Wolmaransstad is a small farming town in the North West Province, located in the delightfully named Valley of the Makwassie Stream in the Makwassie Hills district – an area of the Southern District of the North West with a rich alluvial diamond digging heritage, and named ‘Makwassie’ aftr a type of spearmint that grows rife in the area.
Although farming is the town’s mainstay, situated as it is in a large mostly maize farming and cattle ranching belt, Wolmaransstad is also an International diamond buying and trading centre – with buyers flying in from all over the world every couple of weeks to buy uncut diamonds on auction at the Diamond Exchange. There are also a number of game farms and hunting lodges in the area.
Attractions and activities in Wolmarranstad include the Diggers Diamond Tour 018 596 2404, the nearby Wolwespruit Nature Reserve, just south of nearby Leeudoringstad and the Makwassierante Conservation Area which offers offers hiking trails and game viewing. There are also several charming old ‘prospectors’ buildings in the town, including Thomas Leask House – originally a trading store built buy the famous elephant hunter of the 1800’s who was also a friend of Paul Kruger, now a Guest House, and the Broadbent Mission Station.
Getting there: Wolmaransstad is situated 84km west of Klerksdorp on the N12.
