Things To Do
in Welkom

Wide avenues, municipal buildings and mining-era structures provide documentary-style images of South African regional towns and industrial heritage.

Low hills and open plains around Welkom offer expansive skies and dramatic light for golden-hour landscape photography.

Markets, roadside vendors and community gatherings are rich in candid portrait and street-photography opportunities that capture daily life.

Nearby reserves and game farms provide chances for wildlife and bird photography; book guided drives for the best access and light.

Charcoal-grilled meats (boerewors, lamb chops, steaks) served with pap, chakalaka and salads; available at local pubs, roadside braai spots and community events.

Must-Try!

Stiff maize porridge (pap) often paired with chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish) and stewed or grilled meats — a staple at many casual eateries.

Cured, spiced dried meats sold at delis and markets — a popular snack and souvenir to pick up from local suppliers.

Slow-cooked, hearty stews and potjies served in many family restaurants and at community gatherings.

Weekend markets and church bazaars sell baked goods, sweets, homemade preserves, fried snacks and biltong; great for sampling local flavours and buying produce.

Small outdoor vendors near busy roads and malls serving grilled meats, vetkoek and chips — cheap, filling and authentic.

Tipping in South Africa is customary: around 10–15% in restaurants if service is good, R5–R20 for porters or attendants depending on effort, and rounding up taxi fares is common. For guides or exceptional service, 10–20% is appreciated.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, malls, hotels and restaurants; carry some cash (South African rand) for markets, small vendors and tipping. ATMs are available in town but may have withdrawal limits; contactless payments and cards are increasingly common.

Hot days with afternoon thunderstorms are common; pack lightweight clothing, sun protection and a light rain jacket. This is prime time for lush grasslands and active birdlife but expect occasional heavy rain and muddy tracks on rural roads.

Mild days and cooler nights make outdoor activities pleasant; clear skies and crisp light are good for photography. Vegetation begins to dry, so colours are more muted than in summer.

Cool to cold, especially at night; frost can occur in the early mornings. Days are often sunny and dry, ideal for drives and hiking, but bring warm layers for mornings and evenings.

Warmer temperatures return and wildflowers can appear in the Free State plains; pleasant conditions for walking and exploring before the rainy season starts.

Vegetarian options exist but are more limited than in big cities; look for salads, vegetable stews, pap with chakalaka and deli offerings, or ask for meat-free variations at restaurants.

Vegan choices are available in markets and some cafes (salads, vegetable dishes and sides) but you should communicate restrictions clearly; bringing snacks is sensible for remote excursions.

Halal-certified options may be limited; seek out specific butchers, deli shops or Muslim-owned eateries in town, or ask hotels about halal menu items.

Gluten-free requests can be accommodated at some bakeries and restaurants, but cross-contamination is possible — most travelers rely on naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled meats, salads and maize-based pap.