The Free State is the agricultural heart of South Africa. This vast grassy plain is where more than 70% of South Africa's grain consumption is produced. The Free State is also rich in mineral wealth, gold representing 20% of the worlds total gold production.
Impressive game reserves exist such as the Willem Pretorius. The grassy plains in the south of the reserve provides ideal conditions for large herds of plain game such as black wildebeest and springbok. The ridges, koppies and plains typical of the northern section are home to kudu, red hartebeest, white rhino and buffalo. The African wildcat, black wildebeest, zebra, eland, white rhino and wild dog can be seen at the Soetdoring Nature Reserve near Bloemfontein.
Probably the most scenically attractive of all the reserves in the Free State is the Golden Gate Highlands National Park dominated by spectacular sandstone mountains. The reserve derives it's name from two massive sandstone formations that face one another across the valley.
Apart from the splendour of the Free State's nature reserves, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy horse-riding, hunting, and bird watching. The rivers and dams offer a myriad of water sport opportunities such as challenging river rafting or canoeing. Day and overnight hiking routes vary from educational tours to rough mountain treks. In addition, a large variety of festivals and events are held throughout the year with some characteristic only to the Free State.
To visit South Africa's Free State is to be touched by its rural charm, to be one with nature and where one can experience the freedom of true wide open spaces.
Magnificent rainbow over a outcrop of sandstone in south-eastern Free State. It is no surprise to hear that the majority of inhabitants in this region speak Sotho, with it's close proximity to Lesotho
Bloemfontein National Museum. Since its founding the Museum has developed into an institution of international stature, focusing on natural history, cultural history and art
The Gariep Dam, originally named the Hendrik Verwoerd Dam after the first prime minister of the Republic of South Africa on its commission in 1971, however after the end of apartheid, the Verwoerd name was considered unsuitable and officially changed to Gariep Dam on 4 October 1996
The Gariep Dam is the largest storage reservoir in South Africa. The wall is 88 m high and has a crest length of 914 m and contains approximately 1.73 million m³ of concrete
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