Travel in South Africa – Visit the Free State

With the World Cup putting the spotlight on South Africa, local tourism is getting the boost it desperately needs. While major centers like Cape Town and Johannesburg are already popular with tourists, it’s the smaller places that are getting much-deserved attention. This is a very diverse country and the diversity is in much more than its people. The Free State is probably the least “famous” province in South Africa, but it is arguably the most authentic.

Known for its vast open spaces, it is a province dominated by farming communities and old-fashioned South African charm. With Bloemfontein as the largest city, most of the Free State is untouched by major development, you can drive for hours through the long highways and see nothing but strange sheep here and there.

What makes the Free State so special is that it is unlike anywhere else in the world. The local farm shops in small towns selling traditional food and crafts are more than just charming – it’s an experience. Small artist communities like Clarens are like stepping into a new universe, while the scenic beauty of the Golden Gate Mountain Range allows you to explore magnificent natural beauty.

The best way to explore the province’s stunning natural beauty is by car. Flights from Johannesburg land every 3 hours in Bloemfontein and you can pick up a car at the airport. Hotels are scarce, but that’s the best part. Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts are the way to go and many farmhouses allow guests, which is a great way to see authentic South African life in a province known for its old-school charm.