As the largest agricultural exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, Nampo 2026 will attract thousands of visitors from across the agricultural sector to Nampo Park from 12 to 15 May.
Prospective visitors should know that the town fills up fast. Local guest houses, lodges, and farm stays are often booked out a year in advance.
For readers who are planning to visit Nampo this year, Farmer’s Weekly has compiled a practical guide to help ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
Resilience through innovation
Nampo remains the most important annual meeting point for producers, agribusinesses, and the broader South African agricultural value chain. It is where technology, knowledge, and practical solutions converge.
In light of the current outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) across South Africa, Grain SA and Nampo management have confirmed that no cloven-hoofed animals will be permitted at Nampo 2026.
While the usual soundtrack of livestock will be missing from the showgrounds, breeders’ societies will still be present at their exhibition stands. They have been encouraged to get creative in showcasing the genetic strengths, performance data, and production value of their breeds, even without the animals themselves.
Visitors can therefore expect a slightly different experience, with innovative displays, clever use of technology, and smart marketing replacing the traditional livestock pens.
This year’s theme is ‘Resilience through Innovation’, and it could not be more fitting.
For general information on Nampo, visit grainsa.co.za.
Bothaville accomodation
When Farmer’s Weekly spoke to Hanlie Mouton, public relations officer at Bothaville Info, four weeks ahead of the show, she confirmed that if you have not already booked your accommodation for the event, you are cutting it close.
“We might still find space for latecomers in school hostels, rooms in the homes of our very accommodating locals, or even classrooms at the primary school,” she said.
Mouton explained that many booking platforms allocate block bookings well in advance to accommodate regular visitors, which can make availability appear tighter than it actually is.
“Farmer’s Weekly readers can call me, and I’ll see how I can help them,” she added.
Email Hanlie Mouton at [email protected], or phone her on 056 515 3042 or 082 396 7556.
Travelling to Nampo park
For many visitors travelling from the furthest corners of the country, Nampo is more than a destination; it is a pilgrimage. All the more reason to turn it into a mini road trip.
We’ve put together a travel plan, including suggested routes, points of interest along the way, and practical tips to make the journey as enjoyable as the show itself.
Routes and travel time (by car) from the main cities to Nampo Park
• Polokwane, Limpopo – 5 hours 41 minutes (541km) via N1
• Pretoria, Gauteng – 3 hours 4 minutes (277km) via N1 and R59
• Johannesburg, Gauteng – 2 hours 31 minutes (222km) via N1 and R59
• Mbombela, Mpumalanga – 6 hours 5 minutes (568km) via N12
• Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal – 6 hours 9 minutes (543km) via N3 and R76
• KuGompo City (East London), Eastern Cape – 8 hours 32 minutes (798km) via N6
• Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape – 9 hours 30 minutes (913km) via N1
• Bloemfontein, Free State – 2 hours 30 minutes (239km) via R30
• Kimberley, Northern Cape – 3 hours 5 minutes (272km) via R59
• Vryburg, North West – 2 hours 45 minutes (221km) via R34 and R504
• Upington, Northern Cape – 6 hours 59 minutes (622km) via N14
• Cape Town, Western Cape – 13 hours 34 minutes (1 224km) via N1 and N12
Towns near Nampo Park
If you need accommodation within roughly a 90-minute drive from Nampo Park, we recommend the following towns. We have included routes and travel times from these towns to Nampo Park (see map).
- From Potchefstroom – 1 hour 2 minutes (85,8km) via N12, R502, and R30
- From Klerksdorp via Orkney – 38 minutes (46,3km) via R30
- From Parys via Vredefort and Viljoenskroon – 1 hour 27 minutes (119km) via R59
- From Orkney – 25 minutes (31,8km) via R30
- From Vredefort via Viljoenskroon – 1 hour 9 minutes (102km) via R59 and R76
- From Viljoenskroon – 36 minutes (39,1km) via R59
- From Wolmaransstad via Leeudoringstad and Bothaville – 1 hour 2 minutes (87,6km) via R504
- From Leeudoringstad via Bothaville – 39 minutes (57,2km) via R504
- From Makwassie via Leeudoringstad and Bothaville – 58 minutes (86,1km) via R502 and R504
- From Kroonstad via Bothaville – 1 hour 3 minutes (94,9km) via R76 and R727
- From Odendaalsrus via Allanridge and Bothaville – 52 minutes (80,1km) via R30
- From Welkom via Odendaalsrus, Allanridge, and Bothaville – 1 hour 5 minutes (96km) via R30
- From Wesselsbron via Bothaville – 1 hour 1 minute (84,5km) via R719 and R30
- From Hoopstad via Bothaville – 1 hour 11 minutes (107km) via R59
- From Bloemhof via Makwassie, Leeudoringstad, and Bothaville – 1 hour 38 minutes (145km) via N12, R502 and R504
Main attractions along the way
If you want to turn Nampo into more than a day trip, there are plenty of places to explore. If you’re travelling from afar, consider arriving a day early or lingering a little longer.
- Bothaville
Bothaville is a maize-farming town in the Lejweleputswa District Municipality of the Free State. It lies on the banks of the Vals River, a tributary of the Vaal River, and together with the neighbouring Kgotsong township, it is home to roughly 46 000 residents.
Of course, Bothaville is best known as the home of Nampo Harvest Day, but beyond the show, the town offers a blend of agritourism, Anglo-Boer War history, and outdoor activities along the Vals and nearby Vaal river systems.
- The Wall of Remembrance
Situated at Nampo Park, the Wall of Remembrance is a significant landmark. The monument was created as a final tribute to commercial farmers and their families who have been murdered since 31 May 1961 in South Africa.
- Bloemhof Dam
With a capacity of more than 1,2 billion cubic metres and spanning some 25 000ha hectares, Bloemhof Dam is one of the country’s premier freshwater fishing destinations. It lies at the confluence of the Vaal and Vet rivers, on the border between the Free State and North West.
In summer, the dam becomes a playground for water sports enthusiasts, including angling, water skiing, windsurfing, and even paragliding. It has also hosted F1 powerboat races.
Two nature reserves have been proclaimed in the surrounding area: Sandveld Nature Reserve on the Free State side and Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve on the North West side. Together, they offer birding, game viewing, boating, and, of course, fishing. Anglers can expect carp, barbel, yellowfish, and mudfish.
- Vredefort Dome
Located about 120km south-west of Johannesburg, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest and largest known meteorite impact structure on Earth. The impact occurred more than two billion years ago, leaving behind a vast multi-ring structure that geologists still study today.
Within the dome, rocks from deep within Earth’s crust are exposed, including some that are more than three billion years old.
Visitors can see classic features associated with massive meteorite impacts, including shock metamorphism and distinctive shatter cones formed by the immense force of collision.
- Oesfees Market
Oesfees Market is a much-loved annual highlight held during Nampo Harvest Day. Now celebrating its 20th year, this vibrant market has become a firm tradition for visitors to Bothaville.
The market is located approximately 2,5km diagonally opposite the Nampo North Gate parking area, making it a convenient stop during show week. With more than 150 stalls and lively entertainment, Oesfees offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere under large marquee tents.
It showcases a wide variety of quality products, and visitors can also enjoy a tempting selection of food stalls, all conveniently located within easy walking distance of one another. Gates are open from 8am 6pm, 12 to 15 May, and 8am to 2pm on 16 May.
For more information, phone Maryke Breytenbach on 083 745 6957.
- Boere Boss
If you’re travelling the R30 between Orkney and Nampo Park and feel the need for a proper Free State kuier, Boere Boss is the place to go.
Situated on Jersey Farm, Boere Boss is a relaxed restaurant, pub and grill, although the owners are quick to point out that it’s less of a bar scene and more of a welcoming gathering place where family and friends can enjoy good food and good company.
During the year, Boere Boss is open from 10am (9am on Saturdays) until late and closed on Sundays and certain public holidays. During Nampo week, however, doors open earlier – from 7am or 8am – making it a convenient breakfast, lunch, or dinner stop for showgoers.
While the venue does not take general bookings for Nampo, a limited VIP area is available by prior arrangement, accommodating up to 500 guests.
Visitors can expect a varied menu typical of a quality grill establishment, with rotating specials and a popular Monday Burger Special.
This year, Boere Boss will host well-known South African entertainer Robbie Wessels on 13 May, the only featured performance during Nampo week.
For more information, phone Jané Booyens on 083 860 7176.
- Swanni’s Bar and Paintball
If you want a roaring fire, good music and food, and that unmistakable Free State hospitality, Swanni’s delivers. You’ll find it just outside of Bothaville on the R30 towards Nampo Park.
Swanni’s draws hundreds of visitors daily during Nampo week, especially in the afternoons and evenings. While it is primarily known as a lively bar and social spot, food also plays an important role. Throughout the year, its pizzas are a favourite. During Nampo, the menu expands to include burgers, steak rolls, chips, and other hearty kuierkos.
It is open daily in the week leading up to and throughout the show. The rest of the year, it is open on Wednesday and Friday evenings, and all day on Saturdays.
Wednesday evenings are particularly special, often featuring an informal braai where everyone shares a piece of meat straight from the plank. It forms part of the easy-going, communal spirit that defines the place. The venue also offers paintball facilities during the year.
Swanni’s is run by Pieter and Erica Swanepoel and their two sons, Johan and Gerhard. The name ‘Swanni’s’ is derived from their surname and represents not just one person, but the entire family.
For more information, phone Erica Swanepoel on 073 420 5716.
