BLOEMHOF

The name 'Bloemhof' means 'garden of flowers'. The village was laid out on the farm Klipfontein and so named by James Barkly after being overwhelmed by the beauty of his daughter's little garden of flowers. Bloemhof is a maize of cattle farming centre with three nature reserves in the vicinity. The Bloemhof Dam is one of 13 dams in the Vaal River System. The dam was initially known as the Oppermansdrift Dam.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Christiana 90 km, Hoopstad 33 kg, Schweizer-Reneke 58 km

Altitude – 2000 m above sea level

Average Rainfall – 665,6 mm per annum, mostly during December – February

Average Temperatures – Summer 15°c – 40°c; Winter -2°c – 19°c

Banks – Absa 2 (ATM), Fnb (ATM), Standard (ATM)

Dams – Bloemhof Dam

Rivers – Harts, Vaal

HISTORICAL VIEW

Commercial Hotel

Diamond Mining

The output of the Bloemhof District Diamond Fields, which during 1913 produced diamonds to the value of almost 400 000 pounds, is derived from accumulations of gravel in the valleys of the Vaal and Harts rivers and from shallow deposits of high level gravel which extend in almost unbroken continuity from Bloemhof to Schweizer-Reneke. The diamond bearing alluvium may be well studied in the vicinity of Bloemhof, which ranks as the most important digging centre in the former southwestern Transvaal. Gravel deposits have been proved to exist in the present bed of the Vaal to the southeast of the village, but owing to the fact that they are only accessible during the dry months of the year have not as yet received much attention. An attempt to work these gravels by menas of a patent caisson (a watertight chamber used to carry out construction work under water) was abandoned.

Dutch Reformed Church – Sandstone building

NATURE

Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve

The Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve is situated 165 km from Johannesburg, 10 minutes from Bloemhof and stretches along the northern shore of the azure blue Bloemhof Dam. The reserve is extremely popular for angling. The terrain is gently undulating which facilitates game viewing, and has a gradual slope towards the dam. Calciferous rocky outcrops occur sporadically, particularly in the western and central sections. There is a wide variety of large antelope herds, and the main predator is the black backed jackal. The reserve is a bird viewing paradise and to date 256 species have been recorded. A number of reptiles and amphibians are found in the reserve as well.

Facilities

A group camp complex consisting of three chalets, three living quarters – six bedroooms each, ablution blocks, kitchen and conference room. The hunting camp consists of four chalets and a lapa – hunting packages offered. The reserve also has a camping area with toilets and fresh water. Boat launch pad.

SA Lombaard Game Reserve

West of Bloemhof lies the SA Lombaard Game Reserve, well known for it's abundance of antelope species and successful game breeding programmes. This tranquil reserve is the ideal relaxing getaway and a fully furnished guest house is available to the public.

Sandveld Nature Reserve

Characteristed by typical Kalahari camel thorn trees and savannah veld, the Sandveld Nature Reserve is located along the Bloemhof / Hoopstad road, and covers an area of 37 700 ha, including the Bloemhof Dam. The reserve supports a number of game animals, including amongst others gemsbok, blue wildebeest, kudu, rhino, buffalo and giraffe. Bird species include cormorants, ibis, ducks, geese, flamingos, while social weavers and their communal nests. Pygmy Falcon, Whitebacked Vultures, Crimsonbreasted Shrike and hornbills can also be seen. Accommodation facilities consist of modern holiday chalets with air conditioning and car ports. A large hall accommodates up to 100 people, ans is ideal for groups. A lapa, sleeping up to 40 people, can also be rented. Camping and caravanning enthusiasts are catered for in a beautiful camping area with large trees. The reserve has a small shop where basic provisions and curios can be purchased. The Sandveld Nature Reserve is an angler's and nature lover's paradise, where visitors can relax in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings it offers.

Accommodation in and around Bloemhof