Orania

Orania is a settlement on the Orange River banks in the Northern Cape at about 1180 meters elevation. The town spreads across 300 hectares of farmland with three residential areas and its own museum.

The settlement was founded in 1991 during a time of major political change in South Africa. It was created with the goal of preserving a specific identity and way of life.

The local museum displays farm tools and traditional weapons from different periods, telling the story of how people lived and worked in this region. These objects help visitors understand the daily life and heritage of the community.

Visitors should know the community uses its own currency called the Ora, which has a fixed exchange rate with the South African Rand. It helps to learn about local payment methods before arriving.

The community operates under an unusual share block system where buying property requires holding shares in the Vluytjeskraal Share Block Company. This setup makes the place an interesting example of shared community ownership.

Location: Thembelihle Local Municipality

Location: Orania Representative Council

Inception: 1990

Elevation above the sea: 1,180 m

Shares border with: Koffiefontein

Website: http://orania.co.za

GPS coordinates: -29.81667,24.40000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:10