Bloemfontein - It’s in the centre, Mr Venter. It’s rare that payoff lines from advertising campaigns become so sticky that it becomes part of the colloquial lexicon and, for that matter too, a geographic metaphor for Bloemfontein. Slap bang in the middle of our country, most roads to the Eastern and Western Cape lead into and out of the City of Roses.
Others fly in and out of Bloem for its function as the judicial capital of the country or some other briefcase-related reason. Next time stay a few extra days, extend your business trip or plan a weekend to middle-SA – the city is rich in historic heritage, its residents exceptionally friendly and there’s more than a lot to do.
Get there and stay there
It’s only a 4-hour drive or a 45-minute flight out of Jozi and less than 90 minutes when jetting from Cape Town or Durban. Mango flies daily between Cape Town and Bloemfontein and SA Express services Durban and Johannesburg. Road trips are easy with a great road infrastructure.
Accommodation in Bloemfontein is easy. Check out www. lekkeslaap.co.za for a fantastic selection of boutique hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast options. Alternatively the Urban Hotel in central Bloemfontein, the City Lodge or the Tsogo Sun are in the middle of the middle if hotels are your preferred bed night fare.
Friday Nights
The legendary Mystic Boer is probably one of the country and Bloemfontein’s most famous landmarks. It opened its doors in 1997 and has since become an institution; no visit is complete without painting the town red at Mystic and trying their absolutely delicious burritos. Check out their Facebook page to source some of the latest information on gigs, events and information on this amazing spot. Dine, party and immerse yourself with the locals with whatever’s on tap.
Saturday
It’s history day and in and a day-long itinery of culture awaits. The Oliewenhuis Art Museum opens at 8am so you’re off to an early start. It’s a satellite of the National Museum and aims to preserve collections that showcase our South African art heritage. Spend a couple of hours drinking in the exceptional talent we have in this country. Lunch at Bella Casa in Westdene (yes, there is one in Bloem) for great Italian-style lunch.
After lunch visit the Anglo Boer War Museum. It is the only museum in the world dedicated to one of our country’s great wars (1899-1902). Stop by at the Botanical Garden afterwards with a picnic basket of champagne and crackers. A necessary diversion after a day of culture-vulturing.
Other places of interest easily woven into the day include the President Steyn (Boer War President) House, Naval Hill, the Bloemfontein Observatory and the National Museum, among many others.
Dinner at 1 On Park is a must. This is one of the most romantic fine dining experiences in Bloemfontein. It is the public outlet of the Central University of Technology’s culinary school where third-year graduates ply their trade. Its silver-service and inventive dishes such as blue cheese soufflé make 1 On Park an unforgettable experience.
Sunday
The Cheetah Experience is probably one of the mostengaging and exhilarating. Get up close with one of Africa’s most graceful creatures and fall in love with conservation. It is centres like these that curate our heritage, the passion and care of the staff at the centre is admirable and no visit to Bloemfontein is complete without a visit.
Sunday lunch to many families is probably one of the most important meals of the week. It’s where lazy conversation and family time meet over a slow roasted lamb or a braai. When on the road, Sunday lunch should hold its importance not only in meaning, but in taste.
Take a 40-minute drive in a southerly direction out of town to De Oudekraal Restaurant. It’s been around for two decades and offers an authentic South African farm-style dining experience. The venue is famed for its six-course menu that includes traditional fare such as bobotie, irresistible oxtail, venison and much more. An impressive wine list that is reasonably priced also sets the venue apart.
Head back to town sated and spend the afternoon window shopping at the Waterfront or Mimosa Mall. If you are an avid photographer, take a walk through and capture the heart of the city, its historic buildings and oxwagon wide roads.
This was simply a taste of what Bloem has to offer. Often forgotten by travellers tunnel-visioning about the coast or the Cape Winelands, the central part of the country is beautiful and has a host of attractions to offer within easy reach.
Hein Kaiser, Saturday Star