Kroonstad

The third-largest town in Free State lies halfway between Johannesburg and Bloemfontein. The town was named after a horse called "Kroon" (Crown) which drowned in a local stream. The town abounds with historical sites including statues, a former concentration camp, churches, San rock art, Museums, a Blockhouse and Stone corbelled huts in the centre of town. Kroonstad is an important agricultural service centre for the province. Randfontein farm houses the internationally renowned rose gardens.

It has a low population density at 100/km2 but they know how to party: the annual Kroon River Carnival (build a raft and hope it floats) and Festival of Lights illuminates the entire town.

A visit to the Lion and Tiger Park and angling, golf, hiking, hunting, road running (qualifiers for two international races), water sport, Flea Markets and the indigenous Jukskei will keep you busy.

Numerous luminaries call Kroonstad home – international rugby players, a former military ruler, a minister, a poet and soccer player.