South Africa is filled with character – from its folks to its place names. However typically, that character veers into the ridiculous! Throughout the nation, you’ll discover avenue names and small cities which can be so unusual, they appear made up. Listed below are 10 of the weirdest, silliest, or simply plain unusual names that truly exist on the map.
1. Klein Mier Nommer Een
Someplace within the Northern Cape, there’s a avenue referred to as “Small Ant Quantity One.” It seems like a rejected superhero codename, nevertheless it’s actual. Why it exists is anybody’s guess!
2. Hotazel
This one’s a pun. Say it out loud: “Sizzling as hell.” Locals will inform you it lives as much as the title, particularly within the Northern Cape’s sweltering summer time. It’s extra a temperature warning than a avenue title, actually.
3. Pofadder
Named after the puff adder snake, Pofadder doesn’t precisely scream “welcome.” It’s much less a reputation, extra a crimson flag. Would YOU wish to reside on Puff Adder Avenue?
4. Tietiesbaai
Situated within the Western Cape, this title has raised some eyebrows resulting from its resemblance to a colloquial time period for part of the feminine anatomy. It’s a well-liked campsite, imagine it or not, however the title nonetheless makes folks do a double take.
5. Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein
This isn’t a typo. It’s the longest place title in South Africa and means “The spring the place two buffaloes had been shot stone-dead with one shot.” Good luck becoming that on a avenue signal – or GPS!
6. Die Hel
“The Hell” seems like a warning, not a vacation spot. But it surely’s truly a distant, scenic valley within the Swartberg mountains. Stunning, however with a reputation like that, you’d positively count on some brimstone.
7. Ogies
It means “little eyes,” and nobody actually is aware of why. It’s a mining city in Mpumalanga, however the title makes it sound extra like a youngsters’s cartoon.
8. Kokstad
This one’s not bizarre in Afrikaans or Zulu, however in English, it’ll get a snicker or two. It’s named after a historic determine, Adam Kok III, however that doesn’t cease the jokes!
9. Putsonderwater
“Fountain with out water.” It’s a literal title for a literal place within the Northern Cape that’s, unsurprisingly, dry. Who wants optimism?
10. Baardskeerdersbos
Attempt saying that 3 times quick. It interprets to “Beard Shaver’s Bush,” named after a spider that trims hair for its nest. Sure, that’s actual. No, you in all probability don’t wish to go to.
What are another quirky avenue names or locations that you already know of in SA?
Tell us by leaving a remark under, or ship a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African web site’s newsletters and comply with us on WhatsApp, Fb, X and Bluesky for the newest information.