Bordering Botswana, the central region is home to the capital of the province, Mafikeng. Aptly named, the capital's slogan is 'The City of Goodwill'. It is a rapidly growing, modern residential, administrative and commercial town that contrasts with it's fascinating history. The year 1972 ushered in the 'Bantustan era', which culminated in Mafikeng becoming the seat of the Tswana Territorial Administration. Apartheid polices prevented the incorporation of Mafikeng into Bophuthatswana establishing it's own seat of government in the nearby Mmabatho. In March of 1994 this government was overthrown and Bophuthatswana was re-incorporated into South Africa. The unique modern architecture of it's buildings are among the most striking and contemporary in Africa.

The Botsalano Game Reserve located 30 km from Mafikeng on the edge of the Kalahari, has gained a reputation as a fertile breeding gound for many species of antelope. It also lays claim to a successful white rhino breeding programme and supplements species in other parks. The safari tent camp, which overlooks a waterhole, is popular with tourists and hunters all year round. The Bop Recording Studios is an tropically idyllic resort with state of the art recording facilities, luxury chalets and entertainment amenities including a 'braai boma'. Twenty kilometers out of town the glint of Disaneng Dam beckons, with it's yacht club being the focal point from which a range of water sports can be enjoyed.

In 1885 the Warren Expedition was sent to Mafikeng to restore stolen land back to the Barolong. During their stay two forts were built on either side of the Molopo River. Kanon Kopje on the southeast side and Warrens Fort on the northern side. Artillery shells can still be found at the site which has a commemorative plaque and an excellently elevated view of Mafikeng. The 'kgotla' tribal meeting place of the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi is nearby in Montshiwa. It has been in continuous use since the 1850's and contains a monument to the Baronlong who died during the Siege of Mafikeng in 1899 – 1900 (Anglo Boer War). Also in close proximaty is Maratiwa, the house built by the founder of 'Mahikeng', Dr Silas Molema, Sol T Plaatjie, a founding member of the ANC, lived here whilst writing his famous Mafikeng Diary during the Siege. Warren's engineers, also rebuilt a Methodist Church with the assistance of the Barolong, after the chapel built by Molema was destroyed during the Siege. In 1960 a small display relating to the siege of Mafikeng was set up in the town hall, which was built in 1903. In 1975 the architecturally ornate building with pressed iron ceilings was converted into the Mafikeng Museum. Displays have been augmented to incorporate the history and culture of the area and in view of the Anglo Boer War Cemetery, commemorative halls have been developed. Historic tours of Mafikeng can be arranged with local tour operators.

Mega City is one of the province’s largest and most modern shopping centres. The 4 800 square meters contemporary complex hosts a variety of popular chain stores fast food outlets, major banks and much more. Mafikeng also boasts a new Tourist Information and Development Centre with ample parking, refreshments, craft studio's and ablution facilities. It is located on the outskirts of town on the Lichtenburg road and is also the entrance to Cookes Lake, a popular bird watching venue with recreational facilities and caravan park.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Bloemfontein 557 km, Cape Town 1363 km, Christiana 303 km, Durban 903 km, East London 1143 km, Johannesburg 263 km, Lichtenburg 63 km, Pietersburg 576 km, Potchefstroom 205 km, Rustenburg 190 km, Zeerust 64 km

Altitude – 1000 m – 2000 m above sea level

Average Rainfall – 300 mm – 700 mm per annum

Average Temperatures – Sumemr 22°c – 24°c; Winter 2°c – 18°c

Dams – Disaneng, Modimalo, Setumo

Rivers – Molopo

HISTORICAL VIEW

Anglo Boer War

Mafikeng was in the main stream of South African history during the early years of the Anglo Boer War when the Boer forces besieged the town for 217 days, from 1899 until May 1900. During this time Sol Plaatjie wrote his literary masterpiece 'The Boer War Diary of Sol T Plaatjie: an African at Mafikeng'. Plaatjie was later to become one of the founding fathers of the South African Native National Congress (1912), the forerunner of the African National Congress.

Convent House (Teresa House)

Historical site relating to the Siege of Mafikeng

Kanon Kopje

The name dates back to the days of conflict between the Barolong Boo Tshidi and the Boers of the Goshen Republic in 1882. The Transvalers used to fire a 3 pound naval cannon into the village from here.

Mafikeng Cemetery

Graves of British soldiers, British South African police and Town Guard.

Mafikeng Club – Historical building relating to the Siege of Mafikeng.

Mafikeng Museum

Maratiwa

The name of Molema's House in Montshiwa Village built in the 1880's. Silas T Molema was the first occupant. Sol Plaatjie lived here during the Siege of Mafikeng and it was where the Mafikeng Diary, which he wrote, was found.

Masonic Lodge - Historical site. House where prisoners of war were held.

Methodist Church – Historical building

St John's Anglican Church

Historical building, dating back to 1907. Replacing the original church build 1887.

Victoria Hospital - Private Hospital in existence since 1898. Historical site.

Warren's BSAP Fort

Situated within the perimeter of the Imperial Reserve on the Vryburg road. National monument.

Warren's Weir - Siege of Mafikeng. Historical site.

Warren's Well

To the left of the Bokono road, before it crosses the Molope River. The well preserved well is brick lined with steel covers.

NATURE

Botsalano Game Reserve

Bird watching, bush braai, game drives, picnicking and day visits

Cookes Lake Reserve - Bird watching, bush braai, picnicking and day visits.

Mafikeng Botanical Garden

Lotlamoreng Dam Cultural Reserve

Great Water of the King. Located 2 km from Mafikeng on the Vryburg road this dam is home to a large variety of birds and is also popular with hikers, picnickers and campers. On the shores of the dam is a real life cultural reserve portraying the life of ten traditional African tribal villages

Mafikeng Game Reserve

This 4600 ha reserve, which can be described as Kalahari dominated with acacia and sourish mixed bushveld, is the setting for a rewarding game viewing experience. With emphasis on plainsgame, the following species can be viewed – giraffe, small and large antelope, white rhino, zebra, warthog and ostrich. The birdlife is prolific with many species of the waxbill and finch families. Visitor facilities include barbecue / picnic sites and an entertainment lapa. Situated close to the park is a chalet complex and restaurant. The reserve has a caravan park and camping sites with full ablution facilities. Situated adjacent to Mafikeng Game Reserve, on the Molopo River, is Cookes Lake. There is a large selection of waterfowl resident on the lake, which has a unique system of using recycled water to keep full.

Molopo Game Reserve

Game reserve with a variety of game, including white rhino, buffalo, giraffe and other antelope species.

Oog van Malmanies

The natural eye is located halfway between Mafikeng and Zeerust, close to the turnoff to Lichtenburg. A road leads to this property which was bequeathed to the North West Parks and Tourism Board by it's former owner.

Wondergat – Sinkhole - Natural sinkhole used by divers for training sessions

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Children's Day, International Gliding Championships

Convention Centre – Modern centre, catering for up to 2500 people

Mmabana Cultural Centre

Innovative centre encouraging cultural enrichment through learning: e.g. art, dance, music, drama and sport.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors – Bird watching, Diving, Fishing, Sailing

WHERE TO STAY

Garden View Guest Lodge, Restaurant & Conference Centre & Getaway Guest Lodge

Welcome to Mafikeng's premier guest lodges. Offering excellent accommodation, four conference rooms and a la carte restaurant. Ideal for corporate meetings and training seminars. Special group and corporate rates. 42 Rooms en suite / self catering.

Accommodation in and around Himeville