| Paulpietersburg is nested between Piet Retief and Vryheid, and this country town is recognised as a haven of history, health and homeliness. Housed in the beautiful Drosdy is a visitor's information office, a small museum, Koffee stube and a wealth of crafts for sale.
There is a rich heritage resulting from the town's involvement in the Anglo-Zulu war (1879) and Anglo-Boer war (1899-1902), as well as the influence of early German missionaries and settlers. The healthy environment of the area is reflected in the establishment of three spring water bottling plants and the operation of a hot mineral spa. This is a popular venue for paragliding, while the town's Craft Annual Exhibitions draw many participants and visitors. For accommodation contact Hanna - 017 821 0764 www.hannas.co.za http://www.zululandzigzag.co.za/town_paul.php |
17 Sept 2008
Paulpietersburg
Paulpietersburg
The picturesque town of Paulpietersburg is situated about 50km from Vryheid and lies in the foothills of the Dumbe Mountain. The town's name is a combination of the first names of President Paul Kruger and Commandant-General Pieter Joubert, both of whom were linked to the old South African Republic. The town has strong links with the South African (Anglo-Boer) War as it was here, at the nearby Egode River, that the peace treaty ending the war was signed. It also featured in the Anglo-Zulu war and visitors can see the battle site at Ntombe 30km away. The town gained municipal status in 1958. The small town has a rich cultural and historical legacy, and there are many memorials and monuments to be found. The Egode River Monument commemorates the site where Louis Botha met his troops before signing the Peace Treaty that ended the South African (Anglo-Boer) War, while visitors can peruse the library, originally the Dutch Reformed Church, and now a provincial heritage site. Another building of historic interest, and also a provincial heritage site, is the Old Drostdy of 1906, the first British colonial public building to be built in the area. For accommodation call Hanna's 017 821 0764.
Hanna's Farm Guesthouse
| Piet Retief Bed and Breakfast (Dinner on request) |
Hanna's Farm Guesthouse is an ideal stop-over for holiday-makers and travellers on the N2 between Gauteng and the North-coast or Mocambique. Come & experience the warm atmosphere and personal care from your hosts on this established and successful mixed farming concern within a German farming community. Relax in one of our 3 tastefully decorated en-suite bedrooms, each with DSTV, honesty bar and fascilities for coffee & tea. Alternatively laze in our spacious lounge with DSTV and connecting dining and breakfast area. Step out of your room and enter a lush garden with lots of bird life, swimming pool and children's play area. Enjoy the spectacular view of hills lining the horison and cattles grazing on green pastures. |
16 Sept 2008
Natal Spa - a secret Oasis
As children we spend most our easter school holidays at Natal Spa. Fishing for Yellow Fish, swimming in the hot mineral pools, playing tennis, and having much fun. Natal Spa is about 50 minutes drive from Piet Retief and 15 minutes from Paul Pietersburg. An ideal day trip from Hanna's Guest House.
Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort is situated on the road between Vryheid and Paulpietersburg on the Battlefields Route. Famed for its hot mineral waters, which have been in existence since the late 19th Century.
Set on 800 hectares of KwaZulu-Natal bushveld, the resort has access to about four kilometres of the Bivane River flowing through the property.
Facilities in the hotel include an airy dining room and terrace offering lovely views of the garden and pool areas. An additional restaurant is due for completion in April 2008. Buffet breakfasts and dinners as well as a ‘la carte dinners are served. Each room has tea/coffee making facilities and TV, offering 6 channels including M-Net.
The resort is also suitable for wedding receptions and conference facilities. Three well-equipped conference rooms can accommodate between 6 – 120 delegates are available.
For the active there is quad bike trails, squash, tennis, hiking, birding trails, mountain bike trails and fishing. Indoor, relax with some snooker, table tennis or darts. The main attraction is of course the mineral waterpools and a great 110m long supertube. Future developments include a Wellness Centre which is scheduled to opens it’s doors in October 2008.
Self Drive Kruger to Cape Town along the Garden Route
JOHANNESBURG TO CAPE TOWN COASTAL ROUTE
DAY 1: PILGRIMS REST
Drive to Pilgrims Rest from Johannesburg. On your way you can visit Sabie with it’s beautiful scenic views. Sabie is a beautifully situated little town, and is one of the towns along the renowned Panorama Route. Sabie is located in a deep valley on the escarpment of the Drakensberg mountain range in the Mpumalanga (" place of the rising sun ") province of South Africa. There are many lovely views around Sabie, and spectacular waterfalls, such as the Sabi Falls, the Bridal Falls, Lone Creek Falls and the Horseshoe Falls.
From there you will travel to the small historic town of Pilgrims Rest. Pilgrims Rest is also situated on the magnificent Panorama Route and in the area of Pilgrims Rest you find an abundance of natural, cultural and historic gems. Pilgrims Rest offers you a fascinating window into the past and captures the spirit of a bygone era and their people in the quest for gold. Overnight in Pilgrims Rest.
DAY 2: PILGRIMS REST
From Pilgrims Rest you can visit the beautiful waterfalls in the area as well as Burke’s Luck Potholes. A trip to Blyde River Canyons is a must and to truly capture the picturesque scenery of the Low Veld one should visit Gods Window.
Overnight in Pilgrims Rest
DAY 3: SKUKUZA
You enter one of the most popular tourist attractions, the Kruger National Park via Hazyview and your overnight is in its capital named Skukuza. The National Park was opened in 1898 at the instigation of then-president Paul Kruger. The park stretches from the Crocodile River in the south up to the Limpopo River, which is the international border in the north. Altogether it is 350 km long, 65 km wide and comprises an area of about 20,000 sq km. Overnight in Skukuza.
DAY 4: SKUKUZA
Today you have a full day for game viewing on your own pace. Overnight in Skukuza.
DAY 5: MALELANE
From Skukuza you travel more south of Kruger and stay at Malelane. On your way you try to spot as many animals as possible. Overnight in Malelane.
DAY 6: PIET RETIEF
You depart from the Kruger National park through Malelane Gate and drive through the historic town of Baberton on your way to Piet Retief. The town of Piet Retief, named after the Boer leader, was surveyed and established in 1883. Although almost completely destroyed in the South African (Anglo-Boer) War, Piet Retief is today the heart of an important timber producing area. visit the Oribi Conservatory, the only sanctuary in the country devoted to the protection of this graceful antelope. At the Piet Retief Game and Bird Sanctuary, visitors can see local fauna and flora as well as endemic aloe species. Overnight in Piet Retief we recommend Hanna's Guest House - +2717 821 0764 or www.hannas.co.za
DAY 7: ST.LUCIA
From Piet Retief you will head for St. Lucia. St. Lucia was formed about 60 to 100 million years ago when the Indian Ocean withdrew from the sandy coastal regions of Kwazulu Natal. The greater St.Lucia Wetlands is one of the world’s great eco-tourism destinations. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance has listed St.Lucia as having international conservation value. The region also satisfies the criteria for listing as a UNESCO World Heritage area. Overnight in St. Lucia.
DAY 8: ST.LUCIA
You have one more day to explore St.Lucia or enjoy one of the many activities. Overnight in St.Lucia.
DAY 9: UHMLANGA ROCKS
From St. Lucia you travel to the coast to Uhmlanga Rocks. If time you can still enjoy the golden beaches and warm waters. Overnight in Uhmlanga.
Day 10 : UHMLANGA ROCKS
In the morning you travel down to the city of Durban and enjoy a guided City Highlights Tour. A full day tour of the city of Durban, with the morning dedicated to showing you the cultural and historical contrasts of this city. You continue to Durban's newest attraction: uShaka Marine World, for lunch (not included). Afterwards enjoy a guided tour of this world class facility, which will comprise of a saltwater aquarium with both indoor and outdoor displays and exhibits of South Africa's unique Indian and Atlantic Ocean Marine life. Also included is a wonderful Dolphin, Seal and Penguin show. Your tour starts at 9am and you meet at the Edward Hotel at the beach front of Durban. Overnight in Uhmlanga.
DAY 10: COFFEE BAY
Today is a long drive towards Coffee Bay. Coffee Bay is located in an area called the Wild Coast. Coffee bay is located near the sea. They say that Coffee Bay's name camefrom a ship wrecked here in 1863 depositing its cargo of coffee beans on the beach. The Wildcoast is almost untouched paradise, an environmental haven with the feel of the “true” African coastline. Overnight in Coffee Bay
DAY 11: CINTSA
From Coffee Bay you travel through the Transkei to Cintsa, which will be the end of the Wildcoast (or the beginning if you come from the other side) At Cintsa you can still enjoy the dramatic coastline of the Wildcoast. Overnight in Cintsa.
DAY 12: JEFFREYS BAY
You have to leave early in the morning to get to Jeffreys Bay. Jeffreys Bay is a small coastal resort well known for it white sanded beaches and excellent surfing waves. It is called one of the top ten surf destinations in the world. Overnight in Jeffreys Bay.
DAY 13: JEFFREYS BAY
You have another day in Jeffreys Bay to relax a bit from the driving through the Wild Coast. You can enjoy the wonderful beach with its abundance of shells, you can browse through the souvenir and famous billabong shops or you can book one of the activities like sand boarding, surf lesson, horse riding etc. Overnight in Jeffreys Bay.
DAY 14: KNYSNA
In the morning you drive to Knysna. During your drive you can visit Tsitsikamma and the National Park, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, The Elephant Sanctuary and Plettenberg Bay on your way. Monkeyland is a sanctuary, where you will find all types of monkeys, who live in the forest. A guide will walk you through the forest, while telling you all about the monkeys you see. Birds of Eden is a subtropical bird park, where you walk through yourself. At the Elephant Sanctuary you can walk, touch and ride on an elephant. Plettenberg Bay is a wonderful sea side resort. Overnight in Knysna
DAY 15: KNYSNA
You have a day in Knysna to enjoy the town and its attractions. Knysna has several boat cruises to offer and an exciting amount of adventure activities. Also the town has been chosen Town of the Year several times. Overnight in Knysna
DAY 16: OUDTSHOORN
From Knysna you travel through the wonderful nature of Wilderness. You can have a break at Wilderness to enjoy the beach and little town. Continuing you travel to George and via the Outeniqua Pass to Oudtshoorn. In Oudtshoorn you can visit the world famous Cango Caves, Ostrich Farms and the Cheetah Wildlife Ranch. Overnight in Oudtshoorn
DAY 17: HERMANUS
From Oudtshoorn you travel first a part of the R 62 until Barrydale, where you take the Tradouw pass towards Swellendam. You can visit Swellendam, the third town of South Africa on your way. You continue on the N2 until you get the turn off to the ocean to Hermanus. Hermanus is well known for its whale watching. The best time for Whale watching is from July till November. Overnight in Hermanus
DAY 18: STELLENBOSCH
From Hermanus you take the coast of flowers route to Stellenbosch. This is a beautiful scenic route. Stellenbosch is well known for its wine farms. Also the town has some interesting architecture called, Cape Dutch Style Houses. It is a beautiful town to visit with lots of historic interests. Overnight in Stellenbosch.
DAY 19: CAPE TOWN
We leave early morning to explore the Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope. On our way we visit Houtbay and the penguins in Simonstown. At Cape of Good Hope we will visit the most south westerly point of South Africa. Overnight in Cape Town.
DAY 20: CAPE TOWN
Today you can explore all the famous attractions of Cape Town like Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, The company Gardens, Green Market Square, Kirstenbosch Garden and lots more. Overnight in Cape Town
DAY 21: AIRPORT
Today you bring your car back to the airport, where your trip ends.
http://www.enchantmenttours.com/kruger_garden_route.htm
14 Sept 2008
Fishing for Yellows
I grew up on the farm Schaapkraal near the village of Commondale, in the Piet Retief district. Commondale is very close to the Pongola River, which is not only the border between Mpumalanga Province and KwaZulu-Natal, but more importantly the home of the yellow fish.
My father started fishing this river as a young man together with my late uncle Bodo Filter. Uncle Bodo lived in Commondale and worked at the Phantom fishing rod factory. So not only was Commondale home to the best yellow fishing in the country it was also home to the best fishing rods. Phantom closed many years ago and my dear god father went home to be our saviour many in 1999, but the yellows are still there. Their biggest threat is polution, black bass and people like my friend Erlo Beneke. Erlo is one of the most successfull fishermen in the district, who annually harvests the river and like my father Helmut Meier, does not know the meaning of catch and release. Another son of the Pongola is Horst Filter. Horst a well known environmental activist, but we know him as the protector of the yellow in the Pongola and its tributaries. Horst is a legend in fly fishing circles and co-auther of The Colt Book on FlyFishing for Warm Water Species in Southern Africa (By Garth Brook and Horst Filter). Rumours have it that Erlo once asked Horst to teach him how to catch yellows on a fly. To which Horst replied: I first have to teach you to "catch and realease" becasue with your skill and persistance the yellows of the Pongola have now chance to survive. So ... Erlo is still a pap gooier. As children we spend most Sundays fishing the Pongola with my uncles and my dad. My grandfathers farm "Jachtdrift" is one of the legendary fishing spots in the districts. Visit Feather and Fin B & B on the farm to experience it yourself. It is a pity we never realy learned the art of fly fishing for yellows. One year as a christmas or birthday gift, my mom, gave all of us a long weekend flyfishing with Horst. We stayed at Wandersheim near Luneburg and had a wonderfull weekened with Horst fishing for yellows in the tributaries of the Pongola in the Luneburg highlands.
11 Sept 2008
Pecan Nursery Piet Retief
PECAN PRO NURSERY
Pecan Pro Nursery is a wholesale pecan nursery, selling directly to the grower for over 15 years.
Owner Heiko Meier and his wife Agatha ensure that customers get the best quality and service.
Pawnee, Choctow, Ukulinga, Shoshoni and Western are our speciality. We also produce Cape Fear, Navaho, Elliott, Desirable and others to order.
We at Pecan Pro Nursery are known for our well developed root systems. Multiple tap roots with lots of feeder roots ensure a high percentage survival of tress with transplant.
We take orders now for collection in August.
Feel free to contact the owner Heiko Meier for any advice regarding cultivar selection, orchard layout or pecans in general.
Heiko Meier
Phone no: 017 821 0990
Fax no: 017 821 0998
Cell: 082 553 7831
Address: P.O. Box 22, Commondale 2385
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