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Province: Free State
Region: Motheo & Xhariep

(FORMALLY KNOWN AS TRANSGARIEP)

Towns:
Bloemfontein  |  Bethulie  |   Botshabelo  |   Dewetsdorp  |  Edenburg  |  Fauresmith |  Gariepdam |  Jacobsdal  Jagersfontein  |   Koffiefontein  |   Luckhoff  |   Petrusburg  |   Philippolis   |   Reddersburg  |   Rouxville  |   Smithfield   |  Springfontein |   Thaba'Nchu  |   Trompsburg  |   Van Stadensrus  |   Wepener  |   Zastron


The Xhariep is a vast, open grassland fed by the brood river the San called the Garib (great river) which forms the southern border of the region. It was named the Orange River by settlers who had orange in their flag and saw the colour in the murky expanse of this 2 000km long source of life that cuts through dry lands and forms the natural southern border with the Cape. Further north is Motheo which is dominated by the capital city Bloemfontein, literally meaning the flower fountain, also known as the city of roses. Bloemfontein is the business and cultural hub of the Free State and expresses the cultural diversity for which the province is well known. It decorates the land with its lush parks and widespread opulence. West of the city, beyond the sculptured lawns, impressive buildings and floral embankments, lies the semi-arid Xhariep, dotted by dams and covered by sheep and cattle farms. The east, stretching up to the Drakensberg Range, abounds with parks and reserves. The Xhariep region epitomises the Free State, the miracle of water and me wild, undulating beauty of nature's deference to compromise.

Motheo, and in particular Bloemfontein, has a busy cultural and social events calendar. The event of the year which is not to be missed is the September Macufe Festival, a cultural eisteddfod of storytelling, poetry, art/ music and dance. Whilst in Bloem (as it is affectionately known) take drive up Naval Hill to get an eagle's eye view of the city. The streets are lined with magnificent sandstone architecture especially President Brand Street, which is well worth a
walk down. There are many impressive museums and monuments - one of the most impressive being the National Women's Memorial. To the east of Bloem is Tweespruit with Father Clarehouts' Gallery at the mission. Xhariep's Gariep Dam, with its massive dam wall and adjoining Nature Reserve, makes a pleasurable holiday resort. And for those who really enjoy the outdoor lifestyle visit Tussen die Riviere and Caledon Nature Reserves.