Modimolle used to be known as Nylstroom. Nylstroom is what a religious sect, the Jerusalemgangers, called the Mogalakwena River after spotting a pyramid-shaped outline on the horizon. The "pyramid" turned out to be a hill called Kranskop.

Modimolle is the principal town of the Waterberg district and crops are grown under irrigation. Groundnuts is a popular crop and visitors may observe how the nuts are sorted and how the nuts are turned into peanut butter.

The Modimolle area offers accommodation in the form of self-catering lodges. There are private game reserves in the Modimolle area. Visitors will most probably see game like Nyala, Sable Antelope, Buffalo and if you are lucky you may see some elusive leopard.

Activities in the Modimolle area include guided 4x4 challenge trails, horse riding, hiking , game drives and onsite hunting. For the birdwatchers a visit to Nylsvlei, one of South Africa's largest wetlands, may prove interesting.

Facilities in the Modimolle area include onsite swimming, restaurant, braai/barbeque area, and easy wheelchair access.