Alma, South Africa

Road sign outside Laerskool Alma showing local towns Vaalwater and Modimolle/Nylstroom

Alma is a small town situated south of Vaalwater in the Limpopo province of South Africa. This is a malaria free area. Accommodation in the Alma area consists of thatched chalets, wooden mountain cabins and tented bush camps for those who want to rough it.

Bird life in the Alma area includes the fish-eagle and there is an abundance of wildlife. Animals that you are likely to see include baboon, monkey, bush baby, eland, impala, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, warthog, jackal and ostrich. If one is lucky, they may even spot a leopard or hyena.

The Alma area has some sedimentary rocks and mesas. (Flat top hills) The green-gray bushveld vegetation stretches far. There are some private game reserves in the area.

Education

Lakerskool Alma

File:ALMA LOGO.jpg

Laerskool Alma Badge

Alma School is a larger primary/early secondary school and is situated approximately 15 miles from Vaalwater. The children come from the surrounding farms, villages and the actual town of Alma, as well as from much further afield – these children boarding at the nearby hostel. Teaching uses 3 languages: Sebede, English and Afrikaans which brings its own challenge to English volunteers! Alma has no facilities for cooking. The mid day meal is cooked over an open fire and eaten outdoors – rain or shine !

Towns close To Alma

• Warmbaths (sometimes known as Bela Bela)
• Lephalale/Ellisras
• Modimolle/Nylstroom
• Naboomspruit
• Thabazimbi
• Vaalwater