Free State is a province rich with historical and cultural attractions. On the border of Free State and Lesotho, an expansive area of naturally eroded sandstone sculptures carved into cliffs, form a dramatic backdrop for the Golden Gate National Park, in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains. The Willem Pretorius Game Reserve offers abundant wildlife, ideal fishing conditions, as well as wide range of sports facilities.
So, what makes the Free State a special safari destination? History, culture and wildlife combine for a great holiday.

POPULAR GAME RESERVES:

Golden Gate National Park
Spanning 11 600 hectares of natural environment, it provides a sanctuary to a variety of mammals including black wildebeest, eland, blesbok, oribi, springbok and Burchell's zebra and birds such as the rare bearded vulture and rare bald ibis. You can do nature trails, game viewing, guided tours, and night game drives.

The Willem Pretorius Game Reserve
In the heart of Free State situated around the Allemanskraal Dam, the reserve spans 12 005ha with a wide variety of game and bird species. Another attraction of this reserve is Doringberg (Thorn mountain), a well preserved prehistoric settlement, claimed to be home of the once Leghoya People. Besides the many game species, the reserve boasts the world’s largest herd of black wildebeest. Springbok, gemsbok, blesbok, kudu, eland, zebra, white rhino, red hartebeest, and giraffe can all be spotted when on safari. Activities include fishing, boat tours, swimming, sporting facilities, a restaurant and picnic sites.


Caledon Nature Reserve
120 kilometres south east of Bloemfontein the Caledon Nature Reserve, named after the river which flows through it, is truly the great outdoors. Situated in side the reserve is the Welbedacht Dam, this reserve is popular with locals and tourists alike. The stunning natural setting of the 2300 hectare, accessible 4x4 routes, angling, hiking, allows one to be completely immersed in a different environment. Very popular is the Reserve’s two floating bush camps, adding adventure to your safari. Look out for the black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok and zebra. Of course the place is plentufil when it comes to fish, and a regular visitor is the majestic fish eagle.

Sandveld Nature Reserve :
Regarded as the province’s top birding spot, Sandveld Nature Reserve is perched alongside the Bloemhof Dam. You can spot weavers, pygmy falcon, lark, tinkling cisticola, known as ‘rooitinktinkie’ waxbills, gabar goshawks, tits, pied barbet, fish eagles and even white-backed vultures in the camelthorn trees that pepper 37 000 hectares of sandy land and thornveld .
Besides the abundant birdlife, the reserve is also home to white rhino, giraffe, buffalo, antelope, blue wildebeest, zebra and other mammals.

Read more about Game Lodges & Safari accommodation in Free State

OTHER GAME RESERVES IN THE FREE STATE:
Erfenis Dam Nature Reserve
Gariep Dam Nature Reserve
Kalkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
Mount Everest Game Reserve
Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve
Soetdoring Dam Reserve
Sterkfontein Dam Reserve
Tussen die Riviere Reserve