At a Glance
- Bloemhof tourism surges as South Africa travel demand grows for affordable, family-friendly stays.
- “Town of the Year 2025” win boosts local business, hotels, restaurants and rural tourism.
- $58,000 marketing fund supports small businesses, cleaner streets, and community tourism upgrades.
Bloemhof, a riverside town in South Africa’s North West Province, was voted “Town of the Year 2025” in the Kwêla “Dorp van die Jaar” competition, with the announcement made on World Tourism Day.
The title has put a national spotlight on a place that for years was mostly known by anglers and nearby farmers.
Residents say the recognition feels earned. They have seen more bookings, more day visitors, and more interest from families looking for quieter weekends that are not too far from Johannesburg.
A town that is easy to reach
Bloemhof sits about 120 kilometers from Johannesburg. Its location, along the Vaal River and near the Bloemhof Dam, makes it suitable for fishing, boating, bird watching and camping.
Nature reserves in the area, including Sandveld, offer wildlife viewing. Local museums and historical sites show the Dutch and farming roots that shaped the town.
Every March, the Bloemhof Festival mixes food, agriculture, music, art and school groups. Residents say the festival helps show the community in an honest way: friendly, rural, and very proud of where they live.
Investment, small businesses and cleaner streets
As part of its award, Bloemhof received a R1 million ($58,000) marketing budget to improve promotion, support community projects and strengthen tourism.
Officials say the money will partly support small upgrades to public spaces, signposting and new information points for visitors.
Local families and civic groups say they are doing the smaller work themselves, cleaning sidewalks, repainting, planting flowers and pushing for more safe picnic areas.
Those efforts have helped the town look cleaner and feel more welcoming, especially to families and older visitors.
Hotel operators and restaurant owners say the expected increase in tourist arrivals should support jobs in accommodation, retail and basic services.
A model for rural tourism
The town’s rise shows how rural South Africa can benefit from manageable, community-run tourism, not only big corporate parks.
For city residents in Pretoria or Johannesburg, the town is a simple weekend escape. Visitors can drive or take a bus. They can choose guesthouses, lodges or self-catering units. Farm stays are available for longer visits.
Bloemhof is now on more maps than before’ and it is trying to keep its identity intact. Residents believe the most valuable thing to sell is not a theme park or a big branded resort , but a small South African town that feels real, safe, natural and grounded.
