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The Southern Region of the North West Province unfolds along the course of the Vaal River which marks the border of Gauteng in the west and the Free State Province in the south. This route passes along beautiful yellow and green patchwork maize and sunflower fields which alternate with bushveld where wild olive and umbrella thorn trees can be seen. In this region, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, white water rafting and mountain climbing and angling along the Vaal.
Bloemhof is located on the N12 Treasure Route 300km (186 miles) south west of Johannesburg and 150km (93 miles) north east of Kimberley. This relatively new tourism route has been established to promote this region and its wildlife, cultural and scenic also industrial and eco-tourism qualities.
The main attraction in this North West town is the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. The dam is one of the largest in the country, with an area of 25 000 hectares and is fed by the Vaal River. The dam wall which is accessed from the village gives a great view of the dam especially when the river is in full flood.
Bloemhof Dam is a premier angling destination in South Africa and located just outside this town in the North West Province. It is hosting major competitions for both local and international anglers such as the Tri-Nations and the Bloemhof Bonanza.
The Bloemhof Nature Reserve is 4km (2.5 miles) out of this town, in the direction of Hoopstad. Roads within the reserve are suitable for most vehicles with some exceptions in very wet conditions. The dam is open to all water sports with Powerboat launching facilities provided; this is a favourite area during the summer.
The 12 000 hectare conservancy is home to a wide variety of plains game including Black Wildebeest, large herds of Springbok and also Eland and Gemsbok. This reserve near Bloemhof town in the North West Province also has over 250 species of birds and some rare waterfowl.
The reserve and dam together give the Bloemhof visitors a great combination of game viewing and fishing in a top freshwater angling site in the country. The climate here is generally mild to hot with some cold nights during the winter.
On the Free State Province side of the Bloemhof Dam is the Sandveld Nature Reserve boasting a variety of wildlife including Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Wildebeest, also Eland, Sable and other antelope species.
Other attractions in the vicinity of the North West town of Bloemhof include:
- Taung Skull Heritage Site, Dam and Village
On the N18 between Vryburg and Jan Kempdorp, this area became world famous upon the discovery of an ancient skull. There are a number of attractions here including the Blue Pools picnic site, Boipelo Game Reserve hiking and biking, Dinkwaneng San Rock Art, Taung Dam, Mmabana Cultural Centre
- Wolwespruit Nature Reserve
A small scenic reserve further north of Bloemhof with riverine frontage, plains game, fishing and hiking
- Barberspan Bird Sanctuary
Located on the N14 north east of Delareyville, with bird watching, fishing, canoeing | 
