Overview
Take a trip to Bloemfontein on your South Africa Vacation
Bloemfontein, known locally as Bloem, serves as the judicial capital of South Africa and the capital of the Free State province. It proudly holds the distinction of being the birthplace of J.R.R. Tolkien, the author behind The Lord of the Rings. Truly magical, Bloemfontein’s relaxed atmosphere invites those seeking a peaceful escape from the fast pace of life. As a family-oriented city, Bloemfontein has no shortage of experiences suitable for all ages, including many historical buildings and the National Museum, food and art markets, water parks, botanical gardens, and the annual Mangaung Rose Festival showcasing the largest selection of roses from the Free State.
At a Glance
Languages
Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, EnglishCurrency
South African Rand (ZAR)What do the experts say?
Skip the more commercial wineries and visit artisanal producers—you’ll find sparkling wines and small-batch reds that are absolutely world-class.
Djembe drumming at GOLD in Cape Town is an immersive African experience through their 14-dish food safari and unique live entertainment.
The game viewing in Kruger and Eastern Cape always draws me back—it’s truly superb.
South Africans are famously warm—when you’re new in town, you're often invited to a braai, our way of welcoming people through food.
South Africa is a wonderful starting point for Africa. It's got some of the top cities in the world, stunning food and wine, and exceptional value for money.
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