The town was named after Hans Brits, a companion of Dr David Livingstone, the famous African explorer and missionary, on one of his journeys into the interior. Brits settled on the farm Gemsbokfontein on which the town was established in 1877 when a group of local farmers bought a section of the farm to build a church and establish a community centre. Today, Britstown is a the principal centre for a wool, mutton and karakul farming district.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Victoria West 98 km, De Aar 52 km, Vosburg 61 km, Strydenburg 77 km

Dams

Maritzdam, Smartt Syndicate Dam

HISTORICAL VIEW

Britstown Museum

Rediscover the past by visiting the Britstown Museum in Raath Street, formerly the Holy Trinity Church

Dutch Reformed Church – built in 1877

San Rock Art

Excellent examples can be viewed on the farms Brakwater and Schilderspan. For an appointment contact the Transkaroo Country Lodge

Transport Museum

Richmond St Displays of various forms of transport dating back to the pioneer days

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Agricultural Show – March

Kambro Roadstall

Take a break at this roadstall, 21 km on the N12 from Britstown to Kimberley. A wide variety of home baked and hand made products from the local community can be enjoyed in the shady tea garden.

Martitzdam

Smartt Syndicate Dam

24 km west of Britstown, is the largest privately built dam in South Africa. The dam was destroyed during the 1961 floods, and rebuilt by government in 1964.

ACTIVITIES

Hunting

Barendsfontein, Doornkuil, Holdakkies, Holpan, Maritzdam Hunting Lodge, Soutaar, Twyfelhoek

Accommodation in and around Britstown