BLOEMFONTEIN – President Brand Street
Discover the history of Bloemfontein in President Brand Street. The architecture tells of each age and all the different governments that have ruled the city and province of the Free State to the present day. This street has rightly been declared a national monument. It is awash with old sandstone buildings from an era gone by. Architectural marvels include the Supreme Court of Appeal, Bloemfontein City Hall, The 4th Raadsaal, The Literature Museum and various old churches.
BLOEMFONTEIN - Oliewenhuis Art Museum and Gallery
Oliewenhuis Art Museum is still a relatively young museum even by South African standards. The majestically placed Neo Cape Dutch mansion looks out over the city from rolling lawns and perfectly manicured gardens. The proactive venue hosts national and international exhibitions, educational lectures, and workshops. Officially opened on 11 October 1989, the Museum has shown a steady and interesting growth in its collection. The permanent collection, which is frequently rearranged, is housed on the first floor and is devoted exclusively to works produced by South African artists.
BOTSHABELO – Surrounded by Free State grasslands
It is therefore not unusual to see shepherds wrapped in the traditional Basotho blankets herding sheep and cattle in the vast expanses of ‘veld’. Craft markets, shopping centers, the Rustfontein Dam and Nature Reserve from part of the attractions to be found in this historical settlement. Activities include fishing, boating and game drives.
THABA NCHU - Maria Moroka Game Reserve
The Maria Moroka National Park lies at the foot of the Thaba Nchu Mountain which shelters the town and provides a scenic backdrop for inhabitants and visitors alike. The small national park is teaming with zebras, eland and red hartebees, black wildebeest, springbok, blesbok and white rhino, and more than a hundred species of birds. Visitors can hike the 8km hike through the park and stay in the self catering chalets. Game drives are also available with experienced rangers.
LADYBRAND - Sandstone Mecca
Ladybrand is not built of sandstone for no reason – as the sandstone used to build the Union Buildings was mined just here. If you have the time, make an effort to get off the main road to some of the old farmhouses, they are heritage material.
LADYBRAND – Fossils, Dinosaurs and Rock art
Ladybrand and surrounds is a rich picking area for archaeologists and rock painting enthusiasts. Two very important fossils that were found in Ladyband are the "Diarthrognatus" and the "Euskelosaurus". 12 rock painting sites are now national monuments.
WEPENER – Boer War battle sites
For the traveller interested in the history of the South African (Anglo-Boer) War, the Jammersdrift Battle site in Wepener was where many clashes took place and visitors can see the many graves in the area.
ADVENTURE – for the thrill of it!
You name it and it can almost all be done here in the central region, gliding, scuba diving, sky diving, 4x4 driving, mountain biking, hiking and abseiling are all offered within the region. Anglers have no less than 4 dams to choose from when planning their trips.
INGENUITY - Local Craft and art
There is an abundance of art and craft in this area. Not only are crafts produced here but are of an extremely high standard. Ceramics, beadwork, weaving and homeware is sold nationally and internationally on the high streets of London, New York and Los Angeles amongst others.
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