The municipality covers an area of 652407.2ha of which 47 % has remained as natural habitat. There are two formal land-based protected areas covering 16.9ha in the municipality. These are the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve (632ha) and the Sandveld Nature Reserve (24883.5ha). There are no RAMSAR sites in the municipality. There are two biomes in the municipality, namely Grassland and Savanna. Six vegetation types, are found in the municipal area. There is one endangered ecosystem, namely Vaal-Vet Sandy Grassland covering 20878ha (3.2%) of the municipality. Seven vegetation types are found in the Tswelopele Local Municipality. These are Bloemfontein KarroidShrubland, Highveld Alluvial Vegetation, Highveld Salt Pans, Kimberley Thornveld, Vaalbos Rocky Shrubland, Vaal-Vet Sandy Grassland and Western Free State Clay Grassland. Two rivers run through the municipality, namely the Vaal and Vet Rivers. Wetlands cover 37304.9ha (5.7%) of the municipal area.

Topography

The municipal area is generally flat with a difference of altitude of only 200 metres over 80kms. It gently slopes towards the Vet and Vaal Rivers along its northern and western boundaries. Around and south of Bultfontein is the “Altemit” a sub-region of low hills and depressions containing seasonal wetlands or pans.

Spatial description

Tswelopele Local Municipality falls in the Lejweleputswa District area and is situated in the north western parts of the Free State and borders the North West Province to the north, and it is about 100 km north west of Bloemfontein. The geographic area of the municipality is 652.043 square kilometers. The major towns that form part of the Tswelopele Local Municipality are Bultfontein/Phahameng and Hoopstad/Tikwana as well as their surrounding rural areas. The Bultfontein/Phahameng area is located 80 km from Welkom and 100 km from Bloemfontein. It comprises of two main areas, namely Bultfontein and Phahameng. Hoopstad/Tikwana is situated is situated on the R700 Highway between Bloemfontein and the North West Province. The town is located near the Bloemhof Dam which is situated on the Vaal River.