Orkney

The small North West Province gold mining town of Orkney lies just north of the Free State border on the banks of the Vaal River, and just south of Klerksdorp. It is the location of the biggest gold mine in South Africa – the Vaal Reef Gold Mine.

As a tourist destination, there is a good golf course, and the riverine bush area lends itself to birding and hiking. The rural surrounds are tranquil and the town is just over the Vaal river from Parys and the Vredefort Dome area with all the outdoor activities it offers (see Showme Vaal)

Nearby Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is a RAMSA accredited wetland and one of South Africa’s best birding spots.

Getting there: Orkney is only 15km south of Klerksdorp on Oliver Tambo Street (R30).