
Mookgophong, also known by its former name, Naboomspruit, was established in 1910 when tin was discovered here. Later, platinum was also discovered in the vicinity.
Naboomspruit was originally named for the profusion of euphorbia trees (known in Afrikaans as ‘naboom’) growing on the banks of a nearby stream ‘(spruit’, in Afrikaans). The town was officially renamed Mookgophong in 2006.
The town is situated at the foot of the Swaershoek Mountains and surrounded by nature reserves and steaming hot springs. The mellow Bushveld climate and attractive resorts in the area attract many holidaymakers.
Mookgophong is an attractive town with its clean tree-lined streets, while retaining the distinctive charm and atmosphere of being steeped in history. Apart from the numerous holiday resorts that have developed around its hot springs, the area offers something for everybody.
There are numerous trails and opportunities for leisurely walks and hiking tours where lovers of the outdoors can enjoy the unique Bushveld flora of the beautiful Waterberg. Various interesting motor routes can also be followed to explore this exciting district.
The official languages spoken in this Waterberg area and the percentage of the speakers of those languages are as follows: Northern Sotho (56.3%), Tsonga (13.7%), Afrikaans (10.9%), Southern Sotho (6.1%), Other (English and others): 12.9%. The total population numbered 24 853, which is today probably a conservative number.
Near the town of Naboomspruit in the Limpopo province lies one of South Africa's largest flood plains, The Nyl River flood plain. The grassland flood plain stretches over 70km and forms an area known as Nylsvley. Part of this flood plain is incorporated into the Nylsvley Nature Reserve.
The reserve is widely known for its amazing variety of bird species, boasting 370 species of which 102 are waterfowl, 58 species of which breed on the flood plain (23 of these 58 are on the Red List of threatened species). At any time, there are estimated to be approximately 80 000 birds in the area.
During the flood season, the plains also become important in the breeding of large numbers of fish and frogs - the main food source of most of the bird life. The total number of bird species found on the entire flood plain is 412 which is almost 50% of the total bird species in the entire South Africa.
The reserve plays an important role in the breeding of the Roan antelope and the Tsessebe (a rare breed of antelope). Apart from wildlife, the only plantations of wild rice in South Africa are found here. The reserve is open 06h00 -18h00 every day of the year.
POPULAR ACTIVITIES IN OR NEAR NYLSVLEY NATURE RESERVE
Serendipity 4x4 Eco Trails at the Tierkloof Game Farm, Mookgopong
And the Palala Rhino Sanctuary near Mookgophong, where rhinos can be seen and captured (on film only!) in their natural environment. There are also a vast range of other animals to view here such as Giraffe, Warthog, Blesbuck, Tsessebe and roan.
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