Christiana, Southern Region
Christiana is a small farming community that is situated idyllically on the banks of the might Vaal River. This part of South Africa, known as the North West Province, shares a border with Botswana in the north. However, the town of Christiana is situated in its southern portion, and is home to around 20 000 locals. It may be quiet, somewhat secluded, but Christiana has earned its place on the globe for being a significant hub during the diamond rush of the 1870’s.
Diamonds were discovered further down the Vaal River during the late 19th century. Seeing the value of the entire area, the little settlement of Christiana (named after the daughter of President Pretorius) was established. As predicted, when diamonds were found in the gravel close to this little town in the 1870’s, hordes of hopefuls descended on the region, inhabiting this town (and many others of its kind). They brought with them a medley of cultures and customs, which continue to ‘flavour’ Christiana and add a distinctive character.
One of the most popular attractions of Christiana is the Diggers’ Diamond Museum, which showcases authentic pieces of the equipment used more than 120 years ago in the finding of diamonds. There are also a number of old photographs on display, which tell the tale of yesteryear, and even examples of San rock art, dating back thousands of years.
The diggers’ bell remains one of the largest in the world. In fact, it is considered to be the largest that has ever been made. However, it sank in the Vaal River, which is where it remains to this day; too big and heavy for divers to retrieve. There are theories that there are diamonds hidden inside the bell, but the surrounding mud has made it impossible to prove this.
Today, in addition to diamonds, the industries supporting Christiana are the farming of groundnuts, potatoes, maize and sorghum, as well as beef. Every year, the Delwers Fees (Diamond Diggers Festival) can be enjoyed.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Kruisbessie at Schoemanshof
Kruisbessie has five bedrooms and a loft. On the ground floor there are two bedrooms and there are three bedrooms on the first floor. The loft ha...
Camelot Guest House & Apartments
Situated in the academic and sporting city of Potchefstroom, Camelot Apartments offers you comfortable self catering apartments with absolute pri...
Green Meadows Hotel Apartments
Green Meadows Hotel Apartments in Potchefstroom are situated in a high end security estate with secure parking. Each apartment is equipped with a...
MIchael-Angelo Guest House
Michael-Angelo Guest House is hidden away within a peaceful neighbourhood of Potchefstroom. This double-storey 'Grande Dame' offers quality accom...
Rob's Place
Rob's Place offers guests the best of two worlds: at this self-catering guesthouse, you'll be only minutes away from every facility in Potchefstr...
A Country Garden Guest House
A Country Garden Guest House in Potchefstroom is a unique guest house which boasts lovely views of its' breathtaking country garden. The rooms ha...
Villa Maria Guest Lodge
Villa Maria Guest Lodge in Klerksdorp, North West Province is simply amongst South Africa's finest guest houses with its white buildings, scenic ...
Huis Van Seisoene
Situated in Klerksdorp, Huis Van Seisoene offers guests modern rooms and is adjacent to the Sunningdale Hospital making it ideal for travellers a...
Fish Eagle Log Cabin
Fish Eagle Log Cabin is situated on the banks of the Vaal River where there is no passing traffic or noise; the only sound you are likely to hear...
Noteworthy attractions
Barberspan Bird Sanctuary
Regarded as one of the largest waterfowl sanctuaries in Southern Africa, Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is a huge 2000 hectare body of water that is R...
Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve
Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve lies on the North West province side of the Bloemhof Dam, on the dam’s northern shores. Regarded as one of the larges...
Boskop Dam Nature Reserve
The Boskop Dam Nature Reserve is 3000 hectares of rolling grasslands that offer visitors sightings of black wildebeest, springbok, red hartebeest...
SA Lombard Nature Reserve
One of the earliest wildlife conservation research centres in the country, the SA Lombard Nature Reserve is the park credited with saving the bla...
Wolwespruit Nature Reserve
The Wolwespruit Nature Reserve lies on the Vaal River and is one of the least known of the parks in the North West province, possibly because of ...
Orkney Golf Club
Orkney Golf Course is a tree-linked parkland course with undulating greens. It has thirty-one bunkers and five water features as well as the Vaal...
Potchefstroom Golf Club
Set in beautiful surroundings, with hundreds of willow trees lining the banks of the Mooi River which winds through the property, Potchefstroom G...
Klerksdorp Museum
Located in Margarieta Prinsloo & Lombaard Street, the Klerksdorp museum also offers Peach Mampoer & Soet Blits liqueurs. A former prison this bea...
Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve
For bird enthusiasts the Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve often forms part of a bird spotting tour and is regarded as a place for ‘serious’ birding....
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