RealNet, RealNet Bloemfontein

Bloemfontein, also called the City of Roses, is the sixth largest city in South Africa and known as the Judicial Capital of

South Africa

. The city centre is lined with historical buildings, including the beautiful tree-lined President Brand Street - a national monument - its pavements home to several graceful museum buildings, right in the centre of Bloemfontein.

It often functions as a stop off to break the journey between Johannesburg and Cape Town.

Situated in an area of dry grassland, Bloemfontein more than lives up to its name - spring of flowers. Rose bushes line the city in their thousands; more than 4000 rose trees have been planted in the rose gardens in Kings Park and many homes, boast colourful gardens littered with flowering plants and trees.

Bloemies, as the locals fondly call the city, is a city of quality of life, with very few traffic jams, a people caring city and a true haven in which to bring up children.

Naval Hill is a little nature reserve of 192 hectares, set right in the city and worth a drive through. With its setting on a hill, it gives a bird’s eye view over the city.

The extremely modern Orchid House, which lies at the western foot of Naval Hill in Hamilton Park, lays claim to the world’s largest collection of orchids.

There is also a fragrance garden for the blind close to the Orchid House.

The Oliewenhuis Art Gallery - a beautiful neo-Cape Dutch house with frequent exhibitions and sprawling lawns - has gardens under shade trees that provide a wonderful space in which to picnic or enjoy a meal at its ever so popular restaurant.

There is no shortage of activities when in Bloemfontein: The Loch Logan Waterfront offers a variety of restaurants, shops, pubs and entertainment.

Bloemfontein boasts as the breeding ground of a host of great personalities in all walks of life.*