This modest country town in the south-western Free State is home to some of the best quality diamonds in the world. The name Koffiefontein is said to come from transport riders who often stopped at a spring in the area to enjoy a cup of coffee. When one of them discovered a diamond in 1870 growth started, but it was only in 1892 that the town was proclaimed. It is therefore very suited for visitors to be greeted by a huge coffee pot at the entrance of the town that, according to its citizens, is a symbol of their hospitality. In addition it is probably the only town in South Africa that has maintained its rural character despite of blooming mining activities.
