By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
The Free State is often overlooked as a farming province, but it offers a diverse range of activities and stunning sights for tourists. From adventure to cultural immersion, the province has something for everyone. These ten activities, spread across the region, provide a comprehensive experience, catering to various family interests, budgets, and memorable highlights. Whether seeking outdoor thrills or cultural experiences, the Free State promises to surprise and delight visitors.
1.Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Clarens
Golden Gate National Park, located in the northeastern Free State, is famous for its stunning sandstone cliffs that glow gold at sunset. The park offers family-friendly hiking trails, picnic spots, and guided wildlife tours. Visitors can explore ancient Bushman cave paintings, enjoy horseback riding, and spot wildlife like Burchell’s zebra, blesbok, and the rare Bearded Vulture. With 140 bird species, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Accommodation options include hotel rooms, rondavels, and self-catering chalets. The park is a must-see for its breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity. Entry fee and additional activity costs apply.
2.Xploring Clarens Village and Craft Breweries, Clarens
The artsy town of Clarens is known for its galleries, local crafts, and unique shops. Family-friendly activities include the Clarens Dinosaur Tour, arts and crafts workshops, and tastings at Clarens Brewery, which offers non-alcoholic options for kids. Nestled in the Maluti Mountains, the brewery also features Junipers, a craft gin bar with local gin, rum, and brandy selections. Each year, the Clarens Craft Beer Festival draws crowds with food stalls, a marquee, and shuttles from nearby towns, bringing an economic boost to the area.
3.Bloemfontein Naval Hill, Bloemfontein
Naval Hill offers panoramic views of Bloemfontein, a game reserve, and the iconic Mandela statue at the lookout point. Families can enjoy wildlife sightings in the early morning and visit the planetarium, which hosts educational shows. Accessible by car or a 3 km walk from the city, a trail from the gate leads to the viewpoint, though parts are uneven. This scenic spot provides a unique perspective on the city and is a must-visit for nature and astronomy enthusiasts.
4.Township Cultural Tour in Batho Township, Bloemfontein
Experience South African culture on a guided township tour in Mangaung, where families can enjoy traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Highlights include visiting the historic home of Thomas Maphikela, sampling local beer, and experiencing vibrant township nightlife. In October, the Macufe Mangaung African Cultural Festival attracts over 140,000 visitors with music, art, and theatre. A tour of the Batho area offers insight into the lives of ANC founding members.
5.Parys Adventures, Parys
Parys, along the Vaal River, offers thrilling activities like river rafting, zip-lining, and canoeing, as well as art galleries and eateries in town. For adventure seekers, the 2-day rafting trip covers 20 km with about 20 rapids, complete with meals, drinks, and rustic accommodation at the Parys Adventures Base Camp. Fully qualified guides ensure a safe experience, making it suitable for all ages. Activity costs vary, with some picnic spots along the river free to enjoy. For more information contact, 072 749 8169 or email [email protected]
6.Sandstone Estates Train Ride in Ficksburg
The Sandstone Heritage Trust in the Eastern Free State offers a historic steam train experience, taking families on a scenic journey through stunning landscapes along the Caledon River near the Maluti Mountains. This private preservation initiative showcases classic trains, tractors, and farming equipment in a “living museum” atmosphere, where traditional farming methods are still practised. The Trust also has a steam locomotive rebuild facility in Bloemfontein, where over 15 locomotives have been restored. The collection includes vintage cars, traction engines, and earth-moving machines.
7.Cherry Picking and Festivals in Ficksburg
Known as South Africa’s Cherry Capital, Ficksburg hosts the annual Cherry Festival in the third week of November—the country’s oldest crop festival. Highlights include cherry tours, golf, a half marathon, vintage vehicle displays, and food and wine exhibitions. Visitors enjoy events like the “Ready, Steady, Bake” contest, cherry mampoer-making, and live entertainment from renowned South African artists.
Families can also pick fresh cherries from local farms. Entrance and picking fees apply.
8.Gariep Dam Nature Reserve in Gariep Dam
Gariep Nature Reserve offers family-friendly activities like boat cruises, fishing, and swimming, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including eland, kudu, gemsbok, and various raptors. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of over 240 species, including eagles, ostriches, and cranes. Fish species include carp, barbel, and yellowfish. Facilities include seven self-catering chalets (three 4-bed and four 6-bed), a 15-stand campsite with power, communal ablutions, slipways, and boathouses. The 10 km angling shore is perfect for fishing. Bring your own provisions, as there are no shops on-site.
9.Basotho Cultural Village in QwaQwa
The Basotho Cultural Village offers an immersive experience into Sotho traditions, arts, and lifestyle. Families can enjoy guided tours, cultural performances, and sample local cuisine. The site includes a rest camp modelled on an 18th-century Sotho village and features replica homesteads from the 16th century onwards, showcasing traditional mural art, or litema. Located 55 km from Harrismith, it is accessible via the N3 from Gauteng or Durban. Tel: +27 (0)58 721 0300/0301/0302
10.Bagamoya Wildlife Estate in Bloemfontein
Bagamoya Wildlife Estate is a family-friendly park offering close encounters with animals like giraffes, hippos, lions, tigers, and more. Ideal for day visits or overnight stays, it features self- catering chalets, a children’s play area, and the Lioness Restaurant. Enjoy game drives, watch the in-house lion Bongani, and see lion feeding on Saturdays at 11 am. Open Wednesdays to Sundays, the estate is perfect for picnics or cosy stays. Entrance fees are R20 for adults and R25 for kids under 10, with game drives at R200 per adult and R100 per child. For more info, go to www.bagamoyawildlifeestate.co.za or call 082 497 7550
