Just an hour south west of Johannesburg sits Potchefstroom, one of South Africa’s hidden gems. With daily train and bus service making it easy to visit the town from several larger South African cities, everyone has a chance to visit Potch, as the locals call it.
The town is like something out of a picture book, situated on the banks of the Mooi River with three nature reserves, a national park and a bird sanctuary all nearby. One of the chief delights in Potch is Trim Park, which sits next to the Mooi River, and is both a recreational area and the site of several shows and festivities each year.
Founded in 1838 by South African pioneers, Potchefstroom was both the first town built north of the Vaal River and served as the first capital of the South African Republic. The town boasts 24 national monuments displaying an abundance of history, one of which is the oldest existing church north of the Vaal River.

The other monuments remember important events in the history of both Potchefstroom and South Africa. Visitors should be sure to explore the Potchefstroom Museum, where three separate buildings house exhibits delving into the past. Admission to the museum is free.

Thanks to the Potchefstroom campus of the North-West University, the town is abuzz with numerous things to do and places to see. Other attractions include walking trails in and around the city, as well as the Boskop Dam, a botanical garden and two art galleries. Also located within the city is a mosque, which was built in 1925 and has been recently renovated, as well as the beautiful North-West University campus itself.

If you’re hungry after exploring all of Potch, head to the Bult, a group of restaurants and bars. The Bult, known as the student center of the city, also features a wide and lovely area covered by trees planted in the early 1900’s.

Finally, make time to relax at the Lakeside Holiday Resort, which is located on the banks of the Potchefstroom Dam. Here you can enjoy a variety of water sports, fishing and swimming.