Bophirima Region, North West Province

Bophirima Region

Marketed as that part of the North West Province to which one can escape and "get closer to nature", Bophirima, the new name for what once was known as Stellaland, has as its major draw cards game farms, vast open spaces, and the discovery of one of the world's most famous fossil discoveries, the Taung skull.

Central to the Bophirima Region is its large agricultural district. Mining and agriculture are the 2 principle economies here, earning it the pseudonym "Texas of South Africa". It's no surprise to learn that this is the region with the least population. Bophirima contributes to one of the most important food baskets in the country. A third of South Africa's maize is produced in the province, as well as sunflower oil, groundnuts, fruit, tobacco, cotton and wheat. Vryberg, the most important town in Bophirima as there are no major cities, is home to some of the largest cattle herds in the world, and the dry, arid climate makes this an ideal place to head in the winter months when sunny days are almost guaranteed.

Vast areas of savannah bushland have been converted into privately owned game reserves, and Bophirima is an excellent place to see lion, buffalo, rhino as well as smaller antelope and other game, whilst also experiencing the luxury of safari getaways. The area is popular with those seeking adventure and 4x4 routes. Other attractions include the Leon Taljaardt Nature Reserve, where you can view white rhino, wildebeest, buffalo, and zebra, and the Molopo Game Reserve – 23 000 hectares of game country in the top western edge of the province on the border with Botswana.