Potchefstroom is located in South Africa’s North West Province. It lies just north of the Vaal River, which divides the North West from the Free State. Despite being an unassuming town, there are a number of significant things to do in Potchefstroom and if you do find yourself in Potchefstroom for a few nights, there is more than enough going on to keep you occupied.
Generally the North West province consists of flat grasslands and has a mild climate, rarely dropping below 3°C in winter. The bit of rainfall it does receive falls in the summer months (October to January).
Potch, as the city is known to locals, lies in the Southern part of the province which is renowned for agricultural activities including corn, tobacco and sunflower farming. The city itself lays claim to the longest tree-lined avenue in South Africa, aptly named Oak Avenue back in 1910 when the city council planted the trees, this 6,8 kilometre long avenue takes in some of Potch’s most significant museums.
For example the President Pretorius Museum and the Totius House Museum (both part of the Potchefstroom Museum) help to explain the city’s history and give a glimpse into the past and present ethnography of the area.
Potchefstroom is also home to some interesting national monuments like the City Hall and the Nederduitsch Hervormde church, which happens to be the oldest church building north of the Vaal river.
Heading out of Potchefstroom, you may well encounter the OPM Prozesky Bird Sanctuary, which was declared a conservation area by the local municipality in the 1980’s. Owing to the disused sewage tanks, birders can now see species such as African purple swamp hens, Black crake and heron.
One of the most significant attractions near Potchefstroom is the Vredefort Dome, a 300 kilometre by 90 kilometre crater caused by a meteor hitting earth millions of years ago. This UNESCO world heritage site is the largest of its kind in the world and is of extreme importance to many scientific communities. The Vredefort Dome is also an adventure sport hub attracting mountain climbers, hikers and those keen on abseiling and river rafting.
Another key attraction is the North-West University, which has its primary headquarters in Potchefstroom.
Culturally, Potchefstroom’s most significant event is the annual Aardklop Arts Festival, which happens every year around October. This massive festival rivals some of South Africa’s biggest festivals as a showcase for Afrikaans dance, theatre, visual arts and music.
Whether visiting for the Aardklop Festival or any other reason take advantage of all that Potch as to offer!
