Leeudoringstad

Leeudoringstad (Lion Thorn City in English) is a tiny farming and rail station town near the Vaal River, in the Southern District of the North West Province, named after a type of tree found in the area. The town is situated on the main Johannesburg to Cape Town Rail Line, and was rebuilt in the 1930’s after a train carrying 312 tons of dynamite for the mining industry exploded and completely flattened it on the 17th July 1932.

Leeudoringstad is the headquarters of one of the biggest agri companies in South Africa – SuidWes Landbou, but it is also known for game and fishing lodges in the surrounding area.

Attractions in Leeudoringstad include the Leeudoringstad Museum, where you can see photos of the aftermath of the 1932 disaster, which, incredibly, only killed 5 people in the then still very small rural community, and a small golf course. Outdoors attractions in the area include the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve.

Getting there: Take the R502 south from Klerksdorp, via Orkney.