Bloemfontein’s location in the center of the country makes it a convenient stop for those traveling through South Africa by car; and an excellent base for exploring the wider area of the Free State. Known colloquially as Bloem and more romantically as the City of Roses, JRR Tolkein’s birthplace is also a worthwhile destination in its own right. It is a center of Afrikaans culture with many attractions related to Boer and colonial history, and has a wide variety of dining and entertainment options that you would expect from a double capital. Yet despite its status as the capital of the Free State and the judicial capital of South Africa, Bloemfontein has the laid-back vibe of a provincial town.
01
of 12
Go back in time at the National Museum
Direction
36 Aliwal St, Bloemfontein Central, Bloemfontein, 9301, South AfricaGet directions
Telephone
+27 51 447 9609
Web
Visit the website
For history buffs, the first port of call should be the National Museum, located in the center of the city. Founded in 1877, it houses exhibitions on natural history, culture and art. You’ll find Stone Age tools, taxidermid animals, and artifacts from indigenous tribes in southern Africa. In the Paleontology Room, fossils of rare Pleistocene-era mammals are displayed alongside the bones of their modern counterparts, while a detailed diorama offers an interesting visual insight into 150 years of Bloemfontein’s history. The best exhibition is the historical street scene. Complete with sound effects, it depicts everyday life in a Free State city in the late 1800s. Open daily, admission is just R5 per adult.
02
of 12
Discover history at the Anglo-Boer War Museum
Direction
Monument Rd, General De Wet, Bloemfontein, 9301, South AfricaGet directions
Telephone
+27 51 447 3447
Web
Visit the website
The Anglo-Boer War Museum tells the story of the 1899-1902 conflict between Great Britain and the Boer Republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State. Photographs, paintings, and artifacts including weapons and uniforms are displayed in seven showrooms and explain why the war started, how it progressed, and the impact it had on all South Africans. The exhibits on the British concentration and the POW camps are particularly moving. Be sure to visit the National Women’s Memorial, an obelisk outside the museum dedicated to the 26,000 women and children who died in the camps. The museum is open every day except public holidays and costs R20 per adult.
03
of 12
Tour the Universe at the Naval Hill Planetarium
Direction
Naval Hill, Naval Hill , Bloemfontein , 9301 , SudáfricaGet directions
Telephone
+27 51 401 9751
Web
Visit the website
Located just north of the city center, Naval Hill is home to the first digital planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa. Take a seat under the domed ceiling of the planetarium and enjoy 3D projectors that will take you across the galaxy, exploring everything from modern astrophysics to the possibility of alien life. The building also houses the Boyden Observatory. Combine your trip to the planetarium with visits to two other Bloem landmarks: a larger-than-life statue of Nelson Mandela and a 20-meter-tall white horse depicted with painted rocks on the hillside. Both are within a few minutes by car. Tickets for the planetarium can be booked through Computicket and cost R50 per adult.
04
of 12
Catch a show at the Sand du Plessis theater
Direction
12 1st Ave, Bloemfontein Central, Bloemfontein, 9301, South AfricaGet directions
Telephone
+27 51 447 7771
Web
Visit the website
Located in the heart of the city, the glass-fronted Sand du Plessis theater opened in 1985. Its 964-seat auditorium is uniquely designed, with no central aisle and tiered seating areas instead of a main balcony, creating a venue that is both spacious and intimate The theater is home to the Performing Arts Center of the Free State (PACOFS) and hosts everything from plays and musicals to ballet performances and modern dance performances. It is also the main concert hall in Bloem. Past shows include the South African National Youth Orchestra and the popular indie rock band The Parlotones. There is a licensed bar on site for pre-show drinks. Tickets can be reserved on the PACOFS website.
05
of 12
Walk among wildlife at Franklin Game Reserve
Direction
Naval Hill , Bloemfontein , 9301 , SudáfricaGet directions
Also located on Naval Hill, Franklin Game Reserve gives you the rare opportunity to come face to face with iconic African animals without leaving the city limits. Giraffes, zebras, ostriches and many species of antelope roam freely here amidst a beautiful landscape of native plants and trees. The birdlife and views are also exceptional. You can drive through the reserve or wander its network of walking and jogging trails. Because there are no predators, exploring on foot is safe; however, many of the animals have become accustomed to human visitors and have lost their natural wariness. For their well-being and yours, don’t try to touch or feed them, no matter how close they are.
06
of 12
Enjoy close encounters at the Cheetah Experience
Direction
1 Maluti Ave, Bloemfontein, 9301, South AfricaGet directions
Telephone
+27 72 905 3457
Web
Visit the website
To get your predator fix, visit the nonprofit Cheetah Experience Endangered Species Breeding Center. This facility supports declining wild cheetah populations by reintroducing captive-bred animals into protected game reserves. It is also home to leopards, lions, and several smaller African cats, including caracals and servals. Educational tours give you the opportunity to see these majestic animals up close and learn about conservation efforts and issues. The center also offers dedicated photography tours and accepts volunteers and interns. It is open every day except Monday. Check the website for tour times. Educational tours cost R140 per adult with discounts for children and seniors; Photography tours cost R500 per person.
07
of 12
Admire the collection of the Oliewenhuis art museum
Direction
16 Harry Smith St, Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein, 9301, South AfricaGet directions
Telephone
+27 51 011 0525
Web
Visit the website
The Oliewenhuis Museum of Art is housed in a magnificent Cape Dutch Renaissance mansion that once served as a temporary residence for royal and presidential visitors to Bloemfontein. In 1985 it was converted into an art museum and now offers a comprehensive view of South Africa’s artistic heritage, from the old masters to contemporary painting and sculpture. An atmospheric underground reservoir hosts regular temporary exhibits, while the mansion’s landscaped gardens are a wonderful place for a picnic. Here you will find four marked trails and a carousel with figures inspired by African and European mythology. There is a tea room on site and admission is free. The museum is open every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday.
08
of 12
Cheer on the cheetahs at Free State Stadium
Direction
Sauces, Bloemfontein, 9301, South AfricaGet directions
Telephone
+27 51407 1700
Web
Visit the website
Free State Stadium was built for the 1995 Rugby World Cup and later hosted games during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Today it is known as Toyota Stadium for sponsorship reasons and is home to the Free rugby union team. State Cheetahs. The Cheetah compete in the annual South African Currie Cup tournament and have a devoted following in Bloemfontein and the wider Free State area. Get tickets to a match to experience the passion of the fans for yourself. The stadium has a capacity of over 45,000 and is home to many food and beverage vendors on game days. Tickets can be purchased through the Cheetahs website and cost R30 per adult / R20 per child. Children under the age of seven are free.
09
of 12
Explore the National Botanical Garden of the Free State
Direction
Rayton Rd, Dan Pienaar, Bloemfontein, 9310, South AfricaGet directions
Telephone
+27 51 436 3530
Web
Visit the website
On the northern outskirts of Bloem is the National Botanical Garden of the Free State, a 70-hectare Eden with native grasslands and forests spread across a wide valley. There are more than 400 species of plants on display, most of them from the Free State, Northern Cape and Lesotho. Stroll winding paths that will lead you through gardens and lawns to a dam and a bird’s hideout. There are 144 species of birds here, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller and the endemic fairy hunter. The garden is open every day and costs R25 per adult. There is a restaurant on-site and guided tours are available Monday through Friday for an additional R10 per person.
10
of 12
Join the locals at Die Boeremark Market
Soak up the famous and cozy atmosphere of Bloemfontein at the Die Boeremark market, held every Saturday in the suburb of Langenhovenpark. The stalls sell fresh produce from the surrounding farms, plus artisan cheeses, jams, breads, and ready-to-eat treats (expect Afrikaans delicacies like koeksisters and melktert). Food isn’t the only thing on offer – you’ll also find everything from boutique clothing to second-hand books, while arts and crafts stalls are the perfect place to search for travel souvenirs. The market is especially loved by families, with pony rides and jumping castles for children. It is located at 22 Bankovs Boulevard and operates from 7:00 a.m. M. At 1:00 p. M. Occasionally the place also hosts markets on Friday nights.
eleven
of 12
Shop till you drop at Loch Logan Waterfront
Direction
Henry St , Willows , Bloemfontein , 9301 , SudáfricaGet directions
Telephone
+27 51 448 3607
Web
Visit the website
If you need retail therapy, head to Loch Logan Waterfront, the largest mall in central South Africa. There are more than 100 stores selling everything from clothing to jewelry to games to technology. There is a gym for fitness junkies and a cinema for wet weather outings with the kids. When you’re done shopping, recharge with a meal at one of the many restaurants, cafes, or fast food outlets in the mall. Some of them have outdoor seating overlooking the lake for which the mall is named. Loch Logan is open every day. During the week, business hours are 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and most stores close earlier on weekends.
12
of 12
Watch the annual Mangaung Rose Festival
If you are in Bloemfontein in the third week of October, be sure to attend the annual Mangaung Rose Festival. This magical event first took place in 1976 and is a wonderful way to celebrate the heritage of the Bloem City of Roses. Every year, thousands of visitors and horticulturists flock to the capital to enjoy rose-related events over the course of four days. These include street parades, massive flower displays by local township and nurseries, and a prestigious rose-cutting competition. The festival is usually centered around one main venue, but there are satellite events throughout the city. These include open gardens, beauty pageants, live music, and street stalls.
