like Clarens, with art galleries and a Cinderella Castle built entirely out of bottles. The region also has several Bushman painting sites, a must see - and Harrismith has a wonder of nature, a 150 million year old petrified tree.

Philippolis Witblits Festival

Visit the oldest town in the Free State to share in a proud local tradition –' Witblits (white lightning) –' a very potent local spirit, but still a South African cultural icon. The festival, held in early April, offers a range of activities, including Boer sports (traditional farming sports) for the children, food, stalls, and of course Witblits tasting. Philippolis is also well known as an artist's haven, with many studios on offer to visit the artists in action. Warning to all forigners, Witblitz will blow you away! Don’t believe me - try it.

Aardklop Arts Festival

Held every September in Potchefstroom is the five day Aardklop Arts Festival. This is a total feast of entertainment, be it jazz, classical music, hard rock, cabaret, circus theatre or poetry. The festivities come to an end with a final day of hard core rock – if you enjoy music even just a little, you should visit this one, it’s the time of your life stuff.

Rustler's Valley Festival

Rustler's Valley in the eastern Free State hosts a number of annual “New Age” events, including the Spring Equinox Celebration in September and trance, dance and drumming festivals in November and December, as well as a New Year's celebration. Participate in a permaculture design course or feel the heat in an African Sweat Hut. The scenery of the Maluti Mountains surrounding the valley is worth the trip alone! If your one of these sho-wa brothers, go there.

Ficksberg Cherry Festival

Some 20 000 visitors visit the Ficksberg Cherry Festival, held annually every November. Enjoy breathtaking scenery while you participate in cherry and asparagus tastings, tours, picnics and music. Watch out also for the Miss Cherry Blossom and Miss Cherry Pip competitions –a truly rustic, traditional festival.

Adventure Matlakeng Herbal Trail

For a relaxing adventure take the Matlakeng Herbal Trail and visit the Basotho Cultural Village and experience real-time tradition cultures. A knowledgeable ecologist and a traditional healer will guide you through the trail, explaining the healing and spiritual properties of the various herbs. The two-hour trail offers beautiful scenery, as well as the chance to see wildlife and well preserved rock art.

Basotho Pony Experience

If you are in this area take time out to enjoy this four hour ride through the Qwaqwa National Park, riding the sure-footed Basotho Pony. The vantage point on horse back will show an array of game, South Africa’s national animal, the Springbok, the huge Eland, red hartebeest, and Burchell’s Zebra. You will also visit a traditional Basotho family. Nature Lovers, this is another Free State special.

Bloemfontein Museum

For a range of fascinating and rare artefacts visit the Bloemfontein Museum, prehistoric skull fragment, remains of extinct animals like the giant buffalo, the only complete skeleton of the Euskelosaurus, the oldest of the dinosaurs, or measure yourself against a fibreglass cast of an elephant, or the height of the giraffe. There is something of interest for everyone.

War Museum of the Boer Republics

This museum in Bloemfontein offers an insight into the Anglo-Boer war that took place between 1899 and 1902, through a range exhibits and dioramas. The Boer in the field, battle sites, concentration camps and Afrikaans domestic way of life. The War Museum also offers the Woman's Memorial, a tribute to those mothers who lost their sons and contributed to the war effort. You will find information on various battle sites throughout the Free State at the museum for future exploration.

Shopping

The main shopping centres of the Free State can be found in the capital Bloemfontein, as well as the mining town of Welkom. Bargain hunters will also find plenty of curious, arts and crafts at smaller traditional villages. Philippolis is also considered an artist's haven, with lots of handmade items on sale.