Southern Region N12 Treasure Route

Diamonds

Location

Wolmaransstad lies in the valley of the Makwassie Stream, which takes its name from the many wild spearmint bushes that grow along its banks.

Interactive Map

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History

Founded in 1891, the town became an important stop on the old postal route between Johannesburg and Kimberley.

Diamond Miner - NowDiamnd Miners Then Diamond Pan

Wolmaransstad

This town forms the start of the famous Diamond Route and is situated 80km from Klerksdorp and approximately 3 hours drive from Johannesburg.

Wolmaransstad serves a large community and is an important diamond buying centre. It's a farming and prospecting community forming part of the area where the highest concentration of earth moving equipment, in the world, can be found.

The town hosts an annual show and the renowned "Porrel Mardi Gras" is held here during the winter months.

Temperatures during the winter months can drop below zero degrees whilst summer months reach a high of fourty degrees. Although it's a fairly dry area, cattle farming is wide spread within the area. Various sandstone buildings can be found in this picturesque town.

Attractions

Attractions include the Digger's Diamond Tour (an interesting tour gives visitors the opportunity to relive the beginnings of the area's diamond mining era); Thomas Leask House (Paul Kruger, the president of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek, was a regular guest here).

Broadbent Mission Station

This early Wesleyan Mission Station dates back to the first missionary outreaches in the area.

Digger's Diamond Tour

An interesting tour gives visitors the opportunity to relive the beginnings of the area's alluvial diamond digging and diamond trade. Tel: 018 596 2404

Thomas Leask House

Paul Kruger, the president of the Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek, was a regular guest here.

Makwassierante Conservation Area

Hiking trails have been established through this rugged conservancy which hosts a number of game species.

Wolwespruit Dam Nature Reserve

Situated south of Leeudoringstad on the banks of the Vaal River, this small reserve conserves riverine vegetation in very natural surroundings. Scenic hiking trails with limited accommodation and excellent yellow fish angling sites.