This attractive town, situated high in the mist belt on the edge of the Highveld, is the centre of a flourishing agricultural and timber industry, and is surrounded by vast plantations. It was named after the Voortrekker leader. Piet Retief, who was killed by the Zulu King Dingane in 1838. In town the museum is an important place to visit to relive part of South African history. The NG Church, over a century old, in the main street is another historical attractions. One can enjoy fishing, as well as various water sports at a number of dams in the region, of which the Heyshope Dam is one. This is the second largest dam in Mpumalanga and also supplies water to the Vaaldam. The dam is situated some 50 km from Piet Retief on the road to Wakkerstroom. The Piet Retief area offers a variety of other attractions, including the German settlements of Wittenberg and Augsberg, while for the outdoor enthusiast the region offers a number of smaller game farms and hiking trails. For the sports lover the Piet Retief Country Club offers a golf course, bowling greens, tennis and squash courts, as well as a swimming pool. The 42 km Assegaai Marathon, an annual event, attracts entries from all over the country. The Rainbow Festival, another annual event, is held during November.

Forestry

Originally tobacco and at a later stage wood, especially wattle, became the backbone of farming and with the advent of the railwayin 1911 the farming potential was greatly improved. Between 1900 and 1910 wattle was planted on a large scale and in 1940 the Transvaal Wattle Growers’ Association was established. The leading timber company at the times was the Rand Mining Timber Company which had new mills in Piet Retief, Kemp and Idalia. Later Hunt Leuchars and Hepburn Ltd took over Rand Mining Timbers and became the largest timber growing and processing company in the area. Besides HL & H, Yellowstone Timbers, Bisonboard and Huletts Paper later began producing wood products. About 75 000 ha is afforested of which 72 000 ha is privately owned and 3000 ha is classified as state forestry. Approximately 18 000 ha is planted to pine and 57 000 ha to eucalyptus and wattle species.

The most important agricultural products cultivated in the district are maize, potatoes, cotton and soya beans.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Durban 470 km, Johannesburg 320 km, Pretoria 350 km, Richards Bay 340 km

Altitude: Between 800 m and 1700 m above sea level

Average Rainfall

June 11 mm, 670 mm November – March, December 157 mm, 916 mm in total per year

Average Temperatures

Summer (Max) 25,5°c; Winter (Min) 3,8°c

Banks

Absa (ATM), Boland (ATM), Fnb (ATM), Standard (ATM)

Dams

Heyshope, Jericho, Morgenstond, Westoe

Mountains

Drakensberg 10 km southwest of town

River

Pongola, Assegai, Boesmanspruit

HISTORICAL VIEW

Correctional Services

Old Blockhouse

Old Dutch Reformed Church

Police Cells

NATURE

Heyshope Dam

The third largest dam in the former Transvaal is approximately 35 km from town whilst a further three dams lie within 65 km of Piet Retief and are popular for water sports and fishing. All adjoining wildlife sanctuaries

Mandlangampisi Mountain

The highest peak in southern Mpumalanga (2266 m)

Oribi Conservancy

Southwest of town

Game viewing

ATTRACTIONS

Short Excursions

Amsterdam – Lothair

Travel through the udulating savanna land, broken up into a patchwork of green gum and pine plantations, Pause a moment to inhale the fragrance of the healthy Eucalyptus, grown for the export market.

German Hospitality

Morning trip. Only 17 km from Piet Retief the visitor can meet Trudie Rohrs at her guest house and candle workshop. Have a cup of tea. A short drive from here you will find the Witteberg Private German School where children are educated in true natural surroundings. Several German churches can be seen along the route.

Swazi Heritage

One day visits. A visit to Swaziland promises to be an unforgettable experience. Traditional dress and crafts can be seen throughout Swaziland and at the many memorable places there are to visit. After an exhausting day, return to Piet Retief and relax in the comfort of the Green Door Restaurant and Ladies Bar and experience true South African hospitality.

Nature Drive

2 – 3 hour trip. Leave early morning with a picnic basket and take a drive through the beautiful countryside, while breathing the freshest air in Mpumalanga. On the way enjoy lunch at the Heyshope Dam (2^nd largest in the province). Other suggestions are a trip to Wakkerstroom or a drive through the scenic landscape around Luneburg.

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

Assegai Hiking Trail

Offers one day and overnight options. The trail is located on a private guest farm, 23 km from town and winds through beautiful, pristine surroundings. Visitors are invited to come and relax in nature, while breathing in the fresh, unpolluted air. Other activities include bird watching, game viewing (on trail), fishing, rubbing, swimming and mountain biking. Overnight accommodation is available.

Accommodation in and around South Africa