Things to do in Vryburg
Taung Skull Heritage Site
In the heart of the Bophirima region of the North West Province of South Africa, amidst the farmlands and sprawling landscapes, is the Taung Skull Heritage Site. South Africa has long been considered to be the Cradle of Humankind by a number of archaeologists, historians and anthropologists, thanks to some of the fossilised remains that appear to support this claim. Of these, the Taung Skull is one of the most significant finds.
This is a child’s skull that was found at the Buxton Quarry in 1924, and is believed to be about 2.5 million years old, killed by a large prehistoric bird of prey. Today, it is part of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, as deemed by UNESCO. Visitors will be plunged into an archaeological wonder world that is full of fascinating insights into an ancient world. Any site has to fulfil a number of strict criteria to qualify as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, testifying to the value of this attraction.
A monument has been erected at the site of the discovery to mark its significance. Of course, the Buxton Quarry is no longer being mined, but is still being used as a significant scientific research hub. However, it also exudes an ambience of quiet serenity and makes for an idyllic spot in which to get away from the ‘real world’ and enjoy the tranquillity that only the outdoors can bring. The wonder of this region are nothing short of breath-taking, and visitors are reminded to bring their cameras along.
The nearby Blue Pools are spectacular for picnics and braais. The many caves, rock basins and streams of this area also make this the perfect spot for those who enjoy stunning backdrops while they go hiking and abseiling.
Bophirima, formerly known as Stellaland, is an agricultural area that also boasts many game farms. As such, it is, in itself, gaining international acclaim as a restful escape for tourists.
Schweizer-Reneke, Bophirima
Schweizer-Reneke, sometimes referred to as "Schweizer" is a town of approximately 41,000 people in the North West Province of South Africa. It is the administrative centre of Mamusa Local Municipality. It is commonly referred to as SR and the City of Sunflowers.
Attractions include the facade of the town's bank which has remained unaltered since it was built in the early 1900s; Kliphuisie Guesthouse, a national monument which was the site of the town's first police station; San Bushman rock paintings thought to be over 20 000 years old (these artworks may be seen 2km north of the town on the Delareyville Road) and Massoukop, the remains of the Koranna Kraals.
Reivilo, Bophirima
Reivilo was established in 1883 as a Dutch Reformed Church parish. Originally known as Cathcart West and later Klein Boetsap (1890), the name was changed to Reivilo, the spelling backwards of the name of Rev AJ Olivier, Dutch Reformed minister at the time.
Attractions include the NG Church Museum, the NG Church Parsonage, the Old Church Hall and the Old Mission Parsonage.
Taung Dam
The Taung Dam is named after the world acclaimed Taung Skull World Heritage Site, which is just a few kilometres away. This is nestled within the Bophirima area of the North West Province of South Africa. This region combines an undeniable natural splendour with an ancient, even prehistoric, tale to support the intrigue and value that it has in modern society.
It is situated on the scenic Harts River and has, as a result, become known and loved amongst avid fishermen, who continue to keep this as their secret hotspot for catching the largemouthed yellowfish (also known as the Vaal-Orange largemouth yellowfish) and bass. In fact, there are a number of fishing competitions here as evidence of the excellent fishing conditions at Taung Dam.
This is a gravity dam that was established in 1993, mainly for the irrigation of the farmlands that characterise this part of South Africa. It has a height of 42 metres and a length of 255 metres.
Dinkwaneng
The Dinkwaneng Site is one of the archaeological and historical gems of the Bophirima area. This, in turn, is part of the North West Province of South Africa, where awesome geological formations, natural wonders and a prehistoric history meet with culture and heritage to make for a fabulous tourist destination.
The Dinkwaneng site forms part of a greater area that is renowned for the fossils found here. These are significant as they establish, at least in the minds of many scientists and researchers around the world, that Africa is the original Cradle of Humankind; the birthplace of the entire human race. It is at Dinkwaneng that engravings can be found in the rock faces, remnants of the artwork left by the ancient San tribes when they occupied the land in times past. These ones were hunter-gatherers, and they lived a simple life that meant surviving on the produce of the land.
Such artwork tells visitors much about the life that the San led, and are valuable for
having stood the test of time and erosion to delight modern-day onlookers. Being situated along the Cokonyane River means particularly pretty vistas too.
Dinkwaneng is about 20 kilometres from Taung, which is one of the most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites in terms of its archaeological value. It is here that the skull of a young child was found. It has been dated at around 2.5 million years old. The child is believed to have been killed by a prehistoric bird of prey. This is also near the Manthe Village.