Jagersfontein

Accommodation | Activities | Restaurants | Business Directory

Geography and history

Jagersfontein is located in the Motheo and Xhariep region of the Free State Province in South Africa. The town is named after the owner of the original farm on which the town stands, Griqua Jacobus Jagers. In 1854 he decided to sell the farm to C.F. Visser. A diamond rush got into full swing in 1870 when farmer J.J. de Klerk found a 50 carat diamond which weighed about 10grams. The Jagersfontein Mine is the deepest hole in the world that was excavated by hand.

Interestingly enough, Jagersfontein was the second town in South Africa and the first town in the Free State Province to have access to electricity and piped water. Most of the local sights in this town have been neglected but the town’s golf course has survived due to private funds.

Accommodation

Jagersfontein offers a variety of tourist accommodation that caters for every taste. This town has bed and breakfasts, guest houses, self-catering units, caravan and camping facilities etc. Please view our accommodation directory for more information on places to stay in Jagersfontein.

Activities

Jagersfontein is known for the Jagersfontein Big Hole Open Mine. It is the deepest hand-excavated and also the oldest mine hole in the world. The hole is estimated to be 275 metres deep. This is definitely a must-see for tourists visiting the town.

Other things to do in Jagersfontein include:

Gariep Dam Nature Reserve
Walk the Wall Tour
Diggers Big Hole Hiking Trail
Horse riding and bird watching
Steam Train Marathon

Restaurants

Jagersfontein has a restaurant for every taste and to suit every budget. For a complete list of places to eat, please see our restaurant directory.