[caption id="attachment_30728" align="aligncenter" width="660"]
There's a variety of sites to see in Potch. Image Sources: OPM Prozesky Bird Sanctuary & The North-West University.[/caption]
The small city of Potchefstroom (or Potch, as it’s affectionately known) is located in the North West Province. Because of the popularity and rich history behind the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University, the town has become known as an academic or student city.
Distance From Johannesburg
Potchefstroom is located approximately 120km from Joburg – a leisurely drive of about one and a half hours.
Interesting Fact
Did you know that Potchefstroom boasts the longest row of oak trees in the Southern Hemisphere? They’re located on the aptly named Oak Avenue – a street that is 6.48km long and is home to oak trees, first planted in 1910. It was first declared a monument in 1977.
Why Go There?
Potchefstroom has plenty of interesting activities, that are perfect if you’re looking for a break from Jozi’s hustle and bustle. Here are our top picks:
1. Totius House Museum
The Totius House Museum was once home to Jakob Daniel Du Toit – a poet and writer, famous for his letters that went by the pen name, Totius. This professor and theologian, who loved the Afrikaans language, was also responsible for much of the translation of the Bible into Afrikaans.
2. OPM Prozesky Bird Sanctuary
Situated alongside the Mooi River in Potch, is the OPM Prozesky Bird Sanctuary: a 70-hectare reserve that boasts a variety of outstanding species, and attracts bird lovers from all over the world. On the first Saturday of every month, a guide teaches newcomers about the reserve’s birdlife and environment.
3. Potchefstroom Museum
Visit the city’s museum, which was curated to tell the story of the town, based on the journey of four influential men who were integral in shaping and moulding Potch. The museum also provides some interesting insight into the Great Trek – an important piece of local history. Plus, the museum’s art gallery showcases an impressive art collection from renowned South African artists.
4. Sebrines Fair Flea Market
Start your Saturdays with a trip to Sebrines Fair Flea Market – open every Saturday morning until 14:00. The market offers all sorts of things, including delicious treats like cookies, jams and confectionaries, to clothing, and even a selection of furniture, books, CDs and DVDs. The market emphasises the handmade, homemade and unique!
By Gugu Maduna
There's a variety of sites to see in Potch. Image Sources: OPM Prozesky Bird Sanctuary & The North-West University.[/caption]
The small city of Potchefstroom (or Potch, as it’s affectionately known) is located in the North West Province. Because of the popularity and rich history behind the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University, the town has become known as an academic or student city.
Distance From Johannesburg
Potchefstroom is located approximately 120km from Joburg – a leisurely drive of about one and a half hours.
Interesting Fact
Did you know that Potchefstroom boasts the longest row of oak trees in the Southern Hemisphere? They’re located on the aptly named Oak Avenue – a street that is 6.48km long and is home to oak trees, first planted in 1910. It was first declared a monument in 1977.
Why Go There?
Potchefstroom has plenty of interesting activities, that are perfect if you’re looking for a break from Jozi’s hustle and bustle. Here are our top picks:
1. Totius House Museum
The Totius House Museum was once home to Jakob Daniel Du Toit – a poet and writer, famous for his letters that went by the pen name, Totius. This professor and theologian, who loved the Afrikaans language, was also responsible for much of the translation of the Bible into Afrikaans.
2. OPM Prozesky Bird Sanctuary
Situated alongside the Mooi River in Potch, is the OPM Prozesky Bird Sanctuary: a 70-hectare reserve that boasts a variety of outstanding species, and attracts bird lovers from all over the world. On the first Saturday of every month, a guide teaches newcomers about the reserve’s birdlife and environment.
3. Potchefstroom Museum
Visit the city’s museum, which was curated to tell the story of the town, based on the journey of four influential men who were integral in shaping and moulding Potch. The museum also provides some interesting insight into the Great Trek – an important piece of local history. Plus, the museum’s art gallery showcases an impressive art collection from renowned South African artists.
4. Sebrines Fair Flea Market
Start your Saturdays with a trip to Sebrines Fair Flea Market – open every Saturday morning until 14:00. The market offers all sorts of things, including delicious treats like cookies, jams and confectionaries, to clothing, and even a selection of furniture, books, CDs and DVDs. The market emphasises the handmade, homemade and unique!
By Gugu Maduna
