South Africa Travel – Visit the Free State
With the World Cup shining the spotlight on South Africa, local tourism is getting the jump start it desperately needs. While major centers such as Cape Town and Johannesburg are already popular with tourists, smaller places are getting the attention they deserve. It is a very diverse country and the diversity is about much more than the people. The Free State is perhaps the least “famous” province in South Africa, but it is perhaps the most authentic.
Known for its vast open spaces, this is a province dominated by farming communities and old South African charm. With Bloemfontein being the largest city, most of the Free State is untouched by major development, you can drive for hours on the long roads and see nothing but the odd sheep here and there.
What makes the Free State so special is that it is unlike any other place in the world. Local farm shops in small towns that sell traditional food and crafts are more than charming – they’re an experience. Small artistic communities like the one in Clarens is like stepping into a new universe, while the scenic beauty of the Golden Gate Mountain range allows you to explore the magnificent natural beauty.
The best way to explore the stunning natural beauty of the countryside is by car. Flights from Johannesburg land every 3 hours in Bloemfontein and you can take a car from the airport. Hotels are scarce, but that’s the best part. Guest houses and bed and breakfasts are the way to go, and many farms allow guests, which is a great way to see authentic South African living in a countryside known for its old-school charm.
#South #Africa #Travel #Visit #Free #State