This is a culturally rich province is divided into five distinct region offering numerous tourist attractions. From the magnificently decorated Sotho houses to the sandstone buildings in the highlands, there is certainly a multitude of attractions to keep visitors intrigued. These are the top ten places to visit in the Free State.

1. Gariep Dam Nature Reserve

The Gariep Dam Nature Reserve is the Free State’s largest nature reserve. Located along the Gariep Dam and the Orange River, this reserve prides itself in being home to countless bird, plant and animal life.

2.  Free State National Botanical Garden

The Free State National Botanical Garden boasts in excess of 400 plant species unique to the Free State, the Northern Cape and Lesotho. Located on the outskirts of Bloemfontein it offers six distinctive gardens as well as a wilderness hiking trails.

3. Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Perhaps best known for its golden-hued sandstone sentinels, the Golden Gate Highlands National Park houses a large variety of birds and mammals.  Situated equidistant from Johannesburg, Durban and Bloemfontein this is the ideal escape.

4. Vredefort Dome

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vredefort Dome is the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world. Visitors to the Vredefort Dome can hike, river raft, camp, abseil, horse ride and canoe the area around the dome.

5. Vaal Prive Holiday Resort

Located in Deweyville, the Vaal Prive Holiday Resort is the ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. This resort is on the banks of the Vaal Dam and offers water skiing, fishing kayaking, bird watching, and diving. The resort itself is ideal for relaxing and also includes swimming pool, trampoline, table tennis, pool tables, hot tub, kid’s entertainment with Sony PlayStation games, badminton, volley ball, amusement park and a well-equipped gym.

6. The Dell Cheetah Centre

Just outside Parys, the Dell Cheetah Centre breeds cheetahs before releasing into their natural habitats. There are currently 11 cheetahs at the centre and in addition to getting up close with these felines, visitors  will also be able to see Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Springbok, Kudu, Impala and Antelope.

7. The Sterkfontein Dam

The Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve is located just 23kg from Harrismith and is inhabited by a variety of animal and bird species including Mountain Reedbuck and Grey Rhebuck. Popular for camping, angling, game viewing, biking and hiking, the Sterkfontein Dam Reserve is home to the country’s biggest hydro-electric power station

8. Lionsrock Park Big Cat Sanctuary

Lionsrock Park Big Cat Sanctuary has to date rescues over 90 big cats from around the world and offers these animals a safe home.  Visitors can also partake in activities such as photo drives, horse riding, bird watching and hiking trails as well as trips to the nearby Golden Gate National Park.

9. Willem Pretorius Game Reserve 

Visitors to the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve near the small Free State town of Ventersburg can expect to catch a glimpse of the world’s largest herds of black wildebeest. A convenient stopover between Johannesburg and Cape Town, this is the ideal place for wildlife lovers to see eland, blesbok, springbok, white rhino and giraffe.

10. Cheetah Experience

One of Bloemfontein’s most popular tourist attractions, The Cheetah Experience is a definite must visit for big cat lovers. The centre’s main focus is the conservation and breeding of the cheetah however it also serves as a sanctuary for other wild cat species such as lions, tigers, leopards, servals and caracals. Not only will you learn about the big cats but you’ll also be able to physically interact with certain animals at the centre.