Guidebook for Timeless

Sightseeing

Oliewenhuis Art Museum

In a Cape Dutch mansion, the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery is named after the wild olive trees on the surrounding hills. The gallery is a satellite of the National Museum in Bloemfontein, and its permanent collection focuses exclusively on South African art, ranging from the old masters to contemporary paintings and sculpture. Artists include Thomas Baines, Pieter Wenning, and Willem Coetzer. Evocative temporary exhibitions are displayed in an underground reservoir. After admiring all the art inside the gallery, wander into the beautiful gardens to see sculptures of South African historical figures and explore the 12-acre grounds on several walking trails. This is also a great place for a picnic, or you can grab a bite at the on-site Terrace Café with outdoor seating. Don't miss the colorful carousel, which showcases both European and African mythological themes representing the country's mix of cultures. Address: 36 Aliwal Street, Bloemfontein Official site: http://www.nasmus.co.za/museum/satellite-museums/oliewenhuis-art-museum/introduction

64 íbúar mæla með

Oliewenhuis Art Museum

16 Harry Smith St

64 íbúar mæla með

In a Cape Dutch mansion, the Oliewenhuis Art Gallery is named after the wild olive trees on the surrounding hills. The gallery is a satellite of the National Museum in Bloemfontein, and its permanent collection focuses exclusively on South African art, ranging from the old masters to contemporary paintings and sculpture. Artists include Thomas Baines, Pieter Wenning, and Willem Coetzer. Evocative temporary exhibitions are displayed in an underground reservoir. After admiring all the art inside the gallery, wander into the beautiful gardens to see sculptures of South African historical figures and explore the 12-acre grounds on several walking trails. This is also a great place for a picnic, or you can grab a bite at the on-site Terrace Café with outdoor seating. Don't miss the colorful carousel, which showcases both European and African mythological themes representing the country's mix of cultures. Address: 36 Aliwal Street, Bloemfontein Official site: http://www.nasmus.co.za/museum/satellite-museums/oliewenhuis-art-museum/introduction

Free State National Botanical Garden

Snuggled in a gentle valley between dolerite rock outcrops, the Free State National Botanical Garden immerses visitors in natural landscapes of indigenous forest, grasslands, karee trees, and sculptural wild olive. The 70-hectare garden nurtures more than 400 different species of plants (and yes, they include roses), primarily from the Free State, Lesotho, and Northern Cape. Part of the grounds is a carefully tended park with a lawn and lake, but much of it is comprised of indigenous woodlands. Other highlights of the garden include a replica of an ancient settler's cottage, a traditional Sotho hut with a herb garden, red-hot pokers native to this region, and a bird hide overlooking the lake where visitors might spot some of the 144 species recorded in the park. While wandering along the self-guided wilderness trails, keep an eye out for some of the park's small reptiles and mammals such as mongeese. After exploring the park, visitors can enjoy a picnic on the beautiful lawns or refuel at the restaurant. Official site: http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/free-state

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Free State National Botanical Garden

Rayton Road

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Snuggled in a gentle valley between dolerite rock outcrops, the Free State National Botanical Garden immerses visitors in natural landscapes of indigenous forest, grasslands, karee trees, and sculptural wild olive. The 70-hectare garden nurtures more than 400 different species of plants (and yes, they include roses), primarily from the Free State, Lesotho, and Northern Cape. Part of the grounds is a carefully tended park with a lawn and lake, but much of it is comprised of indigenous woodlands. Other highlights of the garden include a replica of an ancient settler's cottage, a traditional Sotho hut with a herb garden, red-hot pokers native to this region, and a bird hide overlooking the lake where visitors might spot some of the 144 species recorded in the park. While wandering along the self-guided wilderness trails, keep an eye out for some of the park's small reptiles and mammals such as mongeese. After exploring the park, visitors can enjoy a picnic on the beautiful lawns or refuel at the restaurant. Official site: http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/free-state

The National Museum

Established in 1877, the National Museum is a great place for tourists to learn about the region's cultural, natural, and political history, as well as its artistic traditions. The museum has a large collection of fossils and archaeological material, including a chronological display of Stone Age and Iron Age tools. In the ethnological section, visitors can learn about the life of the Bushmen, Himba, Zulu, and other cultural groups, as well as see displays of African musical instruments. Especially educational for children are the astronomy section, the mammal section, and the historical street scene with recreations of daily life in the late-19th and early-20th century. A satellite museum in Bloemfontein's oldest building, the First Raadsaal, displays exhibits on the history of the Free State. Address: 36 Aliwal Street, Box 266, Bloemfontein, Free State Official site: http://www.nasmus.co.za/

37 íbúar mæla með

The National Museum

36 Aliwal St

37 íbúar mæla með

Established in 1877, the National Museum is a great place for tourists to learn about the region's cultural, natural, and political history, as well as its artistic traditions. The museum has a large collection of fossils and archaeological material, including a chronological display of Stone Age and Iron Age tools. In the ethnological section, visitors can learn about the life of the Bushmen, Himba, Zulu, and other cultural groups, as well as see displays of African musical instruments. Especially educational for children are the astronomy section, the mammal section, and the historical street scene with recreations of daily life in the late-19th and early-20th century. A satellite museum in Bloemfontein's oldest building, the First Raadsaal, displays exhibits on the history of the Free State. Address: 36 Aliwal Street, Box 266, Bloemfontein, Free State Official site: http://www.nasmus.co.za/

War Museum of the Boer Republics

The Anglo Boer War museum traces the history from the Boer's perspective of this bitter conflict, which took place from 1899 to 1902. History fans can gain insight into the context of the war, as well as life in the brutal British prison camps through dioramas, a collection of art, audio-visual presentations, artifacts, and other exhibits. The permanent collection focuses on some of the key figures of the time and includes a collection of firearms. Particularly poignant are exhibits highlighting the war's impact on black South Africans, as well as a bloodstained baby's bonnet showing the holes of stray bullets. Outside the museum are several memorials, including the National Women's Monument, a 37-meter-high obelisk that commemorates the 26,000 women and children who died in British concentration camps during the Boer War. In the base of the monument is an urn containing the ashes of Emily Hobhouse, an Englishwoman who campaigned for better treatment of the internees. Address: Monument Road, Bloemfontein

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War Museum of the Boer Republics

25 Monument Rd

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The Anglo Boer War museum traces the history from the Boer's perspective of this bitter conflict, which took place from 1899 to 1902. History fans can gain insight into the context of the war, as well as life in the brutal British prison camps through dioramas, a collection of art, audio-visual presentations, artifacts, and other exhibits. The permanent collection focuses on some of the key figures of the time and includes a collection of firearms. Particularly poignant are exhibits highlighting the war's impact on black South Africans, as well as a bloodstained baby's bonnet showing the holes of stray bullets. Outside the museum are several memorials, including the National Women's Monument, a 37-meter-high obelisk that commemorates the 26,000 women and children who died in British concentration camps during the Boer War. In the base of the monument is an urn containing the ashes of Emily Hobhouse, an Englishwoman who campaigned for better treatment of the internees. Address: Monument Road, Bloemfontein

Cheetah Experience

As the name suggests, big-cat lovers can commune with cheetahs and other cats at this popular non-profit wildlife sanctuary less than 12 kilometers from Bloemfontein. The "See, Sense, Touch" tour includes cuddling with impossibly cute cheetah cubs as well as caracals and servals, depending on the residents at the time. The park is also home to leopards, lions, and wolves, which avid photographers can snap pictures of at close range. The sanctuary's mission is to direct their love for wildlife into saving "endangered species through captive breeding and awareness," and many of the staff are passionate volunteers. Outdoor tours last between 60 to 80 minutes and include a presentation on safety and behavior guidelines before visitors venture off for fantastic wildlife photo opportunities and hands-on interactions. Bookings are essential. Address: 1 Maluti Avenue, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein Official site: http://www.cheetahexperience.com/

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Cheetah Experience

1 Maluti Ave

33 íbúar mæla með

As the name suggests, big-cat lovers can commune with cheetahs and other cats at this popular non-profit wildlife sanctuary less than 12 kilometers from Bloemfontein. The "See, Sense, Touch" tour includes cuddling with impossibly cute cheetah cubs as well as caracals and servals, depending on the residents at the time. The park is also home to leopards, lions, and wolves, which avid photographers can snap pictures of at close range. The sanctuary's mission is to direct their love for wildlife into saving "endangered species through captive breeding and awareness," and many of the staff are passionate volunteers. Outdoor tours last between 60 to 80 minutes and include a presentation on safety and behavior guidelines before visitors venture off for fantastic wildlife photo opportunities and hands-on interactions. Bookings are essential. Address: 1 Maluti Avenue, Bainsvlei, Bloemfontein Official site: http://www.cheetahexperience.com/

Naval Hill Planetarium

Naval Hill's former Lamont Hussey Observatory was reconstructed and turned into the Naval Hill Planetarium Theatre. Opened in 2013, the planetarium sits atop Naval Hill within the Franklin Nature reserve and is the first digital planetarium in Sub-Saharan Africa. In its dome theater, it runs documentaries about stars, planets, and our solar system, with the immersive experience amplified by an impressive surround-sound system and multiple data projectors. Outside, enjoy sweeping views of the reserve and search for wildlife such as wildebeest, zebra, and bless bucks. Address: Naval Hill, Bloemfontein, 9301

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Naval Hill Planetarium

12 íbúar mæla með

Naval Hill's former Lamont Hussey Observatory was reconstructed and turned into the Naval Hill Planetarium Theatre. Opened in 2013, the planetarium sits atop Naval Hill within the Franklin Nature reserve and is the first digital planetarium in Sub-Saharan Africa. In its dome theater, it runs documentaries about stars, planets, and our solar system, with the immersive experience amplified by an impressive surround-sound system and multiple data projectors. Outside, enjoy sweeping views of the reserve and search for wildlife such as wildebeest, zebra, and bless bucks. Address: Naval Hill, Bloemfontein, 9301

Naval Hill

Panoramic views of Bloemfontein are the prime draw of Naval Hill, but the area is also home to abundant wildlife and a few other surprises. This gentle hill rising northeast of the city, is also home to the free Franklin Nature Reserve with zebras, springbok, eland, and giraffes, as well as many birds. Also on the hill is a large statue of Nelson Mandela (eight meters) by sculptor Kobus Hattingh. There are always people here paying respects to this world icon. The statue faces Waaihoek's Wesleyan Methodist Church, the birthplace of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1912. While in the area, look for the large white sculpture of a horse on the east side of the hill, which was set up during the Boer War and served as a landmark for the British cavalry. At the foot of Naval Hill, the Orchid House in Hamilton Park has a collection of hundreds of exotic species of these stunning blooms.

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Naval Hill

55 íbúar mæla með

Panoramic views of Bloemfontein are the prime draw of Naval Hill, but the area is also home to abundant wildlife and a few other surprises. This gentle hill rising northeast of the city, is also home to the free Franklin Nature Reserve with zebras, springbok, eland, and giraffes, as well as many birds. Also on the hill is a large statue of Nelson Mandela (eight meters) by sculptor Kobus Hattingh. There are always people here paying respects to this world icon. The statue faces Waaihoek's Wesleyan Methodist Church, the birthplace of the African National Congress (ANC) in 1912. While in the area, look for the large white sculpture of a horse on the east side of the hill, which was set up during the Boer War and served as a landmark for the British cavalry. At the foot of Naval Hill, the Orchid House in Hamilton Park has a collection of hundreds of exotic species of these stunning blooms.

Bagamoya Wildlife Estate

Animal lovers will be in heaven at Bagamoya Wildlife Estate. About 30 kilometers from Bloemfontein, this wildlife park allows visitors to interact with big cats under the careful supervision of expert staff who love to share their passion for these powerful creatures. Depending on the animals in residence at the time, visitors can bottle-feed lion and tiger cubs, pat cheetah, and even help feed the adult lions. In addition to big cat interactions, the park has a small zoo, where some of the favorite residents are bat-eared foxes, wallabies, and jackals. Visitors can also join a guided game drive to see other animals such as giraffe, zebra, antelope, ostriches, warthogs, and more. Self-catering chalets are available for overnight stays. Before visiting, call to check the feeding schedules and opening hours. Official site: http://www.bagamoyawildlifeestate.co.za/

Bagamoya Wildlife Estate

Animal lovers will be in heaven at Bagamoya Wildlife Estate. About 30 kilometers from Bloemfontein, this wildlife park allows visitors to interact with big cats under the careful supervision of expert staff who love to share their passion for these powerful creatures. Depending on the animals in residence at the time, visitors can bottle-feed lion and tiger cubs, pat cheetah, and even help feed the adult lions. In addition to big cat interactions, the park has a small zoo, where some of the favorite residents are bat-eared foxes, wallabies, and jackals. Visitors can also join a guided game drive to see other animals such as giraffe, zebra, antelope, ostriches, warthogs, and more. Self-catering chalets are available for overnight stays. Before visiting, call to check the feeding schedules and opening hours. Official site: http://www.bagamoyawildlifeestate.co.za/

Fourth Raadsaal

Opposite the Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein is the Fourth Raadsaal, one of the city's finest buildings. The foundation stone was laid by President F. W. Reitz in 1890 and the building was completed in 1893. The Fourth Raadsaal is a Renaissance-style building in red brick with a prominent dome and a portico of Ionic columns. The last session of the Parliament of the old Boer republic of the Orange Free State was held here before the occupation of Bloemfontein by British forces in March 1900. Today, the building is home to the Free State Provincial Legislature.

Fourth Raadsaal

10 President Brand St

Opposite the Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein is the Fourth Raadsaal, one of the city's finest buildings. The foundation stone was laid by President F. W. Reitz in 1890 and the building was completed in 1893. The Fourth Raadsaal is a Renaissance-style building in red brick with a prominent dome and a portico of Ionic columns. The last session of the Parliament of the old Boer republic of the Orange Free State was held here before the occupation of Bloemfontein by British forces in March 1900. Today, the building is home to the Free State Provincial Legislature.