Potgietersrus Accommodation

See Mokopane for name change information.

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"A town of different cultures with arts which vary from clay pots to oil paintings, houses painted in ethnical patterns to modern architectural structures, traditional African drums to pianos and dancing in different rhythms". This is Potgietersrus, according to its inhabitants, and they should know.

The stunning bushveld environment and influences from Ndebele, Pedi, Sotho, Afrikaans and English cultures give Potgietersrus a unique character. There are ancient caves, the "Big Five", San drawings, curios, bushveld food and drink such as biltong (dried meat) and mampoer (a potent drink), tropical gardens and traditional dancing. The area is rich in minerals with the mining of platinum, diamonds and granite as main activities. In the adjacent rural area of Mahwereleng traditional lifestyles, set against the spectacular Waterberg, can be observed. Potgietersrus also offers a wonderful selection of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, camping and 4x4 trails to birding, angling and game viewing.

Just two hours from Gauteng, the town acts as the perfect getaway destination and the ideal stopover for travellers en route to Botswana, Zimbabwe and the Kruger National Park. The area is typical bushveld with many acacia trees and aloes, which are at their best in June and July.

The Potgietersrus area is one of South Africa's richest agricultural areas producing wheat, tobacco, cotton, beef, maize, peanuts and citrus. The Zebediela Citrus estate, 55 km to the south east, is one of the biggest citrus farms in the southern hemisphere.

Potgietersrus is named after Voortrekker-leader Piet Potgieter, who was fatally wounded by a bullet during the campaign against Makapan in 1845. His grave can be found at the Municipal Offices.

The historic and archeologically-significant Makapansgat Caves is situated 15 km north of the town. The Makapansgat Limeworks is the scene of limestone mining activities to support the gold-mine industry in Johannesburg.

The Makapansgat Caves also played a role in more recent history. It was here that the dramatic siege of the Ba-Tlou people by the Voortrekkers took place. The Voortrekker leader Piet Potgieter lost his life and his body was retrieved by Paul Kruger. (The siege was in response to the massacre of the Voortrekkers at Moorddrift, the monument of which is also just outside of Potgietersrus.)

Makapansgat Valley also holds great significance for the local community, specifically the royal kraal of Chief Kekana. A site is indicated when entering the historical cave, where the local community met with their ancestors offering snuff, beer and mealie meal.

The Arend Dieperink Museum portrays the history of the town, from the ape-man at Makapansgat, bushman drawings and early activities in the area up to the Anglo Boer War and recent happenings.

The National Zoological Gardens of Africa, Pretoria Zoo, have established a game-breeding centre that covers 1 500 ha on the northern border of Potgietersrus. It is a member of the World Zoo Organisation, which focuses on the breeding of exotic, indigenous and endangered wildlife. The Percy Fyfe Reserve is a breeding station for protected species like roan, tsessebe and Addo buffalo.

Activities and Attractions:

Ana trees
A rarity in the area north of the Waterberg Mountains. Apart from their botanical significance, it is said that David Livingstone used to camp under these trees.

Arend Dieperink Museum
A highly impressive museum in the graceful "klipskool", housing an outstanding collection of Sotho and Voortrekker artefacts, the latter being the largest collection of its kind in the bushveld. Mampoer and fresh bread available on request.

Doorndraaidam Nature Reserve
Hours of fun in the sun for the whole family. Angling, water-sports, hiking, camping and bird-watching.

Game Breeding Centre of the National Zoological Gardens Pretoria
This breeding farm, featuring exotic and indigenous animals, is near the town and offers the perfect family outing. Guided tours and game drives are available in the 850 ha reserve hosting black rhinoceros as well as a large variety of game species.

Golf
A stunning 18-hole course with views of the surrounding mountains.

Hiking/4x4 trails Including Thabaphaswa and Doorndraaidam, covers the scenic beauty of the area.

Historical sites
Sites in the town include graves, wagon wheel tracks and historical monuments.

Mabothe River Camp
Art workshops in the Waterberg mountains. Go home with a self-made wash basin or set of plates.

Makapansgat Caves and Limeworks
A world-famous archeological site, giving the most comprehensive record of hominid life in the world. A fossilised ape-man, estimated to be 3,3 million years old, and fossilised animal and plant remains have been discovered here. The cave also featured in the battle between the Makapan tribe and the Piet Potgieter expedition.

Moorddrift Monument
Erected to commemorate those murdered by the followers of Makapan in 1854.

For more information: Limpopo Tourism