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Mookgophong, also known by its former name, Naboomspruit, is a town in the Limpopo province of South Africa.
The town of Mookgophong, known until recently as Naboomspruit, dates back to the late 1800s when settlement developed around the farm Naboomspruit and was originally named for the profusion of euphorbia trees (known in Afrikaans as naboom) growing on the banks of a nearby stream. The town was officially renamed Mookgophong on the 24 November 2006, by the South African government.
After the discovery of tin in 1910 on a farm in the district the settlement developed into a bustling town. Platinum was also later discovered.
About 90 minutes from O.R. Tambo International Airport and 2 to about 2½ hours from Pretoria and Johannesburg Mookgophong is located in the bushveld areas of the Waterberg in Limpopo and offers visitors the ideal stop-over between Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park or Botswana.
Mookgophong / Naboomspruit has become a popular tourist destination, owing to the many attractive holiday resorts that have been developed around the hot sulphur springs nearby and is surrounded by peaceful nature reserves.
There are numerous hiking trails where lovers of the outdoors can enjoy the unique Bushveld flora of the beautiful Waterberg.
Nylsvley, close by, is a well known haven for birdwatchers and rare rhinos form part of the Malatipark game collection. The Frikkie Geyser Dam offers good fishing opportunities and attracts many anglers.
There are exciting prospects for game and bird hunting. A number of private game ranches and lodges in the Mookgophong / Naboomspruit region provide excellent facilities for trophy hunting.
Various interesting motor routes as well as exciting 4x4 trails can also be followed to explore this region.
