Bloemfontein is easy to overlook when planning a trip through South Africa, and that is partly why I find it interesting. This is not a city that overwhelms you with famous sights. Instead, it offers history, leafy neighbourhoods, open landscapes and a slower pace than Johannesburg or Cape Town.
Known as the City of Roses, Bloemfontein is the capital of the Free State and one of South Africa’s three capital cities, serving as the country’s judicial capital. Its central location also makes it a natural stop for travellers crossing the country by road.
Start with Naval Hill
For a first impression of the city, head towards Naval Hill. The elevated position gives you a useful sense of Bloemfontein and the surrounding Free State landscape. The Franklin Game Reserve occupies the hill, creating the unusual experience of finding wildlife and open nature almost in the middle of the city.
A city with history
Bloemfontein has several museums and historic sites worth exploring. The National Museum covers natural and cultural history, while the Anglo-Boer War Museum provides important context for one of the defining periods in South African history.
Take it slowly
This is not somewhere I would visit with a frantic checklist. Spend time in the city centre, visit a museum, find a good café and leave room for Naval Hill around sunset.
Bloemfontein works particularly well as part of a longer South African journey. Give it a day or two rather than simply driving through and you may find that its relaxed character is exactly the break you needed.