De Doorns
Province: Western Cape
Region: Breede River Valley
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Description:The village of De Doorns, situated 32km northeast of Worcester, is in the centre of the Hex River Valley which produces a major share of South Africa's export grapes. Sandwiched between the Hex River Mountains to the north and Kwadouwsberg to the south, the valley turns into a wonderland of autumn colours in early winter, making it one of the most photographed places in South Africa.
Named after a local thorn bush, De Doorns is the centre of the Hex River Valley. The legend of The Witch (heks) of the Hex River Valley has it that, long ago, the admirer who captured the heart of beautiful Eliza Meiring met a tragic death. When her longing for him became unbearable, she leapt to her death. The Witch still mourns her longlost love, especially on moonlit nights.
Approximately 140 km from Cape Town, the N1 highway passes through the beautiful, fertile Hex River Valley. Those travelling the 35 kilometers through the valley remark at how picturesque and serene it is. The farms are nestled between the towering Hex and Quadou Mountains, which are snow-capped during the winter months. In Autumn, the vine leaves change from a uniform green to yellow, burgundy, russet and mocha, transforming the valley floor into a patchwork of rich earthy tones, creating a photographer's dream.
Delareyville
Province: North West
Region: Central Region
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Description:In 1912, Field Cornet A P Visser decided to establish a new church community and found the town of Saltwater on Zoutpan Farm. When permission was granted in 1913, some 150 church members purchased ground in the area, and Visser, to show his respect for Boer leader General K de la Rey (South African War), renamed the settlement Delareyville. Attractions include the Rooiwaai Monument (it pays tribute to the 38 citizens who fought and died during the Second War of Independence); Tweebosch and De Klipdrift battlefields (Battlefields of the Second War of Independence); Dutch Reformed Church (Proclaimed a national monument).
Derby
Province: North West
Region: Bojanala Rustenburg
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Description:Derby located 16km east of Koster, was named after Lord Derby, British secretary of State, and had its origins as a settlement for destitute people. Towards the end of the Anglo-Boer War (1899 - 1902), the area was the scene for a battle between the Boer forces and a Scottish Calvatry Regiment. The graves of the British soldiers who died here may be seen in the local cemetary.