Tourism Routes

FOCUS ON CHEETAH ROUTE

The Cheetah Route runs along Mangaung, Botshabela, Thaba-Nchu and Ladybrand. The first three towns form the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality. Mangaung is the capital city of the province and it has resulted in the route being famous for business, medical and educational tourism. The Cheetah will forever be at the apex of history as it was the birthplace of the ANC and other political parties, which make this route rich in history and heritage of the country. The seat of the provincial Legislature and capital of judiciary as the Supreme Court of Appeal is situated in the famous historical and architectural President Brand Street. The city also pride itself of being the home to top flight sporting teams from football (Bloemfontein Celtics), cricket (VKB Knights) to rugby (Toyota Cheetahs).

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

The route pride itself of being the birth place ANC and other existing and defunct political parties. One of the Presidents of the ANC, Dr JS Moroka was born and resided in Thaba–Nchu – he was the President of the ANC from 1949 – 1952. The President Brand Street, is famous for its architectural building which are today used for seat of legislature, museums and seat of Appeal Court. Lekgalo la Mantsopa, where the legendary Basotho Prophet Mme Anna Makhetha Mantsopa resided in Ladybrand is today one of the major tourist attraction along the route. There are quite a few museums found in Mangaung that provide the history and heritage of the area.

Bloemfontein

• Maphikela House
• Dikgareteneng Houses
• Old Presidency
• Bram Fischer House
• City Hall
• Appeal Court
• Supreme Court Building:
• First Raadsaal (Council Chamber)
• Fourth “Raadsaal” (Council Chamber)
• Jubileum Building
• Klein Magasa hall
• Lebohang Building
• Grave of Martha Moipone Motlhakwane
• Free State Agricultural Museum
• Wagon Museum
• Oliewenhuis Art Museum
• Special Service Battalion Museum:
• Freshford House Museum

Thaba-Nchu

• Moroka House
• Sannaspos Battlefield
• Chief Moroka Grave

Ladybrand

• Lekgalong la Mantsopa

BUSINESS TOURISM

The centrality of Mangaung and the ability to host conferences ranging from small to large gathering has made the route one of the ideal business tourism destination. The fact that Mangaung is accessible by road, air and railway make it also an ideal area for business tourism destination.

MEDICAL TOURISM

Major medical institutions are found in this route and the University of the Free State Academic Hospital has made a number of ground breaking medical discoveries.

EDUCATIONAL TOURISM

Mangaung, boasts itself about the very first digital planetarium in Sub-Saharan Africa. The planetarium was officially opened in November 2013. The Naval Hill Planetarium was established by the University of the Free State with the support of the Department of Science and Technology, DESTEA and Mangaung Metro Municipality. The Central University of Technology has also brought first technological techniques that predicts drought patterns using the indigenous knowledge and IT techniques. The university also developed a solar mobile phone charger that is utilised by students at the campus.

EVENTS

• Thaba-nchu Easter Festival        March
• OR Tambo Marathon                  April
• Bloem Show                              April
• Vryfees Arts Festival                 July
• Duathlon                                   July
• Women of Note                         August
• Colour Festival                          October
• Spring Festival                          October
• MACUFE                                  October
• Rose Festival                            October

DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE FREE STATE?

• The Maphikela House in Bloemfontein was home to Thomas Maphikela one of the founding members of the African National Congress and the house is still excite?
• That the African National Congress (ANC) was historically founded at the Wesleyan Church in 1912, the Church also hosted the ANC’s centenary celebrations in 2012?
• Franklin Game Reserve at Naval Hill in Bloemfontein is one of the only two Nature Reserves in the world that is situated in the middle of the city?
• Bloemfontein can claim the honour of being the first city in Sub-Saharan Africa to have a digital planetarium?
• R.R. Tolkien, the famous writer of the movie Lord of the Rings was born in Bloemfontein in 1892?
• That Phakisa Freeway is the only motor racing track with a speed way track outside the United States of America and is regarded as among the fastest motorcycle tracks in the world?
• The world’s smallest Church that seats only eight (8) people is found in Harrismith?
• Petrified tree, which is estimated to be 250 million years is found near the City Hall in Harrismith?
• The oldest fossilised Dinosaur eggs about 200 million years in age were discovered in Golden Gate National Park near Clarens?
• The Jagersfontein diamond mine is the largest man excavated mine in the world?
• Fauresmith is the only town in South Africa and one of the only three in the world where the railway rail runs down the centre of the main road?
• That Emmaus, a farm 20km outside Petrusburg is the center point of South Africa?
• Gariep Dam is the largest dam in South Africa and is constructed on the Orange River?
• Vredefort Dome, near Vredefort is the biggest meteorite impact that geologists have yet found on earth and is nearly twice as big as the impact that killed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago. It is also the oldest impact crater that has been found on earth. It is the seventh World Heritage Site?
• The NAMPO Agriculture Show is the second largest private agricultural show in the world – it attracts almost 70 000 visitors and nearly 700 exhibitors?
• Ben Nevis Farm near Clocolan was the first, and still the only registered cellar in South Africa producing its unique range of products made from cherries?
• The name “Memel” means ‘surrounded by water’ in the Old Prussian language, the wetland in Memel is the largest on the southern African Highveld. The wetland harbours a rich species diversity of waterfowl and other birds associated with water?
• The Holhoek Hiking Trail near Paul Roux is amongst the rare hiking trails in South Africa as it features a 4,3km wheelchair friendly route for paraplegics?
• The Clarens Brewery is the first and only microbrewery in the Free State and host of the annual Beer Festival in February?
• Tandjiesberg in Ladyband is one of the (12) twelve Rock Art National Heritage sites in South Africa?

For more information, please contact Nthabiseng Methola @ cheetah@freestatetourism.org

FOCUS ON LION ROUTE

If you want a taste of everything that is typically “Free State”, the Lion Route has it – from culture to nature to history. The towns along the Lion Route are:

• Deneysville
• Sasolburg
• Parys
• Vredefort
• Kroonstad

DENEYSVILLE – SA’S INLAND RIVIERA

Situated at the wall of the Vaal Dam, Deneysville is just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg. Known as SA’s “Inland Riviera”, Deneysville is famous for:
• Water sport of all kinds, from power boating to laid-back pontoon boat trips and fishing charters.
• The annual “Round the Island” Yacht Race – South Africa’s biggest inland regatta.
• The Deneysville Croc Ranch which has about 2,800 crocodiles and also farms emus.

SASOLBURG – MORE THAN JUST OIL

Sasolburg is most well known for its unique oil-from-coal installation, but it has plenty else to see and do:
• An Olympic size swimming pool and world-class athletics facilities.
• The Ettienne Rousseau Theatre which hosts a wide range of Afrikaans and other artists.
• Gallery 88 which houses a stunning collection of contemporary South African art.
• A bird sanctuary with up to 70 species of Highveld birds.
• The Riemland Museum and Riemland Wine Route at Heilbron, an hour’s drive away.

PARYS – YOUR FREE STATE PARADISE

The beautiful town of Parys is situated on the banks of the Vaal River, and has become a firm favourite for both art and adventure lovers. With so many attractions, you’ll find it’s the perfect paradise for you.
• 42 restaurants and a wide variety of arts & crafts shops.
• Play a round of golf on Golf Island in the middle of the Vaal River.
• Pick berries off the bush at Bon-Af Berry Farm and see SA’s only black raspberries.
• Interact with the big cats at the Dell Cheetah Centre.
• Visit Tumahole township just outside Parys – birthplace of Free State Premier, Mr Ace Magashule.
• Head for the Vaal River or the mountains of the Vredefort Dome and enjoy nature from land, water and sky.

VREDEFORT’S BIG BANG

The small town of Vredefort is the gateway to the world’s oldest and largest crater, the Vredefort Dome. Recently named a World Heritage Site, the 300km-wide crater was created when a meteorite the size of Table Mountain-sized struck the earth 2,000 million years ago. Attractions include:
• Spectacular rock formations, including the world’s only pink granite.
• A wealth of plant, bird and animal life.
• Water sport on the Vaal River.
• A nearby Lion Breeding Programme.

WALK THROUGH TIME IN KROONSTAD

Kroonstad was the first town established after the Orange Free State became independent. Situated on the banks of the beautiful Vals River, a tributary of the Vaal, it is rich in history and outdoor opportunities. Historical sites include:
• A concentration camp and blockhouse from the Anglo-Boer war (1899-1902).
• The Bloemspruit Monument for concentration camp victims.
• A Garden of Remembrance for Allied victims of the two world wars.
• Prehistoric stone corbelled huts.
• San rock art and fossils.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

• Golf on an 18-hole golf course.
• Interaction with lion and tiger cubs.
• Fishing on the Vals River or the Bloemhoek Dam.
• Boating on the Serfontein Dam.
• Horse riding, gliding, hiking and more.

RESERVES AND RESORTS

Koppies Dam Nature Reserve and Resort – 71km from Kroonstad.

Tel: 056 777 0927

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Ambulance: 10177

Fire Brigade: 056 216 9111

Police: 10111

Traffic: 056 212 2178

Tourism Contact: Ms Victoria Moloi – 016 970 8600

FOCUS ON EAGLE ROUTE 

OFFERINGS

The Eagle Route, is known as the jewel of the province due to its scenic beauty, rich history & heritage, leisure tourism and adventure tourism. The route runs along the majestic Drakensberg Mountains that forms a pictographic landscape at the back drop of the Eagle Route. The picturesque landscape makes the route one of the most scenic area in the province with some of the government owned resorts and reserves nestled in this sandstone mountainous route. One and only life Basotho Museums is situated in this route – living the Basotho nations culture and practices from the 17^th to the 20^th century. For the adrenaline junkies this is the perfect place to visit, which features white river rafting, abseiling, horse riding, 4×4 and quad bike trails, hiking trails and safaris.

HISTORY & HERITAGE

A number of historic and heritage sites are found in the area, ranging from rock paintings, museums, significant sites of the Anglo-Boer War, traditional ancestral caves, smallest Church in South Africa, vintage tractors collections, historic tree, fossils that defines scientific discoveries. Some of these sites are:

Bethlehem

• Bethlehem Museum;
• Groenkop Battle Site.

Clarens

• Golden Gate Dinosaur Tours;
• Bushmen Paintings in Schaaplaats.

Ficksburg

• Sandtone Estate Steam Train and Museum;
• The White Mischief.
• Gumtree – SA’s tallest sandstone building

Fouriesburg

• Motouleng Fertility Caves;
• Surrender Hill Battle Site.

Harrismith

• Smallest Church in South Africa – significantly, the church accommodates only 8 people.

Phuthaditjhaba

• Basotho Cultural Village;
• Morena Mopeli Statue;
• Prophet Walter Mathitha Memorial;
• Wetsi’s Cave;
• Batlokoa Monument.

ADVENTURE TOURISM

If you like to get out of the comfort zone to test the adrenaline, then the Eagle Route is the perfect venue. Some of the 4×4 and quad bikes trails runs on the slopes of the mountains were driver skills are tested. The white river rafting takes place along the Ash River outfall provides a breath taking experience for first time tourists and for those just can’t stop wanting for more. The 34 metres chain ladder completes the route’s adventure by summiting the Sentinel Peak, which is 3000 metres above sea level. Some of activities are:

Bethlehem

• Lions Rock Big Cat Sanctuary

Clarens

• White Water River Rafting;
• Abseiling;
• Wild Rides Quad Biking;
• Horse Riding;
• Hot Air Ballooning;
• Ox-wagon camp.

Kestell

• My Little Africa Sanctuary

Phuthaditjhaba

• Sentinel Peak Hiking Trails

LEISURE TOURISM

The mountainous landscape of the Eagle Route provides tranquillity and scenic views. This are complemented by rock arts paintings, safaris, vulture restaurant where eagles are feed with animal and bird carcass, arts and craft galleries, boat cruises, trout fishing and cherry harvest festivities. Golden Gate Highlands National Park is nestled in the Clarens valley making it a must visit area for relaxing and Sterkfontein Resort and Reserve overlook the dam making it a perfect location for those quite moments. For outdoor lovers, Glen Reenen caravan park. Some of the activities and sites are:

Clarens

• Clarens Brewery;
• Art Galleries;
• Golf Courses.

Ficksburg

• Franshoek Polo School

Harrismith

• Sterkfontein Nature Reserve.

Memel

• Bird Watching with 250 species.

Fouriesburg – Paul Roux

• 230km Sun Gazing Journey.

Harrismith

• Vulture Restaurant
• 33m-high Petrified tress

Ficksburg

• White Mischief Cruise boat

Events

Bethlehem Air-show                               August

Clarens Beer Festival                             February

Cherry Festival                                      November

Surrender Hill Marathon                          March

Rietz Bielie Mielie Festival                     February

Selemo sa Basotho                                August

Clocolan Tractor Festival                        March

Provincial Heritage Day                          September

For more information, please visit: www.freestatetourism.org / Facebook: I Love Free State

FOCUS ON SPRINGBOK ROUTE

OFFERINGS

The Springbok Route, is famous for the history & heritage that goes back to the 19^th century during the Anglo-Boer War. The Route is also famous for adventure tourism, which includes breath-taking 4×4 and quadbike trails, water sport, gliding, horse riding trails and leisure tourism. The route runs along Jacobsdal, Koffiefontein, Jagersfontein, Phillipolis, Bethulie and Gariep Dam that was declared as municipality in 1994.

History & Heritage

Even though the Anglo-Boer might have occurred some centuries ago, the memories are still alive in most towns along the Springbok Route. Nations across the globe still pay homage to their fallen forefathers from previous generations. Today the war has left trails of the history and heritage sites such as museums and war memorials. Some of the sites are:

Jacobsdal:

• Magersfontein Battlefiled and Museum.

Koffiefontein

• World War II murals

Fauresmith

• Burghers Monument
• Graves of British Soldiers

Jagersfontein

• Moth Museum – its memorabilia from various wars including Anglo-Boer War, World War I and II and Namibian Boarder War.

Philippolis

• Van der Post Memorial Garden
• Old Jail from the Anglo-Boer War
• Adam Kok House– Home of the world Griqua Leader.
• Transgariep Museum – exhibits the history of the area.
• The pulpit of the Dutch Reformed Church that was crafted from the Wild Olive wood, today the church stands a museum.
• Most of the building in the towns have been declared as national museum making the town a must see heritage town.

Bethulie

• Shell collection – laid down for the 366 people who died due to measles during the Anglo-Boer War.

Adventure Tourism

The Springbok has a mixture of two landscape, the flat area and the hillside area near Gariep Dam and Bethulie – making the area a perfect local for 4×4 and quad trails. The flat area is usually used by aviation community for gliding and flying competitions. The Gariep Dam, which is one of the largest man made dam in the country is normally a perfect venue for water sports. Some of the adventure hot spots are:

Gariep Dam

• 4×4 and quadbike trails
• Horse Riding
• Mountain Bike trails
• 4×4 tractor rides
• Go-karts
• Canoe trips

Leisure

The tranquillity of the area makes it a perfect retreat for the family and couples alike. The flat fields and the open skies are perfect to those night star gazing. The Gariep Resort & Nature Reserve, Tussen-die-Riviere Resort & Nature Reserve, Forever Resort and De Stilj Hotel are some of accommodation that could accommodate groups. On the other side there are varies accommodation types for different clientele ranging from 4 Star B&B to Backpackers. The area is also huge in safari and hunting making it one of the largest area for game hunting during peak hunting season. Some of the leisure activities are:

• Safari
• Game Hunting
• Star Gazing
• Fishing
• Boat cruises
• Sailing
• Wine tasting
• Bird Watching
• Dam Wall tours

The area has an eco-tourism centre, known as Gariep Fish Hatchery – it is an opportunity to see how yellow fish, carp and barbell are hatched.

Events

Quenna                                                                  – February

Phillippolis Witblitz                                             – April

Fauresmith Endurance                                       – July

Gariep International Gliding Championship           – December

FOCUS OF FLAMINGO 

OFFERINGS

The Flamingo Route, is known to be the bread bucket of the province due to its vast agricultural fields that produces maize. The area is also known for its produce of gold as the result of the discovery of gold in the 19^th century. The effects of global warming that led to drought and reduction in agricultural produce and the decline of mining activities in the area as seen other economic sectors such as tourism is increasingly becoming key economic sectors for the region. The main offerings are combinations of variety of leisure activities, exploring a local gold mine, game viewing and visits to key historical sites. The route runs through Brandfort, Windburg, Virginia, Ventersburg, Welkom and Bothaville.

AGRICULTURAL TOURISM

Bothaville is considered to be the country’s maize capital, it is characterised by undulating maize and sunflower fields. The small town is the host to one of the most successful and the biggest international agricultural show – Nampo Harvest Show. The abundance of sunflower has seen the town being the site of the first ethanol plant in the country.

ADVENTURE TOURISM

Just off the R70 north of Welkom lies the Phakisa Freeway Race Track, the fourth fastest track in the world. With a Formula 1 Grand Prix flat circuit and a Super Speedway Oval, Phakisa hosts a number of national and international; races – including the six World Motorcycle Grand Prix events to date, the South African Motorcycle Grand Prix, the National Super Series and the Midas Historics Tour. With the 14 turns, the 12m-wide Grand Prix Track is rated as one of the safest circuits, but also one of the most demanding. As Valentino Rossi says; “…you have to be brave to win here.”

HISTORY & HERITAGE

The Flamingo Route was also affected by battle fields that took place in the province and this has left a trail of historic places of interests along the route. Some of these sites are:

Brandfort

• Where Winnie Madikizela Mandela was banished during apartheid
• Florisbad archaeological side
• Anglo-Boer War graves in memory of Cpt Dwyer.
• Vice-Admiral John Westerns house – design and build the 1^st aircraft in Africa.

Ventersburg

• Basotho War Rampart Skanskraal
• Oldest Voortrekker cemetery in the country.

Windburg

• Oldest proclaimed town in South Africa
• Voortrekker Monument

Welkom

• Aandenk Monument – were the first borehole was drift in search of gold.

Bothaville

• Doornkraal Monument – honouring the Boers killed during the battle of Doornkraal.

LEISURE TOURISM

Bothaville

• The Tarentaalbosch Christmas Market – Large art and craft market

Windburg

• Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve.

Welkom

• Oppenheimer Park Golf Course

Virginia

• Virginia Jewellery School
• Sand River – Boating, fishing, water-skiing
• Tikwe Lodge Nature Driver – 40 species of buck, zebra, and giraffe, cruises along the Sand River.

Venterburg

• Willem Pretorias Game Reserve & Resort
• Aldam Resort

EVENTS

National 6 Hour Race                                         – February

National Super GP                                             – March

Phakisa Drag Race                                            – April

Phakisa Porsche Drag Day                                – April

Nampo Agricultural Show                                   – May

Moto Rider Academy                                         – May

Phakisa Daze Academy                                     – May

Phakisa Historic Tour Reginal Race                    – July

New’s Eve on the Track                                                 – December

For more information, please visit: www.freestatetourism.org / Facebook: I Love Free State