Getting Here
Bloemfontein, meaning “fountain of flowers,” is the capital and largest city of South Africa’s Free State province. Known affectionately as Bloem, it is also the country’s judicial capital, alongside Cape Town (legislative) and Pretoria (administrative). The city’s Sesotho name, Mangaung, translates to “place of cheetahs,” reflecting the region’s natural beauty and heritage.
Bloemfontein has a rich artistic and cultural history. It is the birthplace of J.R.R. Tolkien, the author of The Lord of the Rings, and has nurtured some of South Africa’s most influential creatives, including the likes of Lebo Mashile, acclaimed poet, writer and actress, known for her powerful spoken word performances and activism in South African literature. Also, award-winning playwright, poet and director, Napo Masheane, recognised for her work in African storytelling, theatre, and empowering womens’ voices in the arts.
The city’s creative heartbeat thrives in its numerous museums, galleries, and live performance spaces. With over 14 fully equipped theatres and dynamic outdoor venues, Bloemfontein has a strong performing community with PACOFS and infrastructure for the performing arts. Key venues include the Sand du Plessis Theatre (1,000 seats), André Huguenot Theatre (400 seats), on UFS campus, Kovsie Kerk (1,000 seats), Odeion Amphitheatre (200 seats), and the Scaena Theatre (150 seats).
Beyond the arts, Bloemfontein holds deep historical significance. Waaihoek Church, where the African National Congress (ANC) was founded in 1912, remains a landmark of South Africa’s political history. The city is also well-connected, with Bram Fischer International Airport offering direct flights to major South African cities.
Whether you’re here for creativity, history, or inspiration, Bloemfontein welcomes you to experience its unique energy and artistic spirit.
University of the Free State
Bloemfontein Campus
205 Nelson Mandela Drive
Park West
Bloemfontein
South Africa
Safety and Security
Like most major cities, Bloemfontein has both good and bad areas. It is advisable when walking in Bloemfontein, particularly at night, to be aware of people around you, and ideally not to walk alone but in a group. The University of the Free State, where PACE is hosted, has 24-hour security and panic buttons across the campus. Ostentatious displays of wealth should be avoided, and it is not advisable to look like a typical tourist eg: with cameras strung around your neck. Please do not leave valuables unattended.
Weather for July
During June and July, you can expect the average high temperature to reach 18°C (64°F). Similarly, every day the temperature drops after sunset and the average low temperature can be 0°C (32°F). It may be rainy, and in Bloemfontein, the cold winds from the Drakensberg Mountain range are quite severe at night so pack warm and come prepared for all eventualities.
Travel and Transport
Most international delegates will fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) or Cape Town International Airport, followed by a domestic flight or road transfer to Bloemfontein.
International Flights to South Africa
Few international flights go directly to Bloemfontein. International flights go to Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airports.
Recommended Airlines:
Emirates Airways
South African Airways
British Airways
Air France
Kenya Airways
Ethiopian Airlines
RwandAir
EgyptAir
Domestic Flights to Bloemfontein
Domestic Flights to Bloemfontein (Bram Fischer International Airport)
FlySafair
Airlink
CemAir
Please note there is no public transport from the Airport to the University of the Free State campus and the city.
Flight duration from Johannesburg: 1 hour
Flight duration from Cape Town: 1.5 hours
Shuttles and Buses to Bloemfontein
Shuttles: City Bug Shuttle
Buses: Citiliner Plus, and Intertcape
3rd Island Tours and Transfers – specialising in safe, reliable, and professional shuttle services to tourists, corporate clients, and event organizers within greater Gauteng and surrounding provinces. Services include airport transfers, city tours, township tours, nature reserve tours, city-to-city shuttle, door-to-door shuttle, corporate staff shuttle, and shuttle services for family functions, weddings, and conferences. They have two 14-seater vehicles that are well-maintained, comfortable, and equipped with all the necessary safety features. www.3rdislandtours.com Contact Mike Maqawe Mpabanga, Tel / Whatsapp 083 793 0948
Shuttle duration from Johannesburg – Bloemfontein: 4-5 hours drive
Shuttle duration from Cape Town – Bloemfontein: 10 hours
Car Rental
Car rental services are available at major airports, many domestic airlines offer discounts when booking a car through the airline.
Parking is available during PACE, on the university grounds.
Car rentals at the Airport:
Hertz
Avis
First Car Rental
SANI SIXT https://sani.co.za/
Compare rental car sites at Kayak, or Money Saving Expert
Excess Insurance
When renting a car in South Africa, you can purchase optional extra insurance or protection products like a Damage Waiver. Find out more at Money Saving Expert
Local Transport in Bloemfontein
Ride-share Services: Uber and Bolt are not available in Bloemfontein.
Taxis: Private taxi companies can be booked in advance.
Roses Meter Taxi (+27 72 349 9738), and JR MAXI TAXIS (+27 78 566 8997)
Public Transport: Limited and not always reliable.
Walking: Safe in designated areas but not advisable at night.
Visa and Travel Requirements
Passport Requirements:
Your passport must have at least two consecutive blank pages.
It must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.
Visa Requirements:
Check if your country requires a visa at the South African Government website
Apply at least 6 months before travel if a visa is required.
If travelling to neighbouring countries, apply for a multiple-entry visa.
Travel Insurance
By taking out travel insurance, you are essentially covering yourself against travel risks such as lost or stolen luggage, cancellation cover and most importantly, unexpected medical costs abroad.
Travel Assistance
For booking assistance, contact Nina Gerdener at Travel Counsellors Bloemfontein.
Tel: +27 82 771 1716
Email: nina.mercia@travelcounsellors.co.za
Website: Travel Counsellors
Where to Stay
In Bloemfontein, there are various options for accommodation, including hotels, guest houses, inns and the Harmony Residence on the UFS Campus.
Rusplek
Guesthouse
PACE Preferred Accommodation
Most PACE Artists and Delegates stay at the Rusplek Guesthouse & Conference Centre.
Rusplek is a 30 min walk to the UFS Campus
R400 per person with a private room with a bathroom. (about $20, £17, €19)
Quote PACE/Vrystaat when booking
Harmony
Residence
Hotels
On-Campus Accommodation
Harmony Residence UFS Campus
Harmony Residence on the University of the Free State Bloemfontein Campus (10 min walk from PACE Hub) has been reserved for Artists or Delegates who wish to stay on the Campus.
Rates:
Shared Room: R225 per person/night (about $12, £9, €11)
Single Room: R350 per person/night (about $19, £15, €17)
Facilities: Shared bathrooms, lounges, a fully equipped kitchen, and free laundry services.
For booking, contact Ilze Nikolova at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Email the completed Booking Form to NikolovaI@ufs.ac.za with the subject “PACE25”.
Off-Campus Accommodation
Many hotels and guest houses are within walking distance from the university’s main entrance. We suggest you keep your safety and security in mind.
Close to the Campus
Around Bloemfontein
Alternatively, use Expedia or Booking.com
Useful Information
Health and Vaccinations
No mandatory vaccinations are required except for travellers from yellow fever-risk areas.
Malaria is not a concern in Bloemfontein but may be in northern parts of South Africa.
South African healthcare is of a high standard. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Time Zone (GMT+2)
GMT+2
It is the same as Central European Summer Time and 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Daylight Time.
Currency
The South African rand, or simply the rand (sign: R; code: ZAR), is the official currency of South Africa. It is subdivided into 100 cents, and a comma separates the rand and cents.
Most of South Africa has widely available ATMs, and SA has adopted a digital payment system with Master Card. Visa is accepted at the majority of stores and hotels, but American Express options are limited. Many stores offer a tap to pay with a phone linked to a bank card, but Apple Pay and Google Pay are very limited.
The general conversion is approximately $1 to R18, £1 to R23, €1 to R19.
VAT Refunds
15% VAT applies to most goods and services.
Visitors can claim VAT refunds on goods over R250 at the airport.
For more info, visit Tax Refunds
Tipping
In South African restaurants, it is customary to tip a minimum of between 10 – 15% of the bill.
For service providers (like car guards, hotel staff, and petrol attendants), small tips are customary (R5 to R10).
Mobile and SIM Cards
Mobile
Roaming outside of your mobile provider’s area may include additional costs. Please contact your provider for their fees for roaming in South Africa,
E-SIM providers for international travel are available if your phone can use an E_SIM.
Airalo
SIM Cards
South African law requires SIM card registration (RICA).
At O.R. Tambo Airport, you can buy a SIM card with only a passport.
If purchasing elsewhere, you’ll need a hotel confirmation letter or proof of residence.
MAILING LIST
