A prominent feature of Koffiefontein are the blockhouses erected by the British in 1900, which served as defensive fortresses in the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). With the town being close to Mafikeng and Kimberley it became embroiled in the conflict at the time. The blockhouses were built following an attack on the town and the diamond mine by Boer forces under the command of Commandant Hertzog and General Brand.
Koffiefontein became the site for a large internment camp during World War II, with up to 2,000 Italian and German prisoners of war being held there, along with around 800 South Africans who were thought to be pro-Nazi. Prominent political figure John Vorster was among the South Africans held captive at Koffiefontein. He later became Prime Minister and President of South Africa, holding the latter office in 1978 and 1979. The barracks that were home to these prisoners of war can still be viewed in the town, along with murals painted by the interned Italians.
The town of Koffiefontein was home to renowned award-winning Afrikaans writer, Etienne Leroux, and visitors can view his homestead and his grave. Other attractions nearby include San rock paintings, the Kalkfontein Dam, Riet River and the Gariep Dam Nature Reserve. Visitors to Koffiefontein are left in no doubt as to what the name means as the entrance to the town is marked with a large sign and an oversized old-fashioned coffee kettle, similar to those used by the transport riders of bygone days. Exhibiting good old-fashioned Karoo hospitality, the town has a number of eateries offering traditional fare and the aromatic beverage that gave the town its name.
