Vryburg, renowned for it's cattle ranching and often referred to as the 'Texas' of South Africa, has a long and rich history dating back to 1882. When the republic of Stellenbosch was proclaimed in 1882, Vryburg was named it's capital and the republicans called themselves 'Vryburgers' (Free citizens) hence the name of the town. Within months the Republic had it's own flag and issued it's own postage stamps (great collectors' pieces). It's glory unfortunately did not last long, as a British expeditionary force was sent to crush the new Republic. Stellaland was occupied in 1885 and the flag was sent to Queen Victoria. It hung in Windsor Castle until 1934, when it was returned to Vryburg by King George V. Today Vryburg is one of the largest magisterial districts in the country and the largest producer of beef by far. Some of the biggest cattle herds in the world are found in the district.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Bloemfontein 300 km, Bray 220 km, Delareyville 80 km, Ganyesa 70 km, Johannesburg 440 km, Kalahari Gemsbok Park 555 km, Kimberley 220 km, Kuruman 160 km, Leniesdeel 110 km, Louwna 90 km, Lykso 70 km, Mmabatho 170 km, Piet Plessis 100 km, Potchefstroom 265 km, Pretoria 445 km, Reivilo 100 km, Schweizer-Reneke 63 km, Setlagole 60 km, Stella 45 km, Taung 70 km, Tosca 150 km, Upington 400 km, Vergeleë 150 k

HISTORICAL VIEW

British Concentration Camp

A pillar was unveiled on 6 April 1929 in memory of those people who died during the Anglo Boer War (1899 – 1902). This site is situated in Hartbees Road.

Kliphuisie Bed & Breakfast – National Monument

Agricultural Bank of South Africa – Established in 1931

MC Ghoor Shopping Centre – Family business since 1903

Dutch Reformed Church Parsonage – One of the oldest buildings in Vryburg

Deeds & Magistrates Office - One of the original buildings

GJ van Niekerk Bust

Bust of the first president of the Republic of Stellaland situated in the museum

Police Station

Vryburg's first Police Station was opened in 1887. This National Monument can be visited at 9 Vry Street. The building has been fully restored and modernised into a guest house namely Kliphuis B&B

Post Office

Prison Wall & Museum

The remains of the prison that was used in 1887, forms part of the museum which is situated en route to Kuruman. Historical items can be viewed at the museum which date back to the time of the Stellaland Republic. Items include the Stellaland flag, as well as the bronze bust of Arnold Theiler known for the curing of splenic fever in cattle.

Provincial Hospital

San Rock Engravings – On Schweizer- Reneke Road. In Bernauw Street.

Sir Arnold Theiler Bust

In the museum. Sir Arnold Theiler, veterinary scientist and founder of the world famous veterinary research institute at Onderstepoort near Pretoria. At an early stage of his career he conducted research on 'lamsiekte' a cattle disease, on the farm Armoedsvlakte in the district.

Standard Bank – Original front view since 1903

Taung Skull

The world renowned Taung Skull was discovered in 1924 at Buxton, which is approximately 85 km from Vryburg. The scull is between one and two million years old.

Theiler Agricultural Museum / Cattle Research Station

Situated on the farm Armoedsvlakte, northwest of town, this is an important veterinary research centre.

Tierkloof Missionary Station

In 1904 this national monument was established by the London Missionary Society. It was also known as the Missionaries Road to the North. This educational institution is situated 11 km outside Vryburg on the Taung / Kimberley road.

Voortrekker Monument

This monument was erected in remembrance of the Great Trek of 1938. It is situated en route to Kuruman

NATURE

Leon Taljaard Nature Reserve

The reserve, adjacent to the Swartfontein Holiday Resort, 3000 ha African savannah bushveld, has a variety of wildlife, including both blue and black wildebeest, Burchell's and mountain zebra, eland, gemsbok, white rhinoceros etc. Located 5 km outside Vryburg on the Ganyesa / Tosca road.

Molopo Nature Reserve

25 000 ha of thorn tree bushveld, 250 km from Vryburg on the Vorstershoop road. A guest house offers accommodation. Activities include game drives and it is very popular with national and international hunters.

Swartfontein Recreation Resort

This resort 5 km out of town offers fully equipped chalets in a parkland setting. There is a caravan park, a sparkling swimming pool, braai facilities and a playground for children. Visit the adjoining nature reserve with it's wide variety of wildlife.

ATTRACTIONS

Archaeological Sites – easy accessible, clearly visible, Bernauw Street

Armoedsvlakte – Cattle Research farm

Ghoor Shopping Centre

MC Ghoor was the original owner of this shop that was opened in 1903.

Municipal Auction Pen

In Du Plessis Avenue, marketing of approximately 250 000 head of cattle per year. Auctions are held every Friday

ACTIVITIES

4 x 4 Trails

Middelpan to Cahar Trail, difficulty rating 2 – 4, maximum of five vehicles, 300 km circular route, we recommend usage of a guide.

Hiking

African Hoopoe Trail - On the farm Waterloo, two days circular route (15 km)

Leon Taljaard Trail

Distance / Duration: 30 km / 2 days (12 km plus 18 km). Overnight in cave. Walk in the 3000 ha Leon Taljaard Nature Reserve, Minimum three people.

Louchrismar Trail

(19 km) On the farm Middelpan, overnight in bushcamp at waterpoint or in farm house.

Morokani Trail

In the Morokaan range (25 km), rock engravings. Two days: 9 km plus 12 km. Circular route, overnight in bushlapa

Horse Riding

Hunting

WHERE TO STAY

Kriel B&B

Two well appointed thatched chalets in quiet surroundings near game camp. One sleeps four people (max. six). Fridge, microwave, stove, kettle. Bathroom with shower, toilet and hand basin. Number 2 has a double bed, single bed, shower, toilet and handbasin. Braai facilities. Both with Tv (MNET).

Accommodation in and around Makalali