Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the capital city of the Free State Province of South Africa. In Dutch "Bloem" means "flower" and "fontein" means "fountain". It is also known as the "City of Roses" or Mangaung (which means "place of Cheetahs" in Sesotho). "Bloemfontein is home to South Africa's Appeal Court.
History
Birthplace of political parties
2008. The Congress of the People (COPE) is founded in Bloemfontein.
1915. The National Party is founded in Bloemfontein.
1912. ANC is founded in Bloemfontein.
1846. An army officer from Britain, Henry Warden, creates an army outpost in what was then known as Transoranje. He chose the spot as there was no horse sickness around there, lots of space and it was close to the main route to Winburg.
Taxi drivers
Taxi drivers have a fearsome reputation. Here's a video of a taxi driver's reaction to somebody jaywalking in front of him:
Geography
Bloemfontein is situated on the African escarpment 1400m above sea level.
Climate
Bloemfontein gets most of its rainfall during its hot summers, when afternoon thunderstorms are frequent. The city is cold and dry during winter months, when there is often severe frost. (Jul: max:17ºC min:-2ºC).
Getting to and from Bloemfontein
By air
Bloemfontein Airport is 10km to the east of the city, and a number of flights to major South African cities take off from here (operated by South African Airways and 1Time).
By bus
Translux, Greyhound and the Intercape connect Johannesburg to the major South African cities.
By car
Bloemfontein can be reached by car via the N1 highway, running from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
Accommodation
Click here to find accommodation in Bloemfontein
Top Attractions
Botanical Gardens (the only Botanical Garden in the Free State Province, with Karoo plants, more than 100 species of birds and 54 reptile species). |
Boyden Observatory |
Franklin Game Reserve |
The Waterfront (restaurants & shops) |
Bloemfontein Zoo (where the world's first 'liger' – a mix between a tiger and a lion - was bred). |
Golf Course |
Women's Memorial |
Churches
Calvary Independent Baptist Church |
NG Gemeente Heuwelkruin |
Distances
Bloemfontein to Cape Town |
1004km |
Bloemfontein To Port Elizabeth |
677km |
Bloemfontein to Johannesburg |
398km |
Links
Bloemfontein's official municipal website. |
Bloemfontein business guide |
