Pomfret Information

Pomfret is one of the more unusual settlements in the North West province, standing in the dry, open landscape near the Botswana border. Its isolated setting and remarkable history give the small town a character quite unlike the better-known destinations of the province.

Pomfret was established in the 1960s as a settlement for former members of the 32 Battalion, a South African military unit that included many Angolan soldiers and their families. Following the unit's disbandment in 1993, many residents remained in Pomfret, creating a distinctive community with strong Angolan cultural influences. The town's military history is still visible in its layout and some of the older buildings, although much of the settlement has experienced significant decline over the years.

For travellers, Pomfret is more of a historical and cultural curiosity than a conventional holiday destination. A drive through the settlement provides an opportunity to appreciate its unusual origins and the stark Kalahari-like surroundings. Visitors should be respectful when exploring the community, as this is a lived-in settlement rather than an open-air museum.

The surrounding countryside offers expansive views, sparse vegetation and spectacular skies, making the area appealing to photographers and travellers who enjoy remote landscapes. Wildlife and birdlife can also be encountered in the wider district.

Within the Bophirima Region, Pomfret stands out for its extraordinary twentieth-century history and its remote setting. It is best included as part of a carefully planned road trip through western North West, particularly for travellers interested in military history, cultural heritage and the less familiar stories behind South Africa's rural settlements.