The strangest town names in South Africa

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South Africa doesn’t do boring – especially when it comes to naming towns. Forget your standard “Springfield” or “Newtown.” We’ve got names that sound like inside jokes, typos, or phrases shouted during a sneeze. Here’s a few of the strangest town names in the country. All real. All weird and wonderful.

1. Kakamas

No, it’s not a swear word. Despite the “kak” at the front, Kakamas is a lovely town in the Northern Cape. Its name supposedly comes from the Khoi word for “poor pasture.” But we know what you’re thinking.

2. Koekenaap

This small town near the West Coast has a name that sounds like something your gran might say when she drops a pie. No one’s really sure where the name comes from, but it definitely sticks.

3. Tweebuffelsmeteenskootmorsdoodgeskietfontein

Yes, that’s one name. No, you’re not hallucinating. It means “The fountain where two buffaloes were shot dead with one shot.” It’s a farm in North West, and possibly a Scrabble cheat code!

4. Tietiesbaai

You’d think someone would’ve raised a flag before this one stuck. Located on the West Coast of South Africa, “Tietiesbaai” literally translates to “Boobs Bay.” It’s a popular camping spot – probably because people want to say they’ve been there.

5. Koffiefontein

“Coffee Fountain.” Sounds promising, right? Sadly, there’s no coffee gushing from the earth. It’s simply one of South Africa’s diamond-mining town with caffeine-free marketing.

6. Komaggas

This Namaqualand town sounds like a spell from Harry Potter. Don’t expect magic – just some dusty roads and peace and quiet.

7. Noenieput

Try saying this with a straight face. It’s in the Northern Cape of South Africa, and its name sounds like a made-up place in a kid’s storybook. Or a prank.