Tuff Top Estates

Bloemfontein (also known as the city of roses, for its flower-filled streets and parks) is a pretty laidback place for a capital city. Drive down to the centre in 20 minutes or so to wander through the Free State National Botanical Garden, take in a show at Naval Hill Planetarium and visit the museums (the Oliewenhuis Art Museum and Anglo-Boer War Museum come highly recommended). To see some of South Africa’s famed wildlife, take a 15-minute drive to Bagamoya Wildlife Estate to meet the lions, or head to Bloemfontein Zoo, home to large collection of primates and native birds. If you’ve got overheated kids in tow, there are a couple of waterparks nearby – zoom down the slides at Gwen Bali Waterworld, 25 minutes’ drive away, or take the 10-minute drive to Maselspoort Holiday Resort for outdoor pools, slides and landside activities including trampolines and miniature golf.