By Gugulethu Tshabalala
Under the wide, forgiving skies of the North West lies Bloemhof — a town that moves to the rhythm of the river, where strangers wave as if they’ve known you for years. Once a quiet dot along the N12, it’s now officially South Africa’s Town of the Year 2025, after claiming top honours in the Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition.
For many, Bloemhof has always been more than a stopover. It’s a place where time softens, where the golden light catches the Vaal River just right, and where the people remind you what home feels like — even if you’re just passing through.
Set along the N12 Treasure Route, between Klerksdorp and Kimberley, Bloemhof sits about a two-hour drive from Johannesburg. Founded in 1864 during the diamond rush, the town takes its name from “flower court” — a nod to its early settlers and blooming gardens that coloured the banks of the Vaal. Today, the scent of maize fields and fresh morning air linger as you drive in. It’s small enough to xplore on foot, but big enough to fill your weekend with genuine adventure.
What to See and Do
Fishing and Festivals
If you time your visit right, catch the Bloemhof Dam Bonanza, one of South Africa’s biggest inland fishing competitions. It’s a joyful celebration of sport, community, and river life — and a great excuse to spend a weekend under big skies.
Sandveld Nature Reserve
Across the dam lies the Sandveld Nature Reserve, where giraffe and kudu wander freely. Bring binoculars — the birdlife alone is worth the trip.
A Touch of History
Bloemhof’s story is written in stone and soil. Wander through its historic mission ruins or chat to locals about the old diamond days — when hope sparkled as bright as the stones in the riverbed.
The Markets and Makers
On Saturdays, the town hums softly to the tune of its local market, where residents sell homemade jams, rusks, and hand-stitched crafts. It’s small-town hospitality, bottled and baked with love.
Stay a While
For travellers looking for comfort and a touch of local charm, Why Not is the go-to accommodation in Bloemhof. This lodge offers a blend of cozy rooms, riverside views, and personalised service that makes you feel immediately at home.
Whether you’re visiting for fishing, birdwatching, or simply a quiet weekend escape, Why Not provides the perfect base to xplore the town and its surroundings — all while soaking in the calm beauty that earned Bloemhof its national title.
In an age of fast everything, Bloemhof reminds us to slow down, to breathe, to connect and to rediscover the quiet beauty of South Africa’s heartland. This little town has earned its crown, not through spectacle, but through soul. And now that the secret’s out, it’s your turn to see why.
