Situated On the banks of the Mooi River, Potchefstroom combines a strong agricultural economy with a friendly, buzzing community life offering the visitor various attractions and activities.
Potchefstroom was founded in 1838 and was the first town north of the Vaal River. The city and district boast a rich and varied historical and cultural legacy, including many declared national monuments, such as the largest oak tree avenue in the southern hemisphere.
Potchefstroom Museums consist of the main museum and three house museums which afford visitors a glimpse into a fascinating past of the city and its people, as well as an introduction to the unique lifestyles of the Tswana community at present.
The Vredefort Dome, a World Heritage Site, in the district offers a very unique experience for the visitor. Apart from sight-seeing, this natural phenomenon formed by a meteorite caters for the adventurous with hiking trails, river rafting opportunities, etc.
Also known as the Gateway to the North West Province, the town is only 120 km from Johannesburg.
Accommodation
Potchefstroom Accommodation offers visitors a choice of hotels, guest houses, self catering establishments and bed and breakfasts in and around the town.
Aardklop National Art Festival
Aardklop is an annual national arts festival that is held in Potchefstroom since 1998. This cultural festival incorporates predominantly Afrikaans theatre, dance, music, cabaret and visual arts, and is held in a variety of venues in and around the town. It established a unique platform for up-and-coming artists to perform alongside established performers.
A large craft market and open-air performances also form part of the event, drawing crowds of more than 150 000 people every year.
Activities
Boskop Dam Nature ReserveYachting take a pride of place on the waters of this tranquil dam.
Potchefstroom MuseumsThe complete history of human experience and interaction in the area is covered by this highly informative museums.
OPM Prozesky Bird SanctuaryWhich attracts bird lovers from far and wide to its +- 200 bird species.
Potchefstroom Lakeside Holiday Resort
Situated on the banks of the Potchefstroom Dam in the Mooi River, offers chalets, a caravan park, a variety of facilities and entertainment such as water sports, angling, a swimming pool and supertube, and guarantees a relaxed, holiday atmosphere of high standard for all age groups. The licensed restaurant overlooking the waterfront, will contribute a pleasant stay.
Dome Bergland Nature Park
The site of a meteorite impact some 2 000 million years ago. A fascinating geographic phenomenon in that it is different in shape and vegetation from its surrouding areas. Creating the riches reef in the world, many trails take visitors to this remarkable natural feature and many activities are on offer, including hiking, riverrafting, canoeing, mountain climbing, abseiling, mountain biking and fly fishing.
National Monument
The city boasts many buildings and other structures that have been declared national monuments:
The Old Gunpowder House, Old Police Station Building, Kruger Kraal Opstal, Heimat Building, Magistrate's Office.
Churches
The country's oldest Reformed Churches and its oldest stone-built Hervormde Church are found in the town. St Mary's Anglican Church, built in 1891, is notable for its magnificent stained glass windows.
The Green Belt
10 km running along side the Mooi River in the centre of the city, hosts the 18-hole country club, twice the venue for South African Open tournaments, as well as the;
Buffelsvlei Wild Animal Park
Buffelsvlei has the following activities available:
Game drives with or without guide, hiking, bicycle riding, horse riding, swimming, clay-pigeon shooting, biltong and trophy hunting. There is a volleyball court, a bar with DSTV and a pool table, picnic and braai facilities.
