Free State Nature Reserves

Famous for its golden sandstone cliffs and abundant antelope and zebra herds, Golden Gate Highlands National Park nestles in the rolling foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The park is named for the glowing golden ciffs lit by the sun, paticularily the imposing Brandwag rock. This unique reserve is a true highland habitat. Wildlife you are likely to see are black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra. If you're lucky you could spot the rare bearded vulture (lammergeier) and the equally rare bald ibis, which breed on the ledges in the sandstone cliffs. Try to visit the Vulture Restaurant! Ribbokkop, the highest point in the park, reveals a breathtaking tapestry of red, yellow and purple hues as its warm shades merge with the cool mountain shadows towards evening. Other stunning lookout points are the Zuluhoek lookout point, Generaalskop viewpoint (third highest point in the park); Oribi basin and Drakensberg view. Hikers can chose from various day trails (varying from 1 hour to 5 hours) or the awesome two day Rhebok Hiking Trail (2 days and 1 night). Up for an African cultural experience? Get to experience the Basotho way of living dating back to the sixteen century by tasting traditional cuisine and learn about the traditional equipment and weapons at the Basotho Cultural Village. The Herbal Trail introduces visitors to the medicines that were (and still are) used by the African Traditional Healers.

The small Soetdoring Nature Reserve and Predator Park makes a great day outing from Bloemfontein. Although it isn't one of the top scenic parks in South Africa, you can observe a pride of lions in their fenced enclosure. Gemsbok, eland, springbok, blesbok, black wildebeest, zebra and red hartebeest can easily be seen on the open plains. More secretive impala, kudu, steenbok, duiker and mountain reedbuck are harder to spot in the riverine bush. The park also offers the best birding around Bloemfontein with over 284 species recorded. Most visitors come here to picnic, braai, spot wildlife or to fish along the river and dam. Braai and picnic facilities are dotted along the shore.