Exceptional rich and diverse natural vegetation covers the picturesque mountains in the east, the vast central plains, the rocky outcrops in the south, and the Acacia thornveld in the north west - to encapsulate a whole world into a mere few words. The reality waits to be explored and enjoyed!

Giraffe, zebra, lion, rhino, springbok, impala, blesbok, black wildebeest, buffalo, eland - and many more - inhabit the nature reserves, while small game such as steenbok, duiker, hare, jackal, mongoose, caracal, aardvark, aardwolf and monkey are found throughout the province. Game also occurs on farms, while the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve is home to a herd of buffalo as well as the largest herd of black wildebeest in the world.

There are more than 460 bird species in the province. Rare birds such as the Cape and bearded vulture and bald ibis may be seen in the eastern Free State Mountains, while the wetland areas at Vrede and Memel in the north are home to the crowned crane and the very rare wattled crane. Many ground dwelling birds, such as francolin, guinea fowl, korhaan and blue crape, live on the plains. The white-backed vulture, crowned eagle, pygmy falcon, sociable weaver, crimson-breasted shrike and hornbill, among others, inhibit the bushveld in the North West, while the fish eagle and numerous species of water bird are common along the waterways of the province.

The Free State Province disposes of an extensive system of parks and reserves, including one national park (Golden Gate) and more than 80 provincial, municipal, and privately owned nature parks, nature reserves, game reserves, and game farms. Activities include bird and game viewing, trophy and biltong hunting, hiking, horseback riding, biking, 4x4 off-road driving, camping, climbing and spelunking.

Water eco-tourism in the Free State is based on an extensive river system (including the Vaal and Orange Rivers as well as smaller rivers) and 12 state dams with a combined shoreline of 760 km. Activities offered include swimming, fishing, water skiing, rafting, boating, etc.

Sterkfontein Dam

Situated approximately 23 km from Harrismith on the R74, oribi, reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, grey rhebuck, the bald ibis, the blue and white bellied korhaan, the buffstreaked chat, the ground woodpecker and the sentinel are found in this reserve covering 18 000 ha. Bearded and Cape vultures as well as black and martial eagles and secretary bird are also found.

Yellowwood, wild peach, koko tree, silky bark, black bark and bush guarri flourish in the sheltered kloofs. Wild grape has twined into the tree tops where they form a dense leafy canopy. Fungi and lichen nestle against living and rotten tree trunks. The mountain slopes are decorated with wild myrtle, redwood, ouhout, hush guarri, highveld protea, silver sugar bush and the scarce tree fern.

The fully equipped chalets all have a view of the lake and the mountains beyond. There are 360 camping sites along the shores of the dam. The caravan park is equipped with modern facilities and power points. Slipways and boathouses have been built for boating enthusiasts. A recreation hall with bar and kitchen may be rented.

The prevailing winds at Sterkfontein Dam make it ideal for sailing. The reserve is also a popular spot for camping, angling, and game viewing, biking and hiking. A two-day hiking trail has been established.


Tussen Die Riviere

This reserve lies in the southern Free State 65 km east of the N1 and 15 km from Bethulie on the R701 and stretches from the Caledon River in the north to the fast flowing Orange River in the south.

Visitors will enjoy the wide open skies, especially at night, when the bright stars invite star-gazing. Large herds of blesbok and springbok, as well as eland, kudu, red hartebeest and zebra are found here.

Aasvoëlkop is a prominent koppie near the eastern border of the reserve where Bushmen paintings bear the silent testimony to their earlier presence.

Grass and Karoo vegetation cover the open plains, while besembos, wild olive trees and bush guarri are scattered over the koppies. Cape and weeping willow trees, white stinkwood, star apple and suurtaaibos fringe the two rivers.

The six equipped two-bed chalets have their own car ports. There is a communal sitting and dining room complex with a bar, kitchen and a large barbecue area. At the hunters' camp, simple shelters, each with its own barbecue and lapa, are used for accommodation. There is a communal ablution block.

There are three hiking trails, two of which share an over-night facility. The reserve covers 23 000 ha and is a must for game viewing enthusiasts. It is also a famous hunting area and surplus game is annually offered to the public for hunting.


Soetdoring Nature Reserve

Soetdoring Nature Reserve approximately 30 km from Bloemfontein has two entrances. The eastern entrance is on the banks of the Modder River on the Bloemfontein / Bultfontein road (R700).

Here visitors enjoy angling, picnicking and game viewing. Braai facilities are located along the river and the dam. The modern conference centre near the eastern gate has a kitchen and roofed braai area which can be hired for meetings and social occasions. A unique overnight accommodation centre, constructed from modified train coaches, with a lapa, is being erected. The complex which is thatched, is set amongst sweet thorn trees.

The Modder River entrance is at the eastern boundary and runs through the 7 500 ha reserve before entering the Krugersdrift Dam which forms the western boundary. Gemsbok have found sanctuary here, along with eland, springbok, blesbok, black wildebeest, zebra and red hartebeest that roam the open plains of this reserve, while impala and kudu may be encountered in the riverine bush. Steenbok, duiker and mountain reedbuck have been here since the days this was farmland. Leguan, otter, water mongoose, small spotted genet and African wild cat inhabit alongside the hills. The dam attracts many waterbirds. The martial and fish eagles breed here.

Soetdoring Reserve also has predators in the form of lion and cheetahs.

The canopies of many sweet thorn trees growing along the Modder River provide protection to game, small mammals, birds and smaller trees and shrubs alike, while beautifying the banks of the River.

This is mainly an area for water sports. Visitors tend to be anglers, boating enthusiasts or water-skiers. However, being close to Bloemfontein, it is an ideal venue for a day in the outdoors or for having a party or a meeting. The one-day hiking trails which follow the Modder River, are suitable for families with young children.

Night excursions give visitors an intimate look into the night life of the many nocturnal creatures that inhabit the reserve. However, these excursions must be booked in advance. There is a lion park where lions can be observed at close quarters. Over two hundred and fifty species of birds have been recorded here.


Sandveld Nature Reserve

Sandveld Nature Reserve is along the Bloemhof / Hoopstad road, the R34. It lies approximately 200 km northwest of Bloemfontein. The essence of Africa is tangible in the Sandveld Nature Reserve, situated in the Kalahari thornveld biome. The reserve covers 37 700 ha and includes the Bloemhof Dam.

Gemsbok, blue wildebeest, kudu, rhino, buffalo, giraffe and small mammals thrive here. Large numbers of egrets, cormorants, ibis, ducks, geese and flamingos gather on the dam and along its edges at different times of the year. Social weavers have built several communal nests which are sometimes inhabited by the diminutive pygmy falcon. White-backed vultures breed in large nests on top of camel thorn trees, and the crimson-breasted shrike and hornbills can also be seen in the reserve.

Power points are available at some of these camp sites. The modern holiday chalets boast facilities such as air conditioning, barbecues and car ports. A furnished lapa set in the midst of lush vegetation is able to accommodate 30 to 40 people.

Essentials and curios can be purchased at a small shop.

Soft sandy beaches fringing the dam and the abundance of fish make Sandveld a paradise for anglers.


Caledon Nature Reserve

The reserve is approximately 120 km southeast of Bloemfontein along the R701 road between Wepener and Smithfield. It's 2 300 ha has an almost tangible atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Apart from the splendid views and game such as black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok and zebra, the reserve is notable for its beautiful mountain vegetation. The fish eagle reigns supreme here and nearly 200 species of bird have been recorded, a large number of which are water birds.

Two floating bush camps serve as overnight spots for hikers and canoeists. The one camp is, however, only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Each camp can accommodate 16 people on four floating decks. On the shore there is a lapa with barbecue facilities, benches and tables and ablution facilities.

Fishing is the main attraction. The river supports barbell, mudfish, yellow fish and carp. Record carp is regularly caught here. Canoeists and hikers are welcome.


Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve

The game reserve is situated approximately 30 km from Ventersburg and 150 km from Bloemfontein. The turn-off to the nature reserve is on the N1 between Winburg and Ventersburg. The Sand River and Allemanskraal Dam divide the Willem Pretorius Game Reserve of 12 000 ha into northern and southern parts. The northern side creates suitable homes for baboon, mountain reedbuck, red hartebeest, kudu and duiker. Huge white stinkwood and karee trees also occur. On the southern side, eland, blesbok, springbok, black wildebeest and zebra can be found, while white rhino and buffalo are equally at home on either side of the reserve.

There is a modern fully equipped education and conference centre. Environmental education programmes are presented to groups on request. Groups of up to 100 people can be accommodated in two complexes. A large recreation hall in the same complex can accommodate 200 people. The 10 fully equipped holiday chalets each have its own car port and barbecue. The restaurant is licensed and serves a la carte and take-away meals. Essentials and curios can be obtained from a small shop. In one of the kloofs of the game reserve is a lapa with barbecue facilities. There is also a bush camp that sleeps 16 people and has a kitchen and ablution facilities.

The caravan park is well equipped with power points, ablution facilities and a kitchen.


Qwa Qwa National Park

The park is about 60 km from Harrismith on the Harrismith/Golden Gate Road, the R712. The Eerstegeluk Guest House is fully equipped. It can accommodate 10 persons. Guided horse rides are available. Game viewing can be done in this unique way.

The vleis of this park are filled with bird life, the kloofs well-vegetated and the caves adorned with Bushmen drawings. The flora includes species such as ou hout, white stinkwood, karee, kiepersol. Wild olive and yellowwood. The abundance of veld flowers in spring and cosmos in autumn make a visit more than worthwhile. Indigenous lilies like watsonia, gladioli, arums, scilla and many more are found, while eland, zebra, black wildebeest, blesbok, red hartebeest and springbok go their way undisturbed. A rich variety of species, including the bearded and Cape vulture, black and martial eagle, secretary bird and ostrich, as well as various aquatic species, awaits the discerning bird watcher.

The two day Spelonken Hiking Trail of 27 km, with two restored sandstone farm houses serving as overnight spots, will be an unforgettable experience for the hiker.


Gariep Dam Nature Reserve

The reserve stretches from the Gariep Dam wall in the west to the town of Bethulie in the east. Road signs indicate the turn-off on the N1. The reserve is 200 km south of Bloemfontein and 5 km to the east of the N1. The reserve has a small self-catering resort with three equipped chalets, camping sites, ablution facilities, and a lapa.

Aventura Midwaters runs a large, modern holiday resort next to the reserve.

This is a reserve of contrasts. On land many koppies, rocky outcrops and ridges are linked by dry, open plains, part of the arid, Karoo environment. On the other hand there is the very large dam, fed by the Orange and Caledon Rivers, covering 36 500 ha at full capacity, that creates a water wonder world. The interesting shoreline of 435 km follows the topography of the land and many bays, peninsulas and small islands are formed. The Dam is 88m at its deepest point. This varied landscape provides exciting sailing experiences.

All kinds of water sports are very popular. Some visitors enjoy angling as a pastime, while others prefer hiking. A variety of plains game, as well as the scarce Cape mountain zebra and klipspringer make game viewing a worthwhile experience.


Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve

The reserve lies near the road between Theunissen and Winburg (R708) with the turn-off approximately 10 km outside Theunissen. Camping sites with power points, ablution and barbecue facilities, and slipways and boathouses have been erected on the northern bank of the dam. There is a nature reserve of approximately 400 ha where game can be seen.

Lying in the heart of the Free State Highveld, the Erfenis Dam of 3 800 ha was constructed to provide irrigation water, but anglers soon discovered enjoyable fishing here.

Anglers enjoy the pleasures of the fishing opportunities in this reserve.


Koppies Dam Nature Reserve

The town of Koppies lies 55 km north of Kroonstad, just off the N1 between Kroonstad and Sasolburg. The nature reserve is 16 km east of the town. The roads are well marked. There are camping facilities. Neat ablution facilities with hot and cold water are available although there is no electricity. There aren't any shops and visitors must bring their own provisions.

Koppies Dam Nature Reserve, which lies on the Highveld of the Northern Free State and extends over an area of 4 300 ha, provides a heaven for anglers. The vegetation consists predominantly of mixed grassveld and dense thickets of sweet thorn trees with willow trees along the Renoster River. White rhino together with other species of wildlife are often encountered and fortunate visitors may spot the large herd of buffalo. Many bird species, including several waterfowl varieties, inhabit this nature reserve.

The dam is an angler's dream come true with yellowfish, barbell, mudfish and carp taken in abundance. Water sports like windsurfing, sailing, and skiing are very popular. Along the shores of the dam reed and thatch shelters with braai facilities are available to visitors. The shady picnic area, complete with braai facilities, along the Renoster River, is a beautiful retreat.


Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve

This reserve in the south-western part of the Free State, lies 35 km to the north of Fauresmith on the Petrusburg / Fauresmith road (S136)

Yellow fish, both the small and largemouth varieties, attract many anglers to this reserve, which is attractively situated between small koppies and ridges. Spectacular sunset colours transform the landscape with their blazing browns, reds and oranges most evenings. The dam of approximately 4 500 ha is an angler's paradise and special provision has been made to accommodate these sportsmen.

Barbecues, slipways and toilets are there for the convenience of the angler. Camping and angling are the main activities. There are no shops and visitors must bring their own provisions and equipment.

Angling is the main activity.


Rustfontein Dam Nature Reserve

Rustfontein Dam is 50 km east of Bloemfontein just off the Bloemfontein/Thaba 'Nchu road (R64). Braai and ablution facilities are located along the shoreline. There are however, no shopping facilities and visitors must bring their own equipment and provision.

Sailings, skiing, windsurfing, angling; name any water sport and it is probably practised at Rustfontein Nature Reserve. The surrounding countryside, with its tree-studded koppies and grassy hillsides, provides an attractive backdrop to this dam that water-sport enthusiasts have chosen as their playground.

Angling and water sports are the main activities and angling competitions are held regularly.


Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve

The Klip River meanders through the Seekoeivlei wetland that stretches from Memel in the south to Villliers in the north. The many oxbow lakes next to the river characterize these wetlands which are unique, and one of the few remaining sponge areas in the Vaal River catchment's area. 4 400 ha have been set aside for conservation purposes. Seekoeivlei is soon to be declared a Ramsar Area. The entrance to the reserve is just north of the town of Memel. Braai facilities are at present the only amenities.

Bird viewing is a great attraction for visitors to this reserve in view of the wide variety of species, some of them very rare, that live in the vlei and surrounding grasslands. Bittern, different species of heron, stork, ibis, the blue crane and the beautiful mahem can be seen.

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