Southern Region

Location

The town of Orkney lies on the banks of the Vaal River, approximately 180km from Johannesburg.

Interactive Map

Click to view

History

The town was proclaimed in 1940 on the farm Witkoppen, where the owner, Simon Fraser, had first started gold mining. Fraser hailed from the Orkney Islands, off the coast of Scotland, hence the name of the town.

ORKNEY

"Orkn" is the ancient Islandic word for sea lion, and "Ey" a Nordic word meaning island. The sea lion is the emblem of the town.

Orkney is a mining town with a laid-back ambience.

Attractions

Attractions include a Bird Sanctuary (situated on the banks of the Vaal River, this peaceful sanctuary is home to many different bird species); Likkewaan Hiking Trails (the trails on this large farm on the banks of the Vaal River offer a wealth of geological and historical interest); Orkney Vaal Resort (this resort is a perfect picnic venue, popular with anglers and water sports enthusiasts); Vaal Reef Gold Mine (tours through the largest gold mine in South Africa can be arranged on request); Ground Nut Factory (the biggest nut-shelling factory in the Southern Hemisphere).

TOWNS SOUTHERN REGION

AND ALSO

ATTRACTIONS

Bird Sanctuary

Likkewaan Trails

Orkney Vaal Resort

Vaal Reef Gold Mine

Ground Nut Factory

NORTH WEST REGIONS