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Safari in Bloemfontein - Essential Travel Info

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Safari in Bloemfontein Free State South Africa (3 Results)

Bain's Game Lodge
- Bloemfontein Free State South Africa Safari

4km from the city centre. Thatched lodge and chalets in a bush atmosphere. Three conference venues. Also, eight self-catering units. Game-viewing and crocodile park.

Bishops Glen
- Bloemfontein Free State South Africa Safari

Large cattle and irrigation farm adjoining game reserve off N1 15 min north of Bloemfontein. Old world hospitality offered, bedrooms open onto veranda and gardens. A dam offers over 200 bird species and fishing. Listen for the calls of resident Fish Eagles. Game drives available.

De Oude Kraal Country Estate
- Bloemfontein Free State South Africa Safari

35km south of Bloemfontein. A lovely old Free State farm and a perfect overnight stop to and from the Cape. Individually decorated en suite double rooms with fireplaces and beautifully restored old farm house. Some with lounge, TV, M-Net, spa bath, patio and underfloor heating. Tranquillity and traditional farm cooking.

Geography: Positioned along the N1, Bloemfontein is an ideal stopover for those travelling from Gauteng to Cape Town.

History: Bloemfontein is the seat of the Appeal Court and as such is the 'judicial capital' of South Africa. Known informally as the City of Roses, its history can be traced to a white settler called Rudolph Brits. In search of better grazing for his livestock, he came across a site near a strong spring, which he bartered the local Sotho community for. Soon the area became well known as a stopover for explorers and hunters. Later on Bloemfontein ('flower fountain') became the capital of the new Voortrekker Republic, and when diamonds were discovered at Kimberley and gold in the Witwatersrand the capital gained economic strength. Today the city is the centre of South Africa's road and rail transport, as well as being a main agricultural centre.

Arts and Culture: The city of Bloemfontein has plenty of museums and monuments to keep the traveller occupied and interested in its culture. Some of these include The National Women's Monument that pays tribute to the 26,370 Boer women and children who died in the South African (Anglo-Boer) War, the National Afrikaans Literary Museum and Research Centre, and the Agricultural Museum. The National Museum houses one of the largest collections of fossils and archaeological artefacts. Against the backdrop of Naval Hill, travellers will see a huge white horse laid out in whitewashed rocks that helped returning horsemen get their bearings during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War. There are many interesting and varied architectural styles in Bloemfontein that contain Mediterranean, British Renaissance and Classical influences. Some of these buildings include the Appeal Court, the 1st and 4th Raadsaal, the Presidency, the sandstone City Hall, Queen's Fort, the Anglican Cathedral and the Dutch Reformed Church. The provincial heritage site at Maphikela House in Batho Village was the place where the ANC was founded in 1912. The double-storey house was the venue for many important ANC meetings and belonged to a founding member of the party.

Science and Nature: Bloemfontein is home to the Free State's only botanical garden, which contains a variety of Karoo plants, more than 100 species of birds and 54 reptile species. At King's Park visitors will see the Prince's Rose Garden and the zoo, where the world's first 'liger ' was bred. The liger is a mix between a tiger and a lion!

Entertainment: For an interesting glimpse into township life, tourists can go on an organised tour into the vibey, jazzy Mangaung Township. Back in town, Bloemfontein has an active nightlife with its numerous pubs and nightclubs. There are a handful of theatres of which The Observatory, situated inside a real observatory inside the city's nature reserve, is the most interesting.

Sport: Bloemfontein is a haven for sportsmen and women and has world-class facilities including the Free State Stadium, the home of the provincial rugby team known as the Cheetahs. The Free State Cricket Stadium is also a very modern stadium with excellent facilities. For the traveller, the city offers every imaginable sport from football to a round of golf.

Did You Know? Bloemfontein is the birthplace of JRR Tolkien, famous author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

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