Swartruggens is a small farming town and a former village in the North West Province, South Africa, established in 1875 on the farm Brakfontein. Named for the “black ridges” surrounding it, the town is known for its location on the Elands River, its cattle farming, and diamond discovery in 1932. It serves as a stopover point on the N4 highway, offering birdwatching, hiking, and access to nearby game reserves, and also boasts numerous game lodges.
Key Features
- Location:Situated on the Elands River, near the N4 highway in the North West Province of South Africa.
- Etymology:The name “Swartruggens” means “black ridges” in Afrikaans, referring to the black hills around the town.
- Economy:The area is known for cattle farming and has diamond mining operations.
- Tourism:It is popular for its malaria-free status, numerous game lodges, birdlife (over 400 species), and hiking trails.
- Founded in 1875 on the farm Brakfontein, diamonds were discovered north of the town in 1932, and a railway station was built in 1907.
Things to Do
- Birdwatching: The area is a popular destination for bird enthusiasts.
- Hiking and Quad Biking: Explore the area on hiking trails or quad bike routes.
- Game Viewing: Visit nearby game lodges and reserves for animal sightings.
- Stopover Point: Its location on the N4 makes it an convenient stop en route to Botswana.
