TREASURE ROUTE ON THE N12

Introducing the N12 Treasure Route, an exciting tourism development in the North West Province, created to open a wide range of wildlife, cultural, scenic, industrial and eco attractions to the visitor.

The route starts on the N12 west as it enters the North West Province near Fochville, travelling through the goldfields via the towns of Potchefstroom, Stilfontein and Klerksdorp. On the rolling hills of the North West goldfields a sense of awe will strike the visitor at the sheer number, size and extent of gold mining operations.

more information N12 zoomable route map

The Treasure Route on the N12

ZOOM Map

	The Treasure Route starts on the N12 west as it enters the North West Province near Fochville, in the Southern Region of the Province. The route travels through the goldfields via the towns of Potchefstroom, Stilfontein and Klerksdorp. On the rolling hills of the North West goldfields a sense of awe will strike the visitor at the sheer number, size and extent of gold mining operations. South of Potchefstroom is the world famous Vredefort Dome where a giant meteorite struck the earth 200 million years ago. The Vredefort Dome can be accessed either from Parys or Fochville via the R500 following signs to Venterskroon. Travelling from Potchefstroom, exit the town on Mooi River Drive, south and follow signs to to Schoemansdrift. Turn left at the Venterskroon sign into the Dome. Today the Vredefort Dome is a prime eco and adventure tourism destination. The route then follows the scenic Vaal River through the villages of Wolmaransstad, an important agricultural centre to Bloemhof and Christiana en route to the historic city of Kimberley (in the Northern Cape). The Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve and the vast Bloemhof Dam on the Vaal River offer major watersports and game viewing opportunities. The famous Taung Heritage Site - an archaelogical heritage site at the Buxton quarry near the village of Taung lies to the north of the N12. Every town and village on the Treasure Route is dedicated to providing the tourist with quality information and assistance. There is a diverse choice of types of accommodation available along the Treasure Route.
	FOCHVILLE Fochville, proclaimed a town in 1920, was laid out on the farms Kraalkop and Leeuwspruit. The town was named after a commander in the French Allied Forces, the famous Frenchman Marshall Ferdinand Foch. It is surrounded by hills on its northwestern perimeters and developed agricultural land on its other borders. more information
	POTCHEFSTROOM Potchefstroom was the original capital city of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek. Potchefstroom has a multitude of national monuments, respected educational institutions and a strong agricultural economy. more information
	VREDEFORT DOME South of Potchefstroom lies the world famous Vredefort Dome. Some 2000 million years ago a giant meteorite struck the earth near the prese nt day village of of Vredefort creating a crater 80km in diameter and forcing the surrounding landscape into a dome like feature. This is the largest and oldest meteorite impact site. To be nominated for World Heritage status. more information
	STILFONTEIN Greater Stilfontein forms part of the KOSH area (Klerksdorp, Orkney, Stilfontein, Hartebeesfontein). It is situated 130km from Johannesburg and 180 km from Mafikeng. The town was established in 1949. The development of gold mines was made possible by the perseverance of Jack Scott who discovered and developed the outcropping gold reef. Stilfontein is renowned for its hospitality and excellent sports facilities, and hosts the annual Rose Festival in spring when the famous Stilfontein roses bloom. more information
	KLERKSDORP Klerksdorp city was named after J de Clerq, first magistrate in the area after twelve Voortrekker families settled on the banks of the Schoonspruit in 1837. The discovery of gold in 1886 saw thousands of prospectors flock to the area. Today, Klerksdorp is the centre for a large mining and agricultural economy and boasts the second largest grain co-operative in the world. more information
	WOLMARANSSTAD Wolmaransstad lies in the valley of the Makwassie Stream, which takes its name from the many wild spearmint bushes that grow along its banks. Founded in 1891, the town became an important stop on the old postal route between Johannesburg and Kimberley. Today it serves a large community and is an important diamond buying centre. more information
	BLOEMHOF Bloemhof, a maize and cattle farming town, was established in 1864. The town lies on the banks of the Vaal River. more information
	CHRISTIANA When diamonds were discovered in the Vaal River in the 1870s, the Transvaal Government hastily established a settlement on the banks, naming it after Christiana, the only daughter of then President Pretorius. more information
	TAUNG The famous Taung archaelogical heritage site at the Buxton quarry near the village of Taung lies to the north of the N12. Named after Tau, the chief of the Bataung people, who made his headquarters here during the 18th century. Taung - the "place of the lion" made world headlines when Australian anthropologist Professor Raymond Dart made a startling find of The little Taung skull here in 1924. more information

TOURS
	Hartbeespoort Dam
	Wildlife & Culture 4 days
	Wildlife & Culture 3 days
	Madikwe Game Reserve
	Daytours

TOURISM ROUTES
	Heritage Route
	Treasure Route
	Three Day Itinerary
	Five Day Itinerary
	Mafikeng Road
	Raptor Route

TREASURE ROUTE ON THE N12

TOURS

TOURISM ROUTES