This mining town was established in 1940 on Simon Fraser’s farm, Witkoppen. Fraser originally came from the Orkney Islands, off the coast of Scotland. After gold was discovered on the farm and a town came to life, he named his new home after his old. The emblem of the town is the sea lion. “Orkn” means sea lion in ancient Icelandic and “Ey” island in Nordic.
Adventure And Sport
Likkewaan Hiking Trail: This trail is mapped out on a large farm on the banks of the Vaal River. It takes the hiker past several sites of geological and historical interest.
Orkney Vaal Resort: The Orkney-Vaal Resort lies on the banks of the Vaal River. It offers several nature trails, picnic facilities and accommodation.
Fauna And Flora
Orkney Bird Sanctuary: The peaceful Orkney Bird Sanctuary, on the banks of the Vaal River, resounds with birdsong and the sounds of water flowing by.
Other Attractions
Ground Nut Factory: This factory is the Southern Hemisphere’s prime producer of groundnuts.
Vaal Reef Gold Mine Tours: Arrange a tour through the largest gold mine in South Africa by special request.
