Modimolle – formerly known as Nylstroom means "a place of spirits" or “God has devoured” named after the prominent Modimollle Hill regarded by the locals as their holy mountain. It is a medium-sized town that focuses primarily on agriculture and farming (citrus fruits, peaches, watermelons, grapes, peanuts, maize, game and cattle) as well as wildlife and tourism. Modimolle is located approximately 135 km north of Pretoria. The ecosystem can be characterised as a dry, deciduous forest or Bushveld.
Thomas Baines, a well-known explorer, naturalist and painter, tells a fascinating story of how the Nyl River received its name. Known to the locals as Mokgalakwena (fierce crocodile), the north-flowing river was mistakenly believed to be the Nile by a group of Voortrekkers known as the Jerusalemgangers (Jerusalem Travellers), who arrived in 1886. They believed if they travelled long and far enough, they would find the Holy Land and a pyramid-shaped hill nearby strengthened their conviction that they had crossed Africa and reached Egypt.
The pleasant climate with hot summers and moderate winters makes Modimolle a year-round holiday destination.
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