A frontier town that's still looking for its destiny – Mokopane (previously Potgietersrus) was established by the Voortrekkers in 1852 as Vredenburg. Its early history is one of conflict. This was followed by happier times as a thriving agricultural centre when it became known as the "garden town of the north." Today it's primarily a mining town that's yet to grasp the potential of tourism, notwithstanding a World Heritage Site 10km outside the town and the Waterberg Biosphere on its doorstep.

It is, in fact, an amalgam of towns and villages - black and white - who's phenomenal growth stems from the shrinkage of agricultural activities, the consolidation of farms into much larger game reserves with fewer staff, and the establishmentof the mines around it, rather than the incredible attraction of the Waterberg that it nestles against.  Tourism is primarily focused on business travellers to the platinum mines surrounding the town rather than any leisure market.

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Mokopane is nestled between mountain ranges alongside the Mogolakwena/Nyl River on the edge of the Waterberg Biosphere.

It lies in the Mogalakwena municipality which covers 1683 sq km and comprises three towns, 117 villages and nine traditional leaders and five kingdoms.  Today the municipal area has a population of some 325,000, of which 124,000 is under the age of 14.

Mogalakwena population: 2001 census

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During the 1850s, the two Voortrekker leaders, AH Potgieter and AWJ Pretorius, were embroiled in a clash of views which was resolved by the signing of a peace treaty in 1852 and the establishment of a new town, to commemorate this.  AH Potgieter asked for the new town in the Makapanspoort to be given the name Vredenburg.  In 1858, the name was changed to Piet Potgietersrust to commemorate the Voortrekker leader who was killed in a skirmish in 1854.

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Arend Dieperink Museum
A cultural history museum which portrays the settlement of the town and the history that preceded it.

Makapansgat Caves (World Heritage Site)

Game Breeding Centre
Also known as the Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre, this is a satellite station of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa. The centre is at the town's northern entrance. The centre covers an area of 1,300 ha, containing a zoo-like environment, breeding camps, and a free ranging area, all accommodating a large variety of African species as well as species from South America and South East Asia. The focus is on research and the conservation of Africa's biodiversity, the advancement of science awareness among learners and the breeding of Africa's endangered wildlife.

Percy Fyfe Nature Reserve
Situated 27km from the town, it was donated to the public by Percy Fyfe.  The first roan antelope captured in the Waterberg were resettled here and did so well that breeding herds could be sent to other locations.  Tessebe also flourished and have been given to other provinces.  Reed buck, Waterbuck, Reebok, Kudu, Sable antelope, Impala, Zebra, Steenbok and a herd of buffalo can be seen, along with a variety of birds, including the South African Black Eagle.  Day visitors are welcome and guided tours are available. There is also a youth camp for organised groups and caravan facilities.{/jkefel}

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