Orchid House Travel Guide: Top Sights in South africa, Tours & Travel

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Orchid House- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; South Africa; 5 Reviews

Suggested Duration: 1 hours

Nestled at the foot of Naval Hill within Hamilton Park, the Orchid House in Bloemfontein is a glass-domed conservatory preserving hundreds of exotic orchids across a spectrum of striking colors. This botanical jewel, maintained by the Free State Orchid Society, is known for housing one of central South Africa's most extensive and vibrant orchid collections, all without an entry fee. The glasshouse offers a subtropical retreat in the highland plains, particularly dramatic in winter (June–August), when cool air and consistent blooms enhance both visual appeal and floral vitality. Beyond the floral displays, the Orchid House connects deeply with Bloemfontein's cultural and natural topography. Positioned beneath trails leading to the historic Naval Hill and Franklin Nature Reserve—where remnants of Anglo-Boer War gun placements overlook giraffe, zebra, and antelope—it serves as a vibrant waypoint between horticultural learning and urban wildlife encounters. Informative signage and a calm, enclosed environment allow for both education and immersive photography, making the Orchid House a quietly significant destination in the city's landscape.

Operators offering tours in South Africa

Attractions in Bloemfontein

Anglo Boer War Museum

Naval Hill

4.4

National Museum Bloemfontein

4.6

Bloemfontein Botanical Gardens

4.4

Oliewenhuis Art Museum

4.6

Free State Stadium

Freshford House Museum

4.2

South African Armour Museum

4.6

Reviews of Orchid House

Amanda Fox

1
Reviewed: 2019-06-24

The establishment is closed for repairs according to a notice in the door. There were no signs of any work taking place on a normal Thursday afternoon. There was also no dates on the notice saying when the place closed and when it will re-open. Seems like the end of the road for the orchid house🙁
Dore Lourens

4
Reviewed: 2018-09-14

Surprisingly beautiful with a lot of orchids in bloom
Brenda Prinsloo

1
Reviewed: 2018-08-11

Rules not adhered to. People playing very loud music eventhough there is a board that forbid it and no one cares to address it. The beautiful flower beddings has turned into a place for dumping broken alcohol bottles and caps... I will not go there again or recommend it to anyone... shocked!
Johannes Bornman

5
Reviewed: 2018-02-19

Largest collection of Orchids I have ever seen. Spectacular! Grounds around Orchid House is not well kept but the orchids seem to be well taken care of.
Cameron Govender

1
Reviewed: 2017-03-19

Planned our day around visiting the orchid house and going to Naval Hill only to find that the Orchid House does not adhere to the operating times stated and did not open at all today (Sunday 7am-5pm). Very frustrating