TOURISM INFORMATION

Mangaung Tourism 051 405 8111

Mangaung Local Municipality is located in the Motheo District in the south of the Free State Province and includes Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba 'Nchu.

Motheo is the Sesotho for "foundation" or "strong base of a building" and is derived from the geographic positioning at the heart of the economic and industrial development of the province. Three local municipalities fall within the jurisdiction of the Motheo Region. Bloemfontein/Mangaung can be viewed from the top of Naval Hill, where one also come across wildlife in the Franklin Game Reserve, the only reserve of its kind in the world completely surrounded by a city. Bloemfontein offers all the modern elements and facilities needed to ensure its viability as a competitive urban destination. These include upmarket shopping centres, hundreds of restaurants and a host of nightlife opportunities, etc. The streets of Bloemfontein are lined with magnificent sandstone architecture especially President Brand Street, which is well worth a walk down. There are many impressive museums and monuments - one of which is the national Women's Memorial commemorating the 27 000 women and children who perished during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). A little later in history the ANC was formed in 1912 in the Mangaung township of Batho, while the Nationalist Party was founded in Bloemfontein in 1914.

Bloemfontein has a busy cultural and social events calendar. One of the annual events not to be missed is the Macufe Festival in September, a cultural eisteddfod of storytelling, poetry, art, music and dance. In terms of arts and entertainment, Bloemfontein offers the world-class Sand du Plessis Theatre. This draws nationally acclaimed events and artist performances. Close to it, one can enjoy meals at Loch Logan Waterfront at one of the exquisite restaurants. This Waterfront has a permanent flea market which offers the best craft found from this region. Meanwhile, for a true African ghetto experience, visit the historical township jazz performances.

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