Bloemfontein South Africa

With its more than 460 000 inhabitants, Bloemfontein offers adequate recreational and entertainment facilities which include public parks, swimming pools, sports fields, a game reserve and a zoo.

Bloemfontein has created a true blend in which somehow the past, the present and the future have been encapsulated. What keeps the past so alive is the unobtrusive and almost natural inclusion of an impressive architectural and historical heritage into the very life of a modern, developing city. Graceful charm is to be seen all along the historical, tree-lined President Brand Street, a declared national conservation area. Stately museum buildings stand proudly visible at the ends of bustling main streets in the business district while small monuments and memorials, almost unnoticeable, are preserved even in built-up suburbs.

Attractions in Bloemfontein

A variety of attractions awaits the visitor to this friendly city of Bloemfontein, from the unique blend of gracious old world charm to ultra-modern, high-tech sophistication.

The Civic Centre, a modern glass building which serves as the headquarters of the city council, inaugurated in 1991, boasts modern conference facilities which include, among others, three auditoriums and various reception areas.
The Sand du Plessis Theatre, as one of the world's most modern and technically advanced theatres, is breathtakingly beautiful, glittering in glamorous gold and magnificent marble. The Twin-spired Church and the Anglican Cathedral.

The National Women's Memorial, a sandstone shrine impressive in its simplicity, is a celebrated example of South African sculpture art created by Anton von Wouw. President Brand Cemetery and President's Acre; the collection of veteran and classic cars, motorcycles and motor-mobilia of Waldie Greyvenstein.

A variety of museums, including the National Museum, Hertzog House, First Raadsaal, Old Presidency, Queens Fort Military Museum, Freshford House, War Museum, Free State Education Museum, Unit Museum of I Special Service Battalion, Jukskei Museum of Hercules Taljaard, National Afrikaans Literature Museum, Rugby Museum of Choet Visser, Free State Agricultural Museum and the SA Armour Museum. Oliewenhuis Art Gallery, a neo-Cape Dutch manor house originally erected to house governors, and later state presidents - during their visits to Bloemfontein.

Educational institutions, such as the University of the Free State; Bloemfontein Public Library (GA Fichardt Bequest); Hertzog Square and Hoffman Square; The historic sandstone buildings in President Brand Street such as the Court of Appeal, Fourth Raadsaal, City Hall and the Supreme Court.

Bloemfontein is further enhanced by its natural beauty and expansiveness, including the Franklin Game Reserve which is uniquely situated in the heart of the city on the plains above Naval Hill. Also on Naval Hill is the Lamont Hussey Observatory, which has been converted into an intimate theatre; the Free State National Botanical Garden; the Orchid House, where one steps into a tropical oasis of lush greenery, a circular wooden walkway taking one around this tiny jungle full of charm. Nearby is a fragrance garden for the blind. There is also Maselspoort Pleasure Resort and State President Swart Park and Kings Park with its more than 4 000 rose bushes, the Bloemfontein Zoo, which is open every day of the year, and a series of modern sports stadia for rugby, athletics, cricket, hockey as well as an Olympic size swimming pool.

The popular and pleasant Loch Logan, Bloemfontein's own waterfront, currently under development. Many tourists are attracted to the city by 'Die Volksblad' monthly art market in Kings Park, the Rose Festival in October and the Agricultural Show in March.

Accommodation in Bloemfontein

• Looking for accommodation facilities in Bloemfontein that meet your needs? We have seen all of them, we have been there and we have the biggest selection of accommodation establishments.

• Contact the Bloemfontein t ourist Information office for free, friendly and professional assistance.

• Contact Merl at Amakhulu Central Reservations. She specializes in accommodation in Bloemfontein and South Africa