The Bloemfontein Rose Festival had its inception in 1976, when a couple
of council members decided that such a festival was appropriate, as
Bloemfontein was known as the City of Roses. It attracts thousands of
visitors and rose lovers from across South Africa and the world to
experience and participate in this spectacle of roses and assortment of
events taking place throughout the city.
Safari Bus has been serving the Universal Travel market
for the last 4 years, operating from our Johannesburg base. Working together with the industry leaders and Pioneers
in Africa - ENDEAVOUR SAFARIS, we have extended our Universal travel services
across the sub-region incorporating strategic bases in Cape Town, Botswana and
Namibia.
One of Bloemfontein's treasures is the 70 ha botanical garden on its northwestem fringe. Some 5 ha of the garden have been developed to display and preserve as much of the Free State flora as will grow there - with particular emphasis on species such as Crinum, klipdagga and witgousblom.
The well known 18 kilometre Visser Hiking Trail takes the Ladybrand visitor through the magnificent countryside and includes ancient sites of rock art. Mountain Biking and horse back riding are also popular activities offered in Ladybrand.
To the northeast the central area extends almost the Naval Hill, which is reached on a street branching off Union Avenue. Since 1930 this low hill has been occupied by the Franklin Nature Reserve, with antelopes, zebras and giraffes.
The Caledon Nature Reserve is about 15Km south of Wepener on th R701. It covers an area of 2300Ha. The Caledon River flows through the reserve, and the Welbedacht Dam is located in the sourthern region of the reserve.
Rustfontein Dam, a weekend playground for the people of Botshabelo, is 50 km east of Bloemfontein just off the Bloemfontein/Thaba 'Nchu road (R64). Braai and ablution facilities are located along the shoreline.
Protea Hotel Black Mountain, previously Thaba Nchu Sun, approximately 95kms from Bloemfontein, is alongside a 5 800-hectare game reserve. A celebration of traditional African architecture, the hotel combines the luxury and elegance demanded of a modern, sophisticated resort.
Aldersgate is located just 600m from the N1 highway, about 10 minutes drive, from Bloemfontein and offers excellent overnight accommodation and conference and wedding facilities, including some of the most beautiful sunsets in South Africa.
