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Dry, but far from dull, the Free State with its vast open spaces and
cloudless blue skies offers those who like to explore, literally and
figuratively, the ideal canvas. Here outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy
birding, game viewing, trophy hunting, hiking, horse riding, biking,
4x4 off-road driving, river rafting, fly-fishing, camping, climbing,
spelunking or just relaxing in its more than 80 parks and reserves,
such as the scenic Golden Gate Highlands National Park. History buffs
have many significant sites to delve into and those with geological
interests will marvel at the meteorite-impact site at Vredefort, the
world's oldest crater.
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Top tourist attractions in the Free State: |
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Golden Gate Highlands National Park
In the Maluti Mountains, named after the golden sandstone cliffs; the
scenery is magnificent incl. the imposing Brandwag rock and the
climate invigorating; staying over is a popular option for humans and
animals alike in this highlands habitat. |
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Bloemfontein
The 'City of Roses', Bloemfontein boasts cultural and political
significance, featuring sandstone architecture, important museums and
monuments and a busy events calendar; don't miss the Franklin Game
Reserve, only one in the world completely surrounded by a city; the
Macufe Festival in September; the Loch Logan Waterfront; the historical
township jazz performances and the War Museum. |
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Parys and the Vredefort Dome
Named after Paris, Parys is situated on the Vaal River in the Vredefort
Dome - a crater caused by a massive meteorite which hit earth about
250 million years ago; in Parys, don't miss the Golf Island in the
middle of the Vaal and other water activities and at Vredefort,
adventure junkies can go on hiking routes, see untouched San
paintings and ruins of iron age settlements, rock climb and abseil;
the 200 km Dome is best seen from the air. |
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The Battlefields
Many historic sites related to the Anglo-Boer War are to be found in the
Free State. Explore 13 battlefield sites, 8 military monuments, 2 war
museums and 3 war and concentration camp cemeteries. Some of the main
battles of war in 1900 are: Paardeberg, Poplar Grove, Driefontein,
Sannaspos, Mostertshoek, Jammerbergdrift, Sand River, Biddulphsberg,
Yeomanry Hill, Roodewal, Surrender Hill and Doornkraal. |
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Xhariep / Gariep
Meaning 'Great River'; a vast open grassland fed by the 2000 km Gariep Dam
offering travellers endless vistas of open blue skies, starry nights
and unpolluted air; land of farms, parks and reserves ideal for
hunters and eco-tourists alike. |
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Towns of Thabo Mofutsanyana
Clarens is a picturesque town described as the "Jewel of the Free
State", here artists and art galleries abound and photographers
find the scenery a magnet in autumn and spring; Memel is fast
becoming a birding mecca with over 350 species including many
'specials' and 15 Red Data listed species, other attractions are the
scenery and the spectacular Seekoeivlei Wetlands floodplain;
Ficksburg is filled with adventure options from the usual hiking,
fishing and game activities to the unusual such as altitude scuba
diving (2650 m above sea level) and ox-wagon adventures! |
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Eastern Highlands
Breathtaking scenery in pristine area with snow-capped mountains, densely
vegetated valleys and wild gorges; ideal for romantic hide-aways,
trout-fishing, bird watching and hiking; don't miss the Bushmen
paintings. |
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Vaal River
The inland water mecca of South Africa offering boundless water sport
opportunities such as white water rafting, relaxed sailing, power
boating and water skiing; game farms, accommodation facilities,
camping sites and a casino also feature; Deneysville and Jim Fouche
Resort near Oranjeville are major venues. |
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Lejweleputswa (Free State Gold Fields)
Go on underground mine tours of some of the deepest mines in the world
on the Goldfields Route; visit Welkom, one of the few cities in the
world planned to completion before building where you can go on a
trip to the world's deepest wine cellar at 857 m below the earth's
surface at St Helena Mine and see the Gold Museum in the city as well
as Phakisa Freeway, one of the top 5 motor racing circuits in the
world; Virginia was home to the richest gold reefs in 1946 and is a
nature lover's paradise. |
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Basotho Cultural Village, Qwa Qwa National Park
Scenic Qwa Qwa National Park offers an authentic traditional African
experience in the form of its Basotho Cultural Village; see the
reed-and-stick structures and mud huts, drink sorghum beer, watch the
weaving and have your fortune predicted by a local healer. |
