Leydsdorp

Afrikaans name: Leydsdorp

Leydsdorp

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Limpopo

Leydsdorp is a town that is lost in time. It started off its life in 1890 after gold was found in the area but was later left to become a ghost town after richer deposits of gold were found on the Witwatersrand. Today there are signs of a revival as some restoration work is bringing life back to the town.

The town was named Leydsdorp in honour of the State Secretary of the South African Republic, between 1888 and 1897, Willem Johannes Leyds.

Some resources say that Leydsdorp was declared a city on the 1st October 1890 which, if true, would have given it the honour of being the smallest city in the world.

The surrounding area is home to some game farms. The town also is home to a massive Baobab Tree which is something that is worth visiting.

Been to Leydsdorp? How was your visit or stay?

A town lost in time

Photo © Johan van Zyl

A massive Baobab Tree is a must see in the area

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 76

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 268

Country Life - Issue 166 - Author: - Published: 2010 - Page: 128

Getaway - Vol 32 No 03 - Author: - Published: 2020 - Page: 96

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 193

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 276

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 286

Wikipedia

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