There are many things to do when visiting Bethlehem. Activities range from nature and wildlife activities; family activities; annual festivals and outings. If you’re looking for adventure and fun outings, then this list has been compiled just for you.
Activities
Nature/Wildlife Activities in Bethlehem
Hiking Trail to the Cave at LionsRock Big Cat Sanctuary
This short hike passes by a picturesque dam towards a stunning cove and natural cave. Hikers get to experience the platform with a view of the entire sanctuary. Afterwards, the walk back is through the lush forests.
Feeding Tour at LionsRock Big Cat Sanctuary
Learn about and interact with the 150 rescued lions at the Big Cat Sanctuary. The tour starts off with a charming drive through the sanctuary, afterwards visitors get the opportunity to watch the caretakers feed the big cats. The tour then pays a visit to the leopard and tiger enclosures where visitors learn and observe the majestic cats in their enclosed habitat.
Tiger Valley Sanctuary Tour at Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary
Tiger Valley houses tigers from all over the world. Visitors will get to come into contact with tigers in person while viewing the habitat they live in. The tour provides visitors with information about the tigers and how they interact, what they eat and how they roam freely in their enclosure.
Huskyromi Wolf Sanctuary
This majestical sanctuary is home to abandoned and abused huskies and wolves in South Africa. The sanctuary focuses on rehabilitating huskies and wolves and is open to the public to come learn, observe and interact with the huskies and wolves.
Family Activities in Bethlehem
Ice Rink at Windmill Casino
Take the family to the ice rink at the Windmill Casino for some fun ice-skating. Ice-skaters can choose between 30-minute and 60-minute sessions depending on how long they would like to skate for. The ice rink is ideal for rainy days while vacationing in Bethlehem.
Delta Tac Paintball
Delta Tac Paintball is the biggest and most well-known paintball establishment in Bethlehem and allows up to 20 or more paintball players at a time. It is perfect for families with children 13 and up. Delta Tac is one of the most fun, adventurous activities in the city.
Clarens Xtreme
Although not in Bethlehem, close by in Clarens is the thrilling Clarens Xtreme. They offer exhilarating experiences such as abseiling, ziplining and white-water rafting along the Ash River Outfall from the Lesotho Highlands. A must-visit for adrenaline junkies.
Dinosaur Tour
This family-friendly tour is situated in Clarens, comprising of evidence of the late Triassic and early Jurassic eras with a collection of dinosaur bones, their eggs and their footprints. On the tour, visitors can observe fossils from the area and receive educational information on the geological history. Afterwards, tour-goers get to see an ancient river lake where the trackways of multiple species of dinosaurs and mammal-like reptiles can be seen.
Annual Festivals in Bethlehem
Clarens Craft Beer Festival
Although not situated in Bethlehem, the Clarens Craft Beer Festival nearby is a must-visit. South Africa’s best micro-breweries celebrate the flavours, textures and history of craft beer in the breathtaking Maluti Mountains every year. Over 20 micro-breweries serve their favourite blends and brews and ciders for visitors. The festival is during the last weekend of February and takes place over the whole weekend.
Vrystaat Kunstefees / Arts Festival
The Vrystaat Kunstefees is an Afrikaans festival that forms artistic connections between the English and Sotho cultures. The festival is instrumental to the exchange of views around arts, culture and society through relationships with other national and international innovative communities. The date of the arts festival has yet to be announced for 2025.
St Patrick’s Day Celebration
Nearby Bethlehem is Fouriesburg at the Sandstone Boutique Hotel which is surrounded by the stunning Maluti Mountains. On the 16th of March 2025, guests can enjoy excellent service, a delicious lunch and a relaxing Sunday afternoon at the restaurant.
The Bethlehem Airshow
This annual airshow is hosted at the Bethlehem Airfield. The event consists of aerobatic displays, helicopter rides, and other aerial performances.An array of stalls is available, as well as educational talks. The airshow takes place over 2 days in August and the date will be announced in the upcoming months.
Cherry Festival
The Cherry Festival is the oldest crop festival dedicated to cherries, hosted in Ficksburg in the third week of November each year. The festival offers activities such as cherry-picking, live music, and food markets. Other activities include a golf classic, a half marathon, cherry and product competitions, veteran vehicle displays, equestrian events and beer fests. Popular South African artists perform live entertainment, and the festival is usually hosted by a national celebrity.
Outings
Free State National Botanical Garden Food and Art Market
Attendees get to indulge in good food, delicious drinks and great tunes, including a food and art market. An array of stalls offers vintage clothing, high-quality children’s clothing, jewellery, leather goods and various other arts and crafts goods. The market can be visited during the hours of 09:00-15:00 monthly, each Sunday.
Star Gazing with Star Tonight
At Star Tonight, visitors get the opportunities see stars and constellations in real-time view. Their process uses the stars, moon, sun, and horizon to calculate position. It is very useful on the open ocean, where there are no landmarks. A truly magical experience for families and couples alike.
Hot Air Ballooning with Hot Air Ballooning SA
Just outside of Bethlehem, Clarens offers visitors hot air balloon rides. Enjoy the exhilarating, yet romantic experience of floating into the air over the Maluti mountains for wonderful views over the Eastern Free State. It ideal for adventure-lovers as well as photo enthusiasts. Stay for a delicious breakfast in the village afterwards.
Horse Riding
Saddle up and explore the Free State on horseback.Experience a scenic cross-country ride or enjoy this outing with overnight camping. A horse-back riding adventure that will give you memories for a lifetime.
Cars and Coffee
Cars and Coffee is hosted by the Maluti Antique Auto and Machine Club. Car enthusiasts meet for coffee and chats. The event is usually held every Sunday from 7:30 – 9:30.
