The town owes its name to the Leeudoring (“lion thorn”) bush that was once characteristic of the farm Rietkuil, upon which the village was laid out. With the passing of time hunters gradually reduced the numbers of game in the area and unfortunately the natural vegetation, including the “lion thorn” also gradually disappeared.
Fauna And Flora
Wolwespruit Nature Reserve: This 2 800 ha reserve is situated on the banks of the Vaal River, 30 km from the town, upstream from the Bloemhof Dam. Among the many species of animals that roam the reserve are blesbok, red and black hartebeest, impala, steenbok, duiker and zebra. The reserve is also a popular bird watching, angling and hiking destination. Wolwespruit also has a conservation programme to protect a variety of smaller mammals. Since it is one of the lesser known reserves in the North West, the tranquil, riverine environment has remained largely undisturbed by man and truly offers a retreat from modern life. Accommodation is available.
Historical Tourism
Leeudoringstad Museum: The Leeudoringstad Museum tells the story of a tragic incident in 1932 when a dynamite train exploded in the town centre, killing five people and damaging almost every building in the town.
