The Free State National Botanical Gardens are situated just to the north of the Bloemfontein city center.
Although not quite on a par with e.g. the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens, they are nevertheless worth a visit if one is in Bloemfontein. The gardens cover 70 hectares and are home to approximately 400 different plant specifics. Like most botanical gardens, this one is also subdivided into various areas of plant species.
There are some lovely trails leading through the surrounding hills around the garden and picnicking under the shady trees is a favorite activity here. Along one of the trails one comes across a low stone wall behind which British soldiers are believed to have sheltered during the Anglo Boer War.

We had visited the garden in the month of April and most of the trees and shrubs were still green. The bottom main section contains some beautiful lawns with shady trees and benches. The ablution facilities were well maintained and clean. There is a small lake and hide from which to watch some of the birds present here. The trails around the surrounding hills are definitely worth doing and not difficult at all.

Area of Free State National Botanical Gardens Map