Central region (Motheo District)

Includes: Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, Dewetsdorp, Thaba 'Nchu, Van Stadensrus, Wepener, Zastron, Ladybrand, Tweespruit and Hobhouse.

Bloemfontein is the capital of the Free State.  It's also the judicial capital of South Africa. 

Bloemfontein means 'Fountain of Flowers' and its Sesotho name, Mangaung, means 'place of the cheetahs'.  The Free State rugby team is called the Cheetahs.  It's soccer team is Bloemfontein Celtic.

Bloem, as it's called by locals, is the happening, modern city of the Free State - it's the business hub, it has upmarket malls, hundreds of restaurants, theatres and a vibrant night life.

L: The stately buildings of The Supreme Court, Bloemfontein

It's got some of the top schools in the country (both public and private) a university and a technical university so there's a healthy student life too.  

The annual Macufe Festival in September is a celebration of local jazz, music, dance, storytelling, poetry and art.  Every October, it's the annual Rose Festival.

It's got a rich history - witnessed by its magnificent sandstone architecture and many museums (especially of Anglo Boer War: 1899 - 1902).

Other important areas include Botshabelo (one of the largest townships in the country) 45 km from Bloem and Thaba 'Nchu, traditional seat of the Basotho people - another 20 kms further on the N8.

The Sesotho name, Motheo, means 'cornerstone', a fitting discription of the region.

Bloemfontein is one of the proud host cities for the 2010 FIFA (Tm) World Cup.

Top 10 Attractions:

• Naval Hill Observatory & Franklin Game Reserve
• Oliewenhuis Art Gallery
• Women's Memorial
• Anglo-Boer War Museum
• Historical President Brand Street
• Botanical & Zoo Gardens
• Historical Anglican Cathedral                                                                   Oliewenhuis Art Gallery & Coffee Shop
  
• Maria Moroka National Park, Thaba 'Nchu
• Sandstone Architecture, Ladybrand
• Maselspoort Dam

For more info, visit Explore Free State