MYSTICAL HAENERTSBURG
THE LAND OF CHERRY BLOSSOMS
This is a region of mountain peaks, crystal clear waterfalls and silent lakes set amidst beautiful indigenous forests. Haenertsburg is known as the capital of the land of the Silver Mist. The town was established in 1886 with the discovery of gold by Carl Ferdinand Haenert.
Haenertsburg is a village situated on the edge of the Great Escarpment in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, on the R71 road between Polokwane (formerly Pietersburg) and Tzaneen. Farming and tourism are the main economic activities on “The Mountain” as it is called by the locals as Haenertsburg is in mountainous terrain. The Iron Crown is a well-known landmark. Frequent mists and relatively high rainfall have created lush vegetation with forest patches occupying the kloofs which dot the rolling grasslands and surrounding mountains.
Although Haenertsburg is a fairly small village, with only one main street, it offers the avid hiker, the urban escapee, and the nature lover a variety of activities and scenic views to enjoy while staying at one of the many accommodation facilities Haenertsburg has to offer. The scenic beauty of the Haenertsburg area attracts many tourists. It is a favoured spot for cycling, biking and fishing.
The sight of Azealas flowering and the smell of cherry blossoms & apples fill the air when you enter the beautiful Haernertsburg during Spring Festival. While the colours of the flowers and the smells of the cherries and apples greet your taste buds you can enjoy a Spring Festival fit for a king. As you indulge in the sights and smell of the flowers and fruits you can purchase unique goods the craft market offers, participate in the carnival and dances and enjoy some of the best food the Festival has to offer.
Things to do:
Arboretum:
An international arboretum is cited in the Market Square and is home to over 400 species of trees.
Spring Fair:
Haenertsburg is also famous for the annual Spring Fair where various crafts and flower displays are exhibited. The Spring Fair takes place on 24 September up to 2 October of each year.
Holistic Fair:
July sees the advent of the Holistic Fair which displays the diverse creative talents of the Mountain folk.
Dap Naude Dam:
A scenic drive off the R71 takes the visitor to this tranquil spot.
Ebenezer Dam:
A magnificent setting with sparkling waters back dropped by the imposing Iron Crown Mountain, the highest peak in the Wolkberg. Sailing and other water sport take place on nearby Ebenezer Dam.
Hiking Trails:
Some of the country’s best-organised and most scenic trails through the Magoebaskloof and near the town. This includes SAFCOL Magoebaskloof Big 5, Louis Changuion, Lesodi, Cheerio Gardens and Wegraakbos Farms.
Trout Fishing:
The area offers the fly fishing enthusiast a vast selection of lodges with private waters and guided fishing trails.
Wegraakbosch Dairy:
During tours visitors can watch then taste cheese being made in the age old traditional Swiss manner.
War Memorial:
The War Memorial was erected in memory of local residents who died in the Makgoba War.
Kiwi Festival:
It has been said that the kiwi tastes like a succulent green sherbet. For 2 days in April (02-03 April) the beautiful area of Magoebaskloof, together with the quaint village of Haenertsburg, celebrates this fruit with an annual Kiwi festival.
Where to stay:
1. THE PENNEFATHER:
Relive the mining era of historical Haenertsburg. The Pennefather Gold Mining Company Limited consists of two trading posts and six B&B /self-catering cottages.
‘The Pennefather’ takes you back to the period of rough miners and stage coach robbers more than a hundred years ago when Haenertsburg was founded because of the gold that was discovered here.
The complex is called The Pennefather Gold Mining Company Ltd. and the two Trading Posts:
Never Despair and
New Found Out.
All three are named after mining companies that mined gold here when Haenertsburg was founded in 1887.
The Cottages Are Named:
Karl Mauch,
Ferdinand Haenert,
Doel Zeederberg,
Rider Haggard,
Long Tom and
Prester John.
(Each name is applicable to the history of Haenertsburg).
2. Kuhestan Farm Cottages:
Touching indigenous Afro-montaine forests on the crest of the majestic Magoebaskloof pass and situated in the grounds of an organic avocado farm, rest the Kuhestan Farm Cottages.
3. Glenshiel Hotel:
Luxurious country living in the heart of the Magoebaskloof mountains. Glenshiel Hotel is situated on the Northern-most section of the mighty Drakensberg range, which also incorporates the Wolkberg and the Iron Crown mountain, that forms a spectacular backdrop for the boutique styled Hotel. In the bracing fresh air of this unspoilt landscape Glenshiel combines all the pleasures, luxuries and activities to relax both body and mind.
We at No rush Tours would like to make your visit & stay in Haenertsburg an unforgettable experience. Please feel free to contact us for more information or a custom made tour to the mystical region of Haenertsburg.
PENNEFATHER
HAENERTSBURG CEMETERY
WEGRAAKBOSCH DAIRY
CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME
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