•One third of the world’s gold is produced in the Free State’s gold mines. •J. R. Tolkein, author of 'Lord of the Rings', was born in Bloem. •Bloemfontein is the judicial capital of South Africa. •The Franklin Game Reserve on Naval Hill is the only city-centre reserve in the world. •Hamilton Park, on the western slope of the hill, boasts more than 3 000 orchid specimens.
- Harrismith
On the edge of the Northern Berg, this is a convenient stop over between Jo'burg/ Durban and Lesotho.
- Clarens Eastern Free State
Well loved by weekend escapees, it's a lovely town on any other day of the week too.
- Ficksburg
This is a lovely little town in the heart of the Free State's cherry growing industry.
- Bethlehem
The town lies in a valley in the Maluti Mountains.
- Rouxville
Close to Lesotho and between Jo'burg and the Wild Coast on the N6
- Parys
Free State town
Bloemfontein
Known as “The City of Roses” and a rose herself, Bloemfontein is a surprisingly beautiful city with an interesting history.
A rose by any other name.
Proclaimed the capital of the Republic of the Orange Free State in 1854, Bloem* was a Boer settlement until the Anglo-Boer war when the British penetrated and occupied the city, changing its course, and personality, forever. Still predominantly Afrikaans, the city is now an interesting melting pot of British and Boer cultures. Streets names, museums, monuments and more bear testimony to this fact. The city offers excellent entry to Lesotho and makes a good overnight stop if you’re heading to, or leaving, Jo’burg. Sports fans who are here over a weekend may be lucky enough to catch a rugby or cricket match.
Proclaimed the capital of the Republic of the Orange Free State in 1854, Bloem* was a Boer settlement until the Anglo-Boer war when the British penetrated and occupied the city, changing its course, and personality, forever. Still predominantly Afrikaans, the city is now an interesting melting pot of British and Boer cultures. Streets names, museums, monuments and more bear testimony to this fact. The city offers excellent entry to Lesotho and makes a good overnight stop if you’re heading to, or leaving, Jo’burg. Sports fans who are here over a weekend may be lucky enough to catch a rugby or cricket match.
Things to see in Bloem
•President Brand Street, which is lined by magnificent sandstone architecture, is a national conservation area. •The Appeal Court is the highest court of appeal in the country. The main courtroom is a huge chamber lined with stinkwood panels (very imposing stuff). •Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens. •Bloemfontein Orchid House, which has a comprehensive display of these valuable plants. •The National Women’s Memorial in Monument Rd. This 36,5m sandstone obelisk is dedicated to the 26 000 women and children who died in Anglo-Boer War concentration camps. The nearby War Museum houses articles and artefacts from that war. If you want to learn more about the Anglo-Boer war, this is the place to start. •The National Museum houses one of the country's most extensive natural and cultural collections. A turn-of-the-century Bloemfontein street scene is one of the highlights. • The Old Government Building in Maitland Street is a fine piece of old Cape Dutch architecture, housing the National Afrikaans Museum, a Research Centre and the National Acting & Drama Museum.
•President Brand Street, which is lined by magnificent sandstone architecture, is a national conservation area. •The Appeal Court is the highest court of appeal in the country. The main courtroom is a huge chamber lined with stinkwood panels (very imposing stuff). •Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens. •Bloemfontein Orchid House, which has a comprehensive display of these valuable plants. •The National Women’s Memorial in Monument Rd. This 36,5m sandstone obelisk is dedicated to the 26 000 women and children who died in Anglo-Boer War concentration camps. The nearby War Museum houses articles and artefacts from that war. If you want to learn more about the Anglo-Boer war, this is the place to start. •The National Museum houses one of the country's most extensive natural and cultural collections. A turn-of-the-century Bloemfontein street scene is one of the highlights. • The Old Government Building in Maitland Street is a fine piece of old Cape Dutch architecture, housing the National Afrikaans Museum, a Research Centre and the National Acting & Drama Museum.
What’s in a name?
• Bloemfontein was originally called Mangaung, or 'place of big cats' by its Basotho inhabitants. • Johannes Brits settled here in 1840. There was a natural spring (fontein) and it must have been his wife who planted the flowers (bloem). Add them together and that makes Bloemfontein. • It's also called City of roses for the 4000 rose bushes planted in King’s Park . • For those who live here it’s just plain Bloem, which is flower or blossom.
• Bloemfontein was originally called Mangaung, or 'place of big cats' by its Basotho inhabitants. • Johannes Brits settled here in 1840. There was a natural spring (fontein) and it must have been his wife who planted the flowers (bloem). Add them together and that makes Bloemfontein. • It's also called City of roses for the 4000 rose bushes planted in King’s Park . • For those who live here it’s just plain Bloem, which is flower or blossom.
The story of the fountain
The only source of water for miles, Bloemfontein was visited by missionaries, hunters and Voortrekkers. It became an archetypal frontier town, a rest stop for wagons as they trekked in search of the Promised Land. When the English abandoned the war against the Basotho, they allowed a Boer republic to be founded in the Free State, with Bloemfontein as its capital. The Anglo-Boer war was the end of that independence. P.S. The fountain is still here, although it’s encased in concrete now.
The only source of water for miles, Bloemfontein was visited by missionaries, hunters and Voortrekkers. It became an archetypal frontier town, a rest stop for wagons as they trekked in search of the Promised Land. When the English abandoned the war against the Basotho, they allowed a Boer republic to be founded in the Free State, with Bloemfontein as its capital. The Anglo-Boer war was the end of that independence. P.S. The fountain is still here, although it’s encased in concrete now.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
A great place to stay for independent self-drive back backpackers
(Hoedspruit,Limpopo)
Bruce's elusive beauties are found around here…
(Cape St Francis,Sunshine Coast)
This Cederberg backpackers is close to the mountains and hiking trails it is a good base for exploring the area.
(Citrusdal,West Coast)
Farr Out B&B is situated on the outskirts of Paternoster on the West Coast.
(Paternoster,West Coast)
A Community Centre and Homestay that offers fascinating insight into our history and the paths that can be taken to repair past injustices.
(Punda Maria and Makuleke,Limpopo)
If the awesome mural wrapping the side of Stoked Backpackers in Muizenberg doesn’t hook you, then maybe the killer views will.
(Muizenberg and Kalk Bay,Cape Town)
this magical playground lies beneath the towering peaks of Cleopatra and Giants Castle.
(Highmoor,Drakensberg Backpacker Hostels)
Southern Comfort - a 26 hectare horse farm - is situated in the heart of the Knysna forest overlooking indigenous forest.
(Knysna,Garden Route)
Cheap car hire in South Africa and rentals to under 21's.
(Banana Beach,Cape Town)
Plett Backpackers in the newest backpackers in Plettenberg Bay. It is in the centre of town and boasts an awesome view over the Plettenberg Bay beaches.
(Plettenberg Bay,Garden Route)
