Top Things to do in Free State
Countries
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Free State, South Africa
Discover the best top things to do in Free State, South Africa including Amphitheatre, Tiger Canyons, Langberg Hiking Trail, Glen Garriff Conservation, Free State National Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Highlands National Park, LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary, The Dell Cheetah Centre, Bagamoya Wildlife Estate, Love Lions Alive.
Restaurants in Free State
1. Amphitheatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By rachelwood63 - Dorset, United Kingdom
A fabulous walk, an adventurous climb leading to the most stunning views. Exciting descent on chain ladders. Layden, from Ambhitheatre Backpackers was our guide. He was responsible always look out for our safety and then so much fun we had a great laugh and met some lovely, fellow travellers. Please don't be tempted to do this trek without a guide as there are potential risks and so please keep safe and wear good boots
2. Tiger Canyons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By CuriousCatStarGazer
Thank you for making it accessible to local South Africans! Fantastic experience, very accommodating to allergies. Wonderful photographic opportunities, I had no ideas that Tigers were so social. Sightings on every game drive. Mom, dad and 4 7 month old cubs together, another with mom and 2 one month old cubs. And the cheetahs first sighting they were on the hunt, 2nd sighting they had made a kill. Thanks to guide Lucien for the photography tips and all the insights and stories.
3. Langberg Hiking Trail
4. Glen Garriff Conservation
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By ChicagoNikola - Vernon Hills, United States
I have been following GG Conservation on Social Media for some time and visiting here has been a dream come true. My boyfriend surprised me with this trip for Christmas . I am not a fan of zoos or places where animals are used for touristy attractions, GG Conservation is truly a place where the lions are rescued and placed in their most natural habitat. Suzanne is truly incredible, she answered any questions I had before arriving very quickly by email and gave suggestions on where to buy groceries beforehand since we would be at the house for a few days. When we arrived we were escorted through security gates to the house where Suzanne gave us a tour of the home and went over basic info about the property. There are numerous camps on the entire property and each is home to a pride. We openly roamed the outside of the camps to visit each one and were amazed by the beauty of these animals. We did the lion cage experience and there are no words to describe how incredible it was. This is the closest interaction that you can have with the animals , which is safe because you are in an enclosed cage. Suzanne took us on a tour to each camp by vehicle and I must say that her dedication to and knowledge of each and every lion is amazing, she knows each lion’s name, personality, physical characteristics , and their story. I want to come back again next year with some of my close friends and recommend anyone that can visit here definitely should. ❤️
5. Free State National Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
This carefully landscaped and colorful garden, with paved walkways, nature talks and moonlight walks, is popular year round.
Reviewed By Simonwien1961 - Rushden, United Kingdom
This was my second visit to the Gardens its a well maintained beautiful and peaceful place the entrance fee is so cheap 28 Rand under £2 & $2. I walked all around to the top of the hill and down with nice views. There are plenty of different birds to see on my first visit in March 2018 the dam didn't have any water in it but this time it did so able to watch many waterfowl there is a bird hide to view them, I saw a coot couple building a nest on the dam I loved it watching the male swimming out to collect twigs for the female to build her nest it was so sweet. Later in the afternoon the Mongooses come out and walk around. The restaurant is very cheap with nice food too just be careful of the swallow who seems to like to attack you as you enter the restaurant. My only suggestion to make it better is to put the price up a little and supply a map I have seen some people complain about the noise from the Motorway but unless there is a very noisy lorry you hardly notice it.
6. Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 495 reviews
Reviewed By LorenS728 - Johannesburg, South Africa
Each time we visit Witsieshoek hotel in the Drakensberg and/or Clarens we schedule a visit to this gorgeous serene mountainous National Park...we visit the Vulture Restaurant and often see the rare Bearded Vultures, I book a horse back ride for an hour and get up close with some of Africas awesome antelope and zebras. Breath taking views and peace and quiet...if this is what your soul needs, do yourself a favour and go. You dont need a 4x4 vehicle.
7. LIONSROCK Big Cat Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
LIONSROCK is a big cat sanctuary established by FOUR PAWS, the global animal welfare organisation for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. Our vision is a world where humans treat animals with respect, empathy and understanding.
Reviewed By Q5958LTsusanb
A truly unique and wonderful experience that allows a tourist to make a diference . I couldn't beleive how deeply this place touched me
8. The Dell Cheetah Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
9. Bagamoya Wildlife Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Bagamoya Wildlife Estate is a lion sanctuary farm, ideally situated about 25km from the Bloemfontein International Airport and 35km from the centre of the City of Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa. A beautiful getaway place, where you get the chance to move around in the African bush, and see the African wildlife in a way that will leave you captivated. There are currently over 27 lions at Bagamoya and you can have the opportunity to interact with some them. You will get extremely close to lions and tigers, you will never forget this amazing moment! Interactions are possible on Saturdays & Sundays from 9am to 6pm, also during the week on reservation. Bagamoya offers all the necessary facilities to give you a relaxed and comfortable stay: the Lioness Restaurant with children's play area and swimming pool, a Mini-Zoo with animals from all over the world, self-catering Chalets and outdoor activities. The Estate is also the perfect venue for functions of any kinds (weddings, birthdays parties, kids parties, conferences, corporate functions, and more).
Reviewed By C3834GSmichellec
If you go to Bloemfontein this is one place you do not want to miss. Support these guys and if you can donate funds to them, because they are doing great work with these beautiful animals. It is amazing what costs are involved so if you know anyone wanting to support a great cause, Botha and Sharline Barnard need all our help. My afternoon spent there( after a very tough trip for family reasons ) was a great distraction and their kindness and hospitality was incredible.
10. Love Lions Alive
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Love Lions Alive Sanctuary exists for the sole purpose of giving lions in need a place of safety and refuge in which to live out the rest of their natural lives with as much dignity as we can possibly give them. They all come from captive environments and now live in the best enclosures we could design. Our lions are our life. They are not here for us, we are here for them. There are no cubs here, no interaction, no lion walks and no photo booth with baited lions. As we are not a tourist venue or lion park, we are only available for a tour by appointment. We are a working sanctuary and may be busy with food collection, cleaning enclosures or any number of work tasks, we need to have an arrangement to meet you, so please phone ahead of time to book. We do not have a set entrance fee either, but ask for a donation of your choice. As a Non-Profit, we survive only on donations and paying volunteers.
Reviewed By SouthAfrica2468 - Johannesburg, South Africa
My wife and I have wanted to visit Andi and the lions since seeing her ideas and commitment on her tv show. We were not disappointed. The love and compassion that Andi and Line have for the cats is amazing. We got to see the Jaguars as well which are beautiful. All the animals on the farm are in good condition and well taken care of. Even though we had lots of mud and rain we were shown around and given first hand knowledge of the lions. This is a bucket list experience sleeping in a tent near the lions and hearing them roar during the night. Accommodation is sufficient for an evening or two. One can “rough it up” while there. You most certainly have all the amenities you require. The stories and tales by Andi and Line keep you entertained for hours around the braai. Andi and Line, you are special people and deserve all the success in life. At the time of writing this I really hope your new lions arrive safe and sound soon.
