Rustenburg & Surrounds Attractions

Swartruggens, Groot Marico, Kleinfontein Battlefield, Zeerust, The Battle of Mosega, Mafikeng and Lichtenburg
 
Swartruggens: 

Swartruggens is named after the distinctive black ridges which are found in this area of South Africa.
 
Groot Marico: 

Groot Marico's claim to fame is the mampoer that is distilled here. It is a potent home-distilled spirit made from peaches and other soft fruit.
 
Kleinfontein Battlefield: 

On the roadside is a memorial marking the battle where De la Rey’s forces captured a British convoy in 1901.
 
Zeerust: 

This is an important centre for cattle ranches, chrome and lead mines in the area. The Zeerust Museum portrays the district’s history. Buildings of interest are the Church of St. John the Baptist (1873) and the Anglican Church, the third built north of the Vaal River.
 
Battle of Mosega: 

In 1836, Mzilikazi attacked two Voortrekker parties and a month later a large Ndebele force attacked the Boer laager at Vegkop. In 1837, an expedition consisting of Voortrekkers, Griquas and Rolong captured Mosega, Mzilikazi’s stronghold.
 
Mafikeng: 

In 1899, during the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, the British garrison was besieged by Boer forces at Mafikeng. The siege was only relieved 271 days later, after Lord Roberts broke through at Paardeberg.

Historic sites to visit are the cemetery, where British soldiers and members of the British South African Police killed in the siege were buried, Kanonkopjie with Warren’s Fort, built in 1884 and the Mafikeng Club which dates back to 1894. Another attraction is the house (Maratiwa) where ANC founder member Sol Plaatjies wrote his account of the siege of Mafikeng, the site of his newspaper office and the Kgotla, tribal meeting place of the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi.
 
Lichtenburg: 

In 1925, alluvial diamonds were discovered and a rush followed but 10 years later the frenzy died down. Claims are still being worked in the area. Today, the area around Lichtenburg is an agricultural area.

Historical landmarks: Dutch Reformed Church (1890), 2 memorials to Boer Gen. Koos de la Rey, and Gruisfontein Battlefield.  The Ampie Bosman Cultural History Museum – depicts the history of the town, the diamond discoveries and the Lichtenburg siege. The North West Agricultural Museum (steam locomotives), and Lichtenburg Museum (history of the Anglo-Boer War).

View paintings by South African artists in the William Annandale Art Gallery.
 

Situated in the North West Province, just beyond Mogale City limits, Harties serves as both agricultural reservoir and water playground for holidaymakers. Visitors here have a range of water sports to choose from, such as jet skiing, para-sailing and windsurfing. Several other attractions are also located around the dam.

- Snake and Animal Park (http://www.hartbeespoortsnakeanimalpark.co.za)

- Chameleon Village indoor craft market and shopping centre (http://www.chameleonvillage.co.za)

- Welwitschia Country Market (http://www.countrymarket.co.za)

- village of Hartbeespoort (http://www.hartbeespoortonline.co.za)

This citrus brewery was the first of its kind in South Africa and remains the only citrus cellar to make Naartjie and Minneola alcoholic beverages. Take a tour of the cellar and taste a range of liqueurs, brandy, whiskey and their specialities like Mampoer and Adoonsie.

Telephone Number:

012 258 3002

Location:

Old Pretoria/Rustenburg road. Two km from Damdoryn

A beautiful nature reserve extending over the northern slopes and peaks of Magaliesburg. Self-drive routes and hiking trails traverse the reserve, offering good game and bird viewing. Well known for its breeding herd of rare sable antelope.

Location:

Boekenhout Road, west of Rustenburg

Telephone Number:

014 533 2050

Play join the dots with an array of art studios, craft outlets, coffee shops and restaurants as you amble along these charming meanders. Depending on where you stop, and the leisure activities you choose along the way, this could take you anything from half a day to a full week.

www.magaliesmeander.co.za.

For the Crocodile Ramble:

http://www.theramble.co.za.
 

Rustenburg Nature Reserve

The Rustenburg Nature Reserve lies in an extensive valley basin between two high mountain ridges with splendid natural scenery and animals which roam the area.

Enjoy the self drive routes taking visitors to view points. The vlei in the central portion of the reserve is the largest of its kind in the Magaliesberg. It is home to over 800 antelope including sable, kudu, black wildebeest springbok etc. as well as zebra. 320 species of birdlife have been recorded e.g. Cape Vulture, martial eagle, Meyer’s parrot and the striking lilacbreasted roller etc.

Swartruggens, Groot Marico, Kleinfontein Battlefield, Zeerust, The Battle of Mosega, Mafikeng and Lichtenburg
 
Swartruggens: 

Swartruggens is named after the distinctive black ridges which are found in this area of South Africa.
 
Groot Marico: 

Groot Marico's claim to fame is the mampoer that is distilled here. It is a potent home-distilled spirit made from peaches and other soft fruit.
 
Kleinfontein Battlefield: 

On the roadside is a memorial marking the battle where De la Rey’s forces captured a British convoy in 1901.
 
Zeerust: 

This is an important centre for cattle ranches, chrome and lead mines in the area. The Zeerust Museum portrays the district’s history. Buildings of interest are the Church of St. John the Baptist (1873) and the Anglican Church, the third built north of the Vaal River.
 
Battle of Mosega: 

In 1836, Mzilikazi attacked two Voortrekker parties and a month later a large Ndebele force attacked the Boer laager at Vegkop. In 1837, an expedition consisting of Voortrekkers, Griquas and Rolong captured Mosega, Mzilikazi’s stronghold.
 
Mafikeng: 

In 1899, during the Anglo-Boer War in South Africa, the British garrison was besieged by Boer forces at Mafikeng. The siege was only relieved 271 days later, after Lord Roberts broke through at Paardeberg.

Historic sites to visit are the cemetery, where British soldiers and members of the British South African Police killed in the siege were buried, Kanonkopjie with Warren’s Fort, built in 1884 and the Mafikeng Club which dates back to 1894. Another attraction is the house (Maratiwa) where ANC founder member Sol Plaatjies wrote his account of the siege of Mafikeng, the site of his newspaper office and the Kgotla, tribal meeting place of the Barolong Boo-Ratshidi.
 
Lichtenburg: 

In 1925, alluvial diamonds were discovered and a rush followed but 10 years later the frenzy died down. Claims are still being worked in the area. Today, the area around Lichtenburg is an agricultural area.

Historical landmarks: Dutch Reformed Church (1890), 2 memorials to Boer Gen. Koos de la Rey, and Gruisfontein Battlefield.  The Ampie Bosman Cultural History Museum – depicts the history of the town, the diamond discoveries and the Lichtenburg siege. The North West Agricultural Museum (steam locomotives), and Lichtenburg Museum (history of the Anglo-Boer War).

View paintings by South African artists in the William Annandale Art Gallery.