Situated in the middle of the Free State, Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa, is known for its hospitality. South Africa’s property includes the sixth largest city is a popular choice amongst rugby players and Free Staters alike.

Bloemfontein, also known as the City of Roses, is the economic engine of the

Free State. The city is situated about 400 kilometres from Johannesburg which makes it the perfect place for a stop over during a long distance drive. The city has some great shopping malls like Mimosa Mall and the Loch Logan Waterfront.

Museum lovers should take the time to visit the Women’s Memorial and War Museum as well as the National Museum. The Boyden Observatory just outside Bloemfontein is also a great tourist attraction – it houses numerous telescopes and offers interesting presentations about astronomy. The Free State Botanical Garden, which displays a wide spectrum of the province’s indigenous flora, is also worth a visit.

Bloemfontein is also home to the Toyota Cheetahs, the Super 15 rugby team as well as the Premier Soccer League team Bloemfontein Celtic. The Free State Stadium, previously upgraded for the Soccer World Cup, is now a world class sport facility.

The City of Roses is also known for its excellent schools and many professional sports personalities will contest to the fact that their education played a vital role in their career. Grey College is the alma mater of the late Hansie Cronje as well as Springbok rugby player Bismarck du Plessis and Olympic swimmer Ryk Neethling.