‘Tucked away’ in the very western corner of South Africa’s maize triangle is arguably the prettiest town in the Central District of the North West Province. Named the ‘City of Light’, Lichtenburg is a farming and industrial town known for both the manufacture of cement and for being a great place to visit.
Lichtenburg is perfectly positioned to be a delightful stopover for travellers from Johannesburg to Mafikeng and Mmabatho, and offers excellent guest house accommodations, and the little town is renowned for its hospital people and a ‘traditional’ relaxed way of life.
This possibly has something to do with Lichtenburg being almost an oasis in an otherwise often very arid part of South Africa. Lichtenburg has ample underground water and there a number of lakes and pans in the area. There are many pretty old buildings that hark back to Lichtenburg’s establishment in the late 1800’s and the late 1920’s to 1930’s diamond rush that saw over 100 000 prospectors not only make Lichtenburg their home, but actually find diamonds – including very rare red diamonds.
The diamond rush that started in 1926 only lasted 10 years, but the Lichtenburg Diamond Fields have more to yield, and the Bakersfield Mining Project is currently searching for more diamonds.
There are several attractions in Lichtenburg that pay homage to the town’s rich Boer and prospector history as well as its prosperous farming and manufacturing present, and 60km north of Lichtenburg, the famous Wondergat sinkhole dive site attracts experienced scuba and free divers from around the world.
Lichtenburg is the resting place of Anglo-Boer War General Koos de la Rey, and a statue of the General on his horse takes pride of place in the town square. The town and surrounds feature many charming heritage homes and a couple of National Monuments, including the beautiful NG Church.
Other attractions in Lichtenburg include the Ampie Bosman Cultural Museum, the Willem Annandale Art Gallery and the Diggings Museum. Just out of town the Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre, also called the Lichtenburg Biodiversity Conservation Centre, welcomes visitors. An unusual aspect of this centre is the population of Pere Davids Deer, native to China, and extinct in the wild.
Attractions near Lichtenburg include the previously mentioned Wondergat and the Molemane Eye Nature Reserve.
Popular activities in the area include game viewing, fishing and motor car racing. The Lichtenburg Car Club is renowned throughout South Africa, and the Lichtenburg Raceway hosts many events.
Getting there: Take the N14 west from Johannesburg.
