Family Friendly 4-Day Adventure in Freestate, South Africa

Day 1: Explore Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Start your day with a delicious breakfast composed of fresh fruit smoothies and hearty omelettes at The Coffee Shop, a local favourite.
From the city centre, take a short walk to The Coffee Shop.
ZAR 120, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Museum

Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural history of South Africa at the National Museum, featuring fascinating exhibits suitable for all ages.
A 10-minute drive from The Coffee Shop.
ZAR 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Checkers

Enjoy a casual family lunch at The Checkers, known for its tasty burgers and vibrant atmosphere.
Just a 5-minute drive from the museum.
ZAR 300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Franklin Game Reserve

Take the family to Franklin Game Reserve where they can spot giraffes and various antelope species on an easy walking trail.
A short 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Ice Cream at The Ice Cream Parlour

Treat the family to a delightful selection of ice creams at The Ice Cream Parlour before heading back.
Only a 5-minute drive from the reserve.
ZAR 80, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Check-in at Your Hotel

Settle in at your chosen family-friendly hotel for the evening.
Assuming the hotel is in Bloemfontein city centre.
ZAR 1200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Poet's Brewer

End your day with a traditional South African dinner at The Poet's Brewer, famous for its shisa nyama.
A 10-minute drive from the hotel.
ZAR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Visit Bultfontein

Bultfontein, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast in Bloemfontein

Have breakfast at your hotel or nearby café before embarking on your journey to Bultfontein.
Local options within walking distance or nearby.
ZAR 150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Bultfontein

Begin your scenic drive to Bultfontein, which is approximately an hour away.
Follow R700 for a straightforward route.
Fuel ZAR 100, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Bultfontein Diamond Mine

Experience the fascinating history of diamonds at the Bultfontein Diamond Mine with guided tours available for families.
Close to the entrance of Bultfontein.
ZAR 200, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Roxy's Café

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Roxy's Café, offering a fantastic variety of dishes including kids' meals.
Just a short drive from the mine.
ZAR 250, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the town of Bultfontein

Stroll through Bultfontein and enjoy its quaint shops and local architecture.
Walking tour of the town centre.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Historical Centre

Check out the Bultfontein Historical Centre to learn more about the region’s heritage; it's both educational and engaging.
Very close to where you were last.
ZAR 50, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return to Bloemfontein

Head back to Bloemfontein for some relaxation before dinner.
Driving back via R700.
Fuel ZAR 100, 1 hour

5:30PM

Check-in at the hotel

Relax at your hotel after a busy day or enjoy hotel amenities.
Assuming you are staying in Bloemfontein.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Vito's Bistro

Conclude your day with a delicious dinner at Vito's Bistro, known for its Italian cuisine and beautiful ambience.
Only a short drive from the hotel.
ZAR 600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Adventure at Gariep Dam

Gariep Dam, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Have a fulfilling breakfast at your hotel before heading out for the day.
In-hotel dining.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Gariep Dam

Enjoy your scenic drive to Gariep Dam, a beautiful reservoir about an hour away.
Take N1 for quickest access.
Fuel ZAR 100, 1 hour

10:00AM

Boat Tour at Gariep Dam

Take a fun boat tour where the family can see stunning views and possibly spot some wildlife.
Find the boat tour operator near Gariep Dam.
ZAR 400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at the Dam

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at one of the beautiful picnic spots overlooking the water.
Find a picnic table at the dam's recreational area.
ZAR 100 for supplies, 1 hour

1:00PM

Fishing or Swimming

Spend the afternoon fishing or swimming at designated spots around the dam to cool off and enjoy nature.
Available areas are clearly marked.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Exploration and Hiking

Explore the trails around Gariep Dam suitable for families, with beautiful landscapes to enjoy.
Head towards marked hiking trails.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Settle into your accommodation, enjoying the calm of the dam area.
Near Gariep Dam.
ZAR 900, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Shipwreck Restaurant

Enjoy a delectable dinner at The Shipwreck Restaurant with views of the dam.
Just a short drive from your accommodation.
ZAR 500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Day at Thaba Nchu

Thaba Nchu, South Africa

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Lodge

Enjoy breakfast at your lodge, preparing for a cultural-filled day ahead.
In-house dining at your lodge.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Thaba Nchu

Take a 30-minute drive to Thaba Nchu, experiencing the local landscapes en route.
Follow N1 for a direct route.
Fuel ZAR 50, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Visit Thaba Nchu Cultural Village

Learn about the culture and traditions of the Sotho people with a guided tour of the cultural village.
Located in Thaba Nchu.
ZAR 150, 2 hours

11:30AM

Zulu Dance Performance

Enjoy an engaging Zulu dance performance showcasing rich South African customs.
Scheduled at the cultural village.
Included with the previous entry, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch in Thaba Nchu

Savour traditional dishes at The Village Restaurant, perfect for a family meal.
A short walk from the cultural village.
ZAR 400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Craft Workshop Experience

Participate in a family craft workshop creating traditional Sotho crafts to take home as souvenirs.
Organised through the cultural village.
ZAR 200, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Local Market

Explore Thaba Nchu's local market, engaging with vendors and discovering crafts and produce.
Easily accessible by foot from where you were.
Free, unless purchasing, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Head back for Dinner

Travel back to Bloemfontein for a farewell dinner and reflection on amazing experiences!
Driving back via N1.
Fuel ZAR 100, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Countess

Celebrate your last night with a wonderful dinner at The Countess, known for its elegant ambience and exquisite menu.
Just a short drive from the hotel's location.
ZAR 700, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability