Bloemfontein Tourism Sector should take advantage of MACUFE Festivities

Bloemfontein Tourism Sector should take advantage of MACUFE Festivities

Teboho Masakala

Deborah Cox

Mangaung Cultural Festival, known as Macufe is around the corner and bookings for accommodation are piling up. Macufe will this year be held from  4-13 October in Bloemfontein and already visitors and tourists to the City of Roses are looking forward to great hospitality, food, adventure and accommodation.

This is an opportunity for the Free State Tourism Sector especially those based in Bloemfontein to take advantage of the thousands of people who will visit Bloemfontein for the 10 day festival to market themselves and  offer tourists an experience they will never forget.

Macufe attracts celebrities, politicians and Free State citizens to Bloemfontein. Also, people from other African countries and other parts of the world fly to experience what Mangaung can offer.

BnB’s, Guesthouses and hotels to mention a few are usually fully booked at this time of year but this is not a train smash as the are guest houses in the township that can take advantage of the Macufe phenomenon to promote their businesses and hook tourists to their guest houses.

The Macufe Arts and Craft Market held next to the Fidel Castro/CR Swart building, offers tourists a chance to buy locally made products from exhibitors who come from all over Free State and other parts of the country to sell and showcase their talent.

The Naval hill which gives a beautiful picturesque of the entire City of Bloemfontein is one place to visit for those who love outdoor photography and want to experience the entire view of the city of Roses. The are animals such as giraffes available at Naval Hill to feast your eyes on. The Nelson Mandela statue, one of the biggest in the country is usually a hit with tourists.

If you are into politics and want to learn about the early history of the ANC. The Waaihoek, known as the birthplace of ANC offers insight and education on how the ANC was formed and the Mapikela House in Batho location has a rich heritage and knowledge for people to indulge on.

Macufe Comedy, Macufe Divas and Macufe Main Festival are some of the most sought after shows during the festival and attracts people from near and far. This year American Super Star Deborah Cox will headline both the Divas and the Main festival. This is a chance for the local tourism sector to take a chance to accommodate the thousands that will descend to Bloemfontein.

Good food always makes people to fall in love with a place. Setshaba Butchery situated in Phahameng is one of the places to visit to have a lekker braai if you want a nice delicious marinade meat that has a spice to die for. The place is always a favourite with visitors to Bloemfontein.

For those who are into soccer, you are not left out, the festival closes with a titanic clash between Bloemfontein Celtic and Kaizer Chiefs at the Free State Stadium. The match between the two teams is always a sold out affair and broadcast on SABC 1.

Visit Bloemfontein this Macufe and enjoy the beauty of Free State.