Travel Guide
Bloemfontein offers its residents a quality of life with which few other cities are able to compete. With its picturesque rural tranquility and vibrant, dynamic central business district, this modern city prides itself on being luxuriously steeped in rich traditions – and yet also on embracing other cultures, new ideas and a rapidly changing technology.
Full Name
Bloemfontein
Former Name
Government Type
Republic
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +2 hours
Climate
This summer-rainfall region is warm and temperate in the summer but can be relatively cold during the winter months.
Geography
Bloemfontein is located in central South Africa. It is dry in this part of South Africa. There are a few hills around Bloemfontein. Grass mostly grows around Bloemfontein. The summers are hot, and the winters are cool, but it snowed in August 2006.
History
Bloemfontein was founded by Major H. Douglas Warden in 1846. It was created as both a fort and a place to live. It became the center of government of the British-controlled Orange River Sovereignty (1848–54) and of the Orange Free State (later known as just Free State). Bloemfontein became the judicial capital of South Africa in 1910.It is a place where the government works. It has a lot of hospitals and schools.
Travel Information
Bloemfontein Airport is the third-largest airport under the jurisdiction of the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA). The airport is only 10km from Bloemfontein's city centre and transports about 200 000 passengers per year. Visitors travelling from abroad get connecting flights to Bloemfontein in either Cape Town or Johannesburg. Road travel from the north or south is via the N1 highway, which passes by Bloemfontein. This road is a toll road to the north with a good quality tar surface. The route to the east (KwaZulu-Natal) passes through the picturesque Eastern Free State, while the Northern Cape capital of Kimberley is less than 200km to the west. Several national coach companies provide the area with regular luxury bus services arriving at and departing from the Bloemfontein's Tourist Centre daily. The railway station in Bloemfontein links to a rail network covering the entire country.
Accommodation
Numerous guest houses, hotels and lodges in the Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo and Bloemfontein area offer a range of overnight accommodation that promises to suit every taste and budget.
Health & Safety
Travellers arriving in South Africa from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate; otherwise no vaccination is required. There is a malaria risk in the low-lying areas of the Northern Province and Mpumalanga (including the Kruger National Park) and northeastern KwaZulu Natal. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Tap water is safe in urban areas but sterilisation is advisable elsewhere. Drug-resistant TB has been reported throughout the country. Medical facilities in South Africa are good, but medical insurance is strongly advised as private hospitals expect cash upfront and public hospitals are best avoided. Visitors to South Africa should be aware of the country's high incidence of crime. Although this tends to be concentrated in pockets throughout the country,for example in the township areas, opportunistic crime is fairly widespread. Travellers should always be aware of these risks and exercise the necessary precautions. Doors should be locked when driving and one should not walk alone at night in city streets, isolated beaches or remote areas. Travellers should practice vigilance when using ATMs and not display unnecessary signs of wealth on the streets. It is worthwhile noting that the South African authorities do give high priority to the protection of tourists.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 21 Mar - Human Rights Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 9 Apr - Family Day. 27 Apr - Freedom Day. 1 May - Workers Day. 16 Jun - Youth Day. 9 Aug - National Women's Day. 24 Sep - Heritage Day. 16 Dec - Day of Reconciliation. 25 Dec - Christmas Day. 26 Dec - Day of Goodwill.
Currency
Rand
Electricity
220/240v AC
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm.
Emergency Numbers
10177 (Ambulance) 10111 (Fire & Police)
