Where do we park? In the distance, a car guard was waving frantically like an aircraft marshaller. I drove towards him slowly; as I got closer, he pointed me left. We found parking in a field — grass underfoot, music already carrying from somewhere ahead, and more cars than I expected for a Friday, until I remembered it was a public holiday.
After our visit to the Botshongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, the next stop on the itinerary for the four of us was Cowboy Town. Walking through the entrance, a sign overhead confirmed we were in the right place, and a mannequin cowboy confirmed the theme. It looked exactly like a cowboy town in the movies. All that was missing were dirt roads, horses and real cowboys.
To our left we popped into a shop that felt like a pawn shop — the kind of stuff you would find in old farmhouses. What piqued my interest was a coffee table book by Linda & Volla Du Plessis, who travelled South Africa for six years documenting it. I had a brief look through it. Loved all the big pictures, scanned for the price, liked it, tapped to pay and onwards.
I found myself in front of a shop called Stardust, selling vintage items, handcrafted goods, and home and garden decor. A grey cat was lying on the table outside, completely unbothered by the world. Feeling all Dr. Dolittle vibes, I petted it — and it allowed me to do so.
Onwards I came across two oversized benches. One read “Welcome” and the other “Husband Waiting Bench”. I took a picture and moved on — there was a camel situation that needed investigating.
I noticed two camels carrying passengers. We had Lawrence of Arabia right there in Cowboy Town. Standing next to them you look up — they were enormous, and completely unimpressed, as if they’d already had quite enough of the day. None of us considered a ride. I couldn’t help wondering — why camels? Where are the horses? We are in Cowboy Town after all. Expecting no answer, we moved on.
Under a gazebo we noticed a braai stand. As we got closer the smell pulled us in — there were tasters, and they were good. On a public holiday with every shop in Krugersdorp closed, it appeared as if it had been placed there specifically for us. Braai problem solved.
One shop caught my eye — handmade leather products, the smell of it hitting you at the door. The leathersmith was sitting inside working on a belt, his partner nearby. Very friendly couple, ready to make the belt I was looking for. I’d already bought one earlier at another stall, so I gave it a skip — but stayed for the conversation. We talked about where they came from, how they got into the craft. Salt of the Earth people. Good people.
We stopped for a group photo at a WANTED sign — “WANTED for being COWBOY FABULOUS.” On theme. Nearby, two aggressively pink poodles were going about their day as if this was completely normal. After the camels, honestly, it was.
I took the last group photo next to the Cowboy Town sign, smelling the different kinds of food being prepared, listening to the live performance from a distance, watching people make their way from one stall to the other with their kids. It was all Cowboy themed on the outside, but like a farmers market on the inside.
It’s a nice way to spend time with friends, family and pretty much all age groups. If you like farmers markets, you will like Cowboy Town. I do regret not having enough time to test out one of the restaurants. I will finish off there with lunch next time.
We got back to the car mid afternoon, around 15:00. Tired in a good way. Satisfied with how the day went. Braai meat packed in the cooler, cold drink in hand, and back to Pretoria.
Practical Guide – Cowboy Town, Krugersdorp
Location: 1 McLean Street, West Village, Krugersdorp
Entry: Free
Open 7 days a week, 08:00 to 17:00
No booking required — just pitch up
Getting There
Cowboy Town is approximately 65–75 km from Pretoria, around 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
View on Google Maps. Parking on site — a car guard will show you the way.
What to Expect
Over 50 shops and stalls covering antiques, collectibles, art, handcrafted goods, clothing, and food. There are restaurants on site and a kids play area. Pram friendly. Budget at least half a day to make your way through properly — a full afternoon if you plan to have lunch.
Good to Know
Allow more time than you think you need. The venue is easy to underestimate from the outside. If you’re combining it with a visit to Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, plan Bothongo in the morning and Cowboy Town in the afternoon.
Contact
Cowboy Town on Facebook
