car hire bloemfontein
Pick up your hire car in Bloemfontein and head into town for World Cup football action, or explore the surrounding countryside for a very different sort of big game Book car hire bloemfontein airport now
the 60-second guide to bloemfontein
in its own head
"As the capital of the Free State we are as proud of our parks as we are our politics, and it is no surprise that our nickname is the 'city of roses'. Visitors can't help but fall in love with the natural beauty of our spectacular home. And, of course, we've also got the football."
but more realistically
Bloemfontein's warm welcome means visitors don't feel as though they're just another punter passing through, and there are ample opportunities for animal lovers to go all David Attenborough, with big game and little critters aplenty.
the vibe
Football is in the air. Although the locals are predominantly rugby fans, they'll be turning the town over to the beautiful game this summer with bars, restaurants and hotels setting up screens for those who didn't get a golden ticket.
the natives
The locals are famed for their warmth and hospitality - it's not uncommon to be invited home for dinner with a guy you just met in the pub. He'll need a big table this year as an estimated 20,000 tourists will be descending on the city for the footy.
the weather
Bloemfontein's continental climate means the city experiences hot summers and cool, dry winters; 2007 even saw snowfall in the middle of July.
the local speciality
Acquire a taste for ting - sour porridge made with sorghum flour, millet and maize. Its yogurt-like taste makes for a hearty breakfast dish.
the celebrity
JRR Tolkien, of The Lord Of The Rings fame, was born in Bloemfontein before moving to Birmingham.
did you know?
The largest fire brigade museum in South Africa can be found in Bloemfontein and displays 17 vintage fire engines dating from 1926 to 1984.
they say
"I've really enjoyed being in Bloemfontein a lot - it's been great seeing the passion people here have for the game. They've been singing and dancing all the time." - Brazilian footballer, Gilberto Silva
5 to see in town...
- 1. Free State Stadium
- 2. Loch Logan Waterfront
- 3. Hoffman Square (fan zone)
- 4. City Zoo
- 5. National Museum
A multi-million pound renovation means the World Cup venue can now seat up to 46,000 fans. There will even be five-a-side pitches to keep restless feet occupied.
where to park?
There is an on-site car park, however, during the 2010 matches there will also be park-and-ride and park-and-walk sites across the city.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Free State Stadium
- 2. Loch Logan Waterfront
- 3. Hoffman Square (fan zone)
- 4. City Zoo
- 5. National Museum
Football widows and anyone else not bothered about 22 men chasing a ball can get their shopping fix at South Africa's largest mall and entertainment complex.
where to park?
The on-site car park is open from 6am-midnight, seven days a week, and costs 80p for four hours.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Free State Stadium
- 2. Loch Logan Waterfront
- 3. Hoffman Square (fan zone)
- 4. City Zoo
- 5. National Museum
Another area of town that's benefitting from a World Cup makeover, head here to watch the games and pay your respects at the monument to the city's fallen soldiers.
where to park?
There is metered parking in many of the surrounding streets, but during the 2010 World Cup visitors are advised to park at Fontein Street Municipal Garage and head to Hoffman Square on foot.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Free State Stadium
- 2. Loch Logan Waterfront
- 3. Hoffman Square (fan zone)
- 4. City Zoo
- 5. National Museum
Want to stroke a cheetah? It's possible here. In fact, you can even have a sleepover among the wild animals - not in the cages though. That would violate all sorts of clauses in your travel insurance.
where to park?
There is an on-site car park, which is free for visitors to the zoo.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Free State Stadium
- 2. Loch Logan Waterfront
- 3. Hoffman Square (fan zone)
- 4. City Zoo
- 5. National Museum
The hub of all things historical and cultural in the city, the museum dates back to 1877. Exercise the grey cells and marvel at the Victorian street scene, working beehive and dinosaur skeletons.
where to park?
You should find spaces on Aliwal Street; the museum is at number 36.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- 2. Mountain Zebra National Park
- 3. Valley of Desolation
- 4. Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho
Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti mountains, pack a tent and see what you can shoot with your camera. Travellers who don't want to rough it can hire cute chalets, with private braai (barbecue) facilities.
how to get there?
Follow the N1 northeast and turn left at the N5 (signs for Winburg/Senekal). At Bethlehem, turn right for the R711 and continue onto the R712. The journey should take around four hours.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- 2. Mountain Zebra National Park
- 3. Valley of Desolation
- 4. Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho
Check out the park's magnificent stripy creatures, which have been rescued from extinction and encouraged to breed. They share their home with other endangered species, including cheetahs and black rhinos.
how to get there?
Take the N1 south towards Colesberg and turn left at the N9, then take the ramp onto the N10. The R337 leads to the park and the journey is around 260 miles.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- 2. Mountain Zebra National Park
- 3. Valley of Desolation
- 4. Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho
Despite the gloomy name, this breathtaking sheer cliff face is set in the rather beautiful surrounds of Camdeboo National Park.
how to get there?
Follow the N1 southwest towards Middelburg, merging with the N9. Follow signs for Graff-Reinet and the national park - the journey should take between four and five hours.
and 4 to drive to...
- 1. Golden Gate Highlands National Park
- 2. Mountain Zebra National Park
- 3. Valley of Desolation
- 4. Maletsunyane Falls, Lesotho
It's only the highest waterfall in southern Africa, plunging 655 feet in a single drop.
how to get there?
Take the N8 east towards Maseru and cross the border into Lesotho. The A10 and then the A5 lead to the village of Semonkong and the falls. This small country has a mixture of sealed and unsealed roads, so it is worth checking your route carefully if you don't have four-wheel drive.
ask a bloemfontein cabbie!
Local taxi driver Martin Radoczi on car hire in Bloemfontein: "Prepare to find yourself behind the wheel quite a lot. We have some great scenery and attractions, but they are rather spread out, so hiring a car is essential. Stock up on water, plenty of snacks and stop if you get tired. Also, remember to make the most of every restroom you see advertised on your journey!"