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 & 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.
Few international flights go directly to Bloemfontein. International flights go to Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airports.
Recommended Airlines:
Shuttles:
City Bug Shuttle
Buses:
Citiliner Plus
and
Intercape
3rd Island Tours and Transfers specialises in safe, reliable and professional shuttle services for tourists, corporate clients and event organisers within greater Gauteng and surrounding provinces.
Services include airport transfers, city tours, township tours, nature reserve tours, city-to-city shuttles, door-to-door transport, corporate staff transport, and shuttle services for family functions, weddings and conferences.
They have two well-maintained and comfortable 14-seater vehicles equipped with the necessary safety features.
Website:
www.3rdislandtours.com
Contact: Mike Maqawe Mpabanga
Telephone/WhatsApp:
083 793 0948
Shuttle duration from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein: 4–5 hours
Shuttle duration from Cape Town to Bloemfontein: 10 hours
Car rental services are available at major airports. Many domestic airlines also offer discounts when booking a car through the airline.
Parking is available on the university grounds during PACE.
Car rentals at the airport:
Compare car rental options through
Kayak
or
MoneySavingExpert.
When renting a car in South Africa, you can purchase optional additional insurance or protection products, such as a Damage Waiver. Find out more at
MoneySavingExpert.
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.
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 whether your country requires a visa on the
South African Government website. - Apply at least six months before travelling if a visa is required.
- If travelling to neighbouring countries, apply for a multiple-entry visa.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
GMT+2
It is the same as Central European Summer Time and 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Daylight Time.
The South African rand, or simply the rand (sign: R; code: ZAR), is the official currency of South Africa. One rand is divided into 100 cents, and prices are normally written using a decimal comma—for example, R10,50.
ATMs are widely available across South Africa. Mastercard and Visa are accepted by most stores and hotels, although American Express acceptance is more limited. Contactless card and mobile payments are also available at many businesses.
Approximate conversion rates are:
- US$1 to R18
- £1 to R23
- €1 to R19
Exchange rates fluctuate. For current rates, use the
OANDA Currency Converter.
A VAT rate of 15% applies to most goods and services in South Africa.
Visitors may claim VAT refunds at the airport on qualifying goods valued at more than R250.
For more information, visit
Tax Refunds.
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
Roaming outside your mobile provider’s area may incur additional costs. Please contact your provider for information about roaming fees in South Africa.
E-SIM services are available for international travellers whose phones support them. Visit
Airalo
for more information.
SIM Cards
- South African law requires SIM card registration (RICA).
- At O.R. Tambo International Airport, you can purchase a SIM card using only your passport.
- If purchasing one elsewhere, you will need a hotel confirmation letter or other proof of residence.
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 whether your country requires a visa on the
South African Government website. - Apply at least six months before travelling if a visa is required.
- If travelling to neighbouring countries, apply for a multiple-entry visa.
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.
For booking assistance, contact Nina Gerdener at Travel Counsellors Bloemfontein.
Tel:
+27 82 771 1716
Email:
nina.mercia@travelcounsellors.co.za
Website:
Travel Counsellors
