The Transgariep and Goldfields region of the Free State is bordered in the South by the Orange River and Gariep Dam, in the East by the Lesotho border and in the West by the Northern Province border. Goldfields occupies the northern half of this Freestate region but it was not until 1938 that gold was discovered in the region when a borehole being sunk on the farm St Helena struck a continuation of the reef that was being mined in the Witwatersrand. Soon prospectors and miners were flooding into the region known now as goldfields and allied industries sprung up in the region. Today the Free State goldfields are rivaled only by those of Gauteng, and Welkom's residents enjoy an income second to none in South Africa. Above the ground the countryside is rich with endless fields of maize.
The Transgariep occupies the southern part of this region, which is a mass of vast open grassy plains. In the south the plains are fed by the 2000 kilometre long Orange River which rises in the far northeast of Lesotho, circumnavigates that country and eventually flows into the Atlantic Ocean. On the Orange River (now called the Gariep) was built the Gariep Dam, which was opened in 1972 and covers 36500 hectares. Together with an 11250 hectare game sanctuary on its northern shore this makes up the Free State's largest nature reserve.
Bloemfontein is the Capital of the Free State and the judicial capital of South Africa. Its Tswana name is Mangaung which means "the place of the spotted cat", which is a name derived from times of old when cheetahs and leopards roamed the region at will. Bloemfontein originated back in 1840 when a Voortrekker farmer named Johannes Brits built himself a house alongside a spring surrounded by flowers. Bloemfontein is home to a great number of museums, including the National Museum, dotted about the city giving the visitor to this beautiful city a wide choice of subjects. Outside the centre of the city is the Free State National Botanical Garden, home to more than 400 species of indigenous flora.
Welkom is the second largest city in the Free State. It was laid out in 1947 on the farm. Welkom, became a municipality in 1961 and a city on 14 February 1968, making it South Africa's newest city. The city was planned by the chairman of Anglo-American and is a garden city with a commercial centre built around a central square, and more than one million trees planted. The mines in and around Welkom are very deep and flooding of the shafts is an ever-present threat. Enormous quantities of brackish water have to be pumped to the surface daily where they are collected in evaporation pans. Bird life on these pans is prolific. Species include flamingo, the sacred ibis, Egyptian goose, Muscovy duck, Marsh Owl, and many seagulls. Some of the water from the mines is desalinated and used for domestic purposes.
By far the oldest town in the Transgariep and Goldfields region of the Free State is Philippolis, founded in 1823 by the London Missionary Society for the benefit of displaced Khoikhoi and San. The streets of the town are lined with quaint Karoo houses with 19th Century front doors and stoeps. Many of these houses have been declared as National Monuments.
The Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve in the far southwest of the province is one of the few fishing dams where yellowfish are plentiful. The land area around the dam is too small to support wildlife and the dam has become a favourite venue for weekend picnickers, campers and fishermen. The reserve is open daily and visitors may camp overnight.
Rietpoort Game and Guest Farm is situated 11km from Trompsburg which is on the n1 to cape town
Altissimo Bed & Breakfast Guesthouse in Rayton pride ourselves in giving you quality facilities and service of the highest standard.Situated on the outskirts of Bloemfontein, Altissimo overlook the quiet Lilyvale Valley.
Dante Deo Guest House Modern doublestory house on one hectar land in Bloemfontein with large indoor and outdoor areas suitable for functions, conferences, meetings , group activities and overnight facilities.
We are an Up-market Guest House situated in Welkom Free State in the heart of the Goldfields. You can find the Central Business District and entertainment, within a radius of 2 km.
Abba Self Catering HOUSE and flats are situated in the upmarket suburb, Bloemfontein. We cater for corporate guests, touring groups, families, school groups and sport teams, but also for single and double accommodation.
River Destiny Lodge is situated along the banks of the Orange River. Popular 20 luxury en-suite bedrooms or self-catering chalets with spectacular view. Camping, Conference & Recreation facilities. We also have camping sites & permanent tent
A Bed Away offers modern, spacious accommodation with a warm atmosphere where you'll feel at home! We offer a welcome break as well as a comfortable stay in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for people traveling for business or pleasure and can ...
Set in a quiet,shady garden in the northern suburbs of Bloemfontein, close to shopping center, take away, eating places, medical facilities and schools.
34 @ Dapper offers modern self-catering units were you will feel at home! Our units are modern, affordable and very clean and neat. We offer a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for any occasion. Suitable for long or short stays.
Lushof Lodge in Gariepdam offers Guest Farm Accommodation.2,3km off the N1; 180km South of Bloemfontein; 55km North of Colesburg; 22km North of Gariep Dam and 30km South of Springfontein.. We offer safe accommodation with plenty of open spaces wher
Belmont is a luxury 4 Star guesthouse situated in a well established residential area just north of the city centre with easy access from all main routes. The guesthouse has thritenn stylishly furnished en-suite bedrooms, providing excellent ....
Angela's Guest Lodge is ideally suited for the weary traveler wanting to break their long and tiresome journey or alternatively for the guest who wants to spend some extra days enjoying all that the Karoo and Gariep Dam area has to offer...
Caledon River Holiday Farm in Bethulie, break away to a peaceful farm atmosphere on the banks of the Caledon River. Also ideal for camps, team building!
Adamsiew offers Luxury self catering accommodation with breathtaking views over Gariep Dam. Situated halfway between Johannesburg and Cape Town you will find Adamsview 5 km from the N1 close to Colesberg.
Hillside Farm is a 4th generation working family farm situated in the Southern Free State. The main areas of the farming enterprise are Merino wool sheep and a Red Angus cattle stud...
Allegro Guest House offers guests beautiful rooms in the suburb of Bayswater in Bloemfontein.
This homely thatched residence with separate thatched cottage boasts a manicured sub-tropical garden and views of Naval Hill. Cherry Tree cottage's accommodation comprises 3 Garden rooms and 2 cottage rooms.
De Witt'e Gastehuis is a stately, thatched guest house, situated in a quiet area in the Northern part of Bloemfontein. It offers tranquil, quality accommodation with its stylish rooms and a swimming pool for those hot summer days.
Situated in Bloemfontein in the suburb Quaggafontein, close to the N1 and N8, De Stallen offers unique quality self catering accommodation facilities.
Come and experience real comfort and hospitality at Janmar Guest House in Bloemfontein. Janmar was awarded three stars, by the South African Tourism Council, for its excellent service and homely atmosphere. We pride ourselves on being attentive...