Krugersdorp attractions include the 1400ha Krugersdorp Game

Krugersdorp is a mining city in the West Rand of Gauteng, South Africa. Krugersdorps population is about 290,000 (2001). Krugersdorp was founded in 1887 by Marthinus Pretorius and named after Paul Kruger.

Apart from gold, manganese, iron, asbestos and lime are also mined in the area. Krugersdorp is the site of the December 1880 gathering at which more than 6,000 men vowed to fight for the Transvaals independence. When gold was discovered on the Witwatersrand, a need arose for a major town in the west of the reef. The government bought part of the farm Paardekraal and named the new town after the Transvaal President Paul Kruger. The British built a concentration camp here during the Second Boer War to house Boer women and children.

Attractions in Krugersdorp

Krugersdorp attractions include the 1400ha Krugersdorp Game Reserve, where a variety of antelope, rhino, hippo, giraffe and wildebeest roam freely and an enclosed park where one can watch lions feeding. Also in the vicinity are trout farms, an eco adventure park, the South African National Bird of Prey Centre, horse safaris and for steam enthusiasts, the South African National Railway and Steam Train Museum. It is also an ideal place to start a tour of the Crocodile Ramble which highlights of some of the area’s best arts and crafts.

Krugersdorp contact numbers:

• The Cradle of Humankind 011 355 1208
• Krugersdorp Game Reserve 011 950 9900
• The South African National Bird of Prey centre 083 585 9540
• The South African National Railway and Steam Train Museum 011 888 1154
• The Crocodile Ramble 011 957 3745

Krugersdorp, founded on 26 April 1887 on the farm Paardeplaats (also known as Paardekraal), was named in honour of President Paul Kruger, a friend of MPW Pretorius, who can be considered the founder of Krugersdorp. This town, with it’s moderate climate, has beautiful residential areas, with the most sought after, against the northern cliffs of the ridges. There are few, if any, towns in South Africa of comparable size, that could equal the extent of services, facilities and infrastructure boasted by Krugersdorp. Krugersdorp and it’s environs offer a great variety of leisure options, including the Krugersdorp Nature Reserve with it’s lions, the Sterkfontein Caves – connected with the evolution of mankind and the Kromdraai Conservancy with all it’s attractions. Krugersdorp boasts a number of excellent accommodation facilities and restaurants.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Beaufort West 977 km, Bloemfontein 433 km, Cape Town 1437 km, Durban 613 km, East London 1003 km, Gaberone 313 km, George 1235 km, Johannesburg 35 km, Kimberley 501 km, Kroonstad 423 km, Ladysmith 377 km, Maputo 602 km, Maseru 459 km, Mbabane 397 km, Messina 435 km, Nelspruit 358 km, Pietersburg 285 km, Port Elizabeth 1134 km, Pretoria 40 km, Upington 734 km, Windhoek 1742 km

Altitude – 1740 m above sea level

Banks – Absa, Bank of Lisbon International, Fnb, Nbs, Nedbank, Perm, Saambou, Standard

Dams – Centenary, Monument

Mountains – Swartkop

Rivers – Crocodile

HISTORICAL VIEW

History & Development

The historical past of the region dates back to pre historic times when early hominids like the Australapithecus africanus and then later Stone and Iron Age communities made it their home. At the time of the arrival of the first white pioneer settlers in the nineteenth century, the area was largely unoccupied. The Batswana people fled from the region during the period of the Difaqane (mfecane) to settle west of Krugersdorp near the present town of Rustenburg. The modern Krugersdorp owes it’s origin to two important events in the history of South Africa, namely the Transvaal War of Independence (1881) (also known as the First War of Independence) and the discovery of the Witwatersrand Goldfields (1886). On 12 April 1877, the South African Republic (Zuid Afrikaansche Republiek – ZAR) was annexed to Britain by Sir Theophilus Shepstone. Repeated protests were made by the burghers against this action, mass meetings were held in various places, deputations were sent to England and the Cape Colony, conferences took place with the High Commissioner for South Africa and the British Authorities in the Transvaal but all to no effect. Then came a great gathering of burghers at Paardekraal (8 – 14 December 1880), where it was decided to set up a Triumvirate, with full power to act, consisting of Paul Kruger, Piet Joubert and MW Pretorius. Between five and six thousand armed men attended that gathering and swore to stand together, to the death if necessary, until the Republic’s independence had been restored. As proof of this adherence to this national movement, each burgher placed a stone on a cairn, which was to be a lasting monument to their national pledge. Following on this, the First War of Independence broke out, and freedom was regained within a few months. Shortly after the signing of the Pretoria Convention (11 October 1881) the Volksraad resolved that 16 December (Day of the Vow) should be set aside to commemorate the restoration of independence. In December 1881 the first celebrations were held at Paardekraal, but in July 1883 it was decided that these celebrations should only take place every five years. In 1890 the Government erected a monument over the pile of stones which had been set up at Paardekraal. Accordingly, at the next Day of the Vow observance in 1891, the monument was unveiled by President Kruger. The Paardekraal Monument has since played an important role in the cultural activities of the Afrikaans speaking community and the development of Afrikaner Nationalism in South Africa. On 26 April 1887, the year following the second five yearly national gathering at Paardekraal, the executive council of the Republic resolved to purchase a portion of the farm Paardekraal for the purposes of establishing a freehold township, to be known as Krugersdorp. This date may therefore be looked upon as the date of the foundation of Krugersdorp. In July 1887, Charles Pritchard, the Government Land Surveyor, arrived and outspanned his cart near the monument. His instructions were to survey a township approximately 1000 yards to the South of the memorial. The existence of the gold reef along the Witwatersrand was already well known, and thousands, seeking their fortunes had pitched their tents and huts all over the area. The administration of the gold diggings had, within a few months, assumed such proportions that the government was obliged on 1 November 1888, to proclaim Krugersdorp as a separate goldfield. The area then included Florida, Roodepoort, Randfontein, Doornkop and Blaauwbank. About 400 more stands (forming the present Lewisham) were, at the time, offered for sale and enormous prices were fetched. The discovery of gold and the influx of people from all over the world to the Witwatersrand contributed to the multi cultural population that characterized Krugersdorp since it’s early days. Within a few decades Krugersdorp developed from a public digging to a major mining town and industrial node on the West Rand. Where the mining industry formed the basis of the economic development that sustained the economy of Krugersdorp from the 1940’s. Jewish and Indian traders played an important role in sustaining commercial development in the Central Business District (CBD) of the town. Krugersdorp was declared as a municipality in 1903.

Anglo Boer War Centenary

Krugersdorp played a major part in the war, and a large number of men from the town fought on both Boer and British sides. The Battle of Dwarsvlei (June 1900) and Nooitgedacht (December 1900) were two of the major encounters in the Krugersdorp district. Krugersdorp had a concentration camp for women and children, and at one stage more than 6000 women and children were housed here in tents. A lesser known fact is that Krugersdorp also had one of the biggest Native Refugee Camps. This camp was located on the farm Waterval where the present day Krugersdorp Game Reserve is situated. Krugersdorp was occupied by the British during June 1900. The movement of the inhabitants of the town was restricted under Martial Law, and public meetings and gatherings were prohibited. The British garrison had established their headquarters in Krugersdorp, according to oral history, in Krugersdorp North in the house known as Kilmarnoch House. A blockhouse was built on the Monument hilldside overlooking the town. The blockhouses were manned by seven soldiers with four natives who acted as servants and watchmen.

Blockhouse

One of 8000 constructed during the Boer War. It was specifically sited to overlook the concentration camp. The building was proclaimed a National Monument in 1984.

First Mine

Krugersdorp Museum

Historical exhibits portraying life in the Krugerdorp area along with a variety of general South African exhibits.

Old Station Building

The first railway line between Springs and Krugersdorp was constructed in 1887. The station building was completed in 1896. The building was proclaimed a National Monument in 1984.

Paardekraal Monument

Here in December 1880, approximately 5000 burghers decided to reinstate the Zuid Afrikaansche Republic and as a symbol of their unity built a stone cairn. In 1891 a monument was built over the cairn. Removed on the instruction of the British in 1900, it was rebuilt over the cairn. Removed on the instructions of the British in 1900, it was rebuilt and declared a National Monument in 1936.

Railway and Steam Museum

Sterkfontein Caves

In 1896 an Italian Gold prospector named Gugielmo Marinaglia discovered the entrance to a complex series of caves on Sterkfontein Farm. Dr Robert Broom of the Transvaal Museum began excavations at the cave in 1936 and in 1947 discovered a well preserved skull of a species of early man known as Plesianthropus transvaalensis, who lived there about two million years ago. The skull was that of a female, and became known as Mrs Ples. The caves are today regarded as one of the most important prehistoric sites in the world. Dr Boom himself once described these caves as the anthropological treasure house of the world. The underground lake with it’s crystal clear water is the only one of it’s kind in the Republic. Local African tribes regard it with awe, believing that the water has medicinal properties and can even cure blindness. Ceremonies are often held at the edge of the lake, during which water is carried away for treatment of the sick. The Sterkfontein Caves are found in a dolomite hill in the Isaac Edwin Stegman Nature Reserve, off the R563 about 10 km north west of Krugersdorp. Both Sterkfontein and the nearby Kromdraai Palaeontological Reserve are National Monuments. There is a museum containing fossils found in the caves and a refreshment kiosk, Sterkfontein has been declared a World Heritage Site during 1999.

NATURE

Aloe Ridge

View a variety of wild animals such as rhino, kudu, zebra, hippo, buffalo, eland and nyala. Luxury accommodation is available.

Kromdraai Conservancy

The Kromdraai Conservancy is located 10 km north of Krugersdorp, within easy driving distance from both Johannesburg and Pretoria. The area is completely underlaid by dolomite rock, which has given rise to many caves and sinkholes. The abundance of water and relative safety provided by these caves made it possible for mankind to live and survive in this area since prehistoric times. This region is an unparalleled anthropological treasure trove, with the earliest authenticated man made fire located in Swartkrans, also within the boundaries of the conservancy. The conservancy includes a number of attractions including the rainbow. Trout farm, Kromdraai Gold Mine, Wonder Cave, Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Foefie slide and ox wagon rides on the Disselboom Children’s Farm. Historical and Archaeological sites, Ndabusche Wildlife Sanctuary etc.

Kromdraai Palaeontological Reserve

In 1895 the first fossils from Kromdraai were submitted to the British Museum, where they are still preserved. Bone bearing breccia of great scientific importance are found here. The reserve was proclaimed a National Monument in 1946.

Krugersdorp Game Reserve

Grassy hills, rolling plains and bush filled ravines provide a widely varying and diverse habitat for the approximately 30 different mammal species which inhabit this 1500 ha sanctuary on the outskirts of Krugersdorp. To reach the reserve drive west of Krugersdorp towards Rustenburg on the R24. Watch for signposts indicating the reserve on the right hand side. View white rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, black wildebeest, zebra and many antelope species including the rare roan and sable antelope, tsessebe, eland, waterbuck, kudu, oryx, red hartebeest, blesbok, springbok, impala etc. A special attraction is the 100 ha lion enclosure in the middle of the reserve. Nocturnal animals include brown hyena, black backed jackal, and genet. You may even be lucky enough to spot a leopard which may have wandered in from the nearby Magaliesberg Mountains. The 150 bird species attract ornithologists from far and wide. The reserve is a little more than 40 minutes drive from central Johannesburg and is one of the most visited reserves in Gauteng. Day visitors are well catered for by means of a recreational area near the entrance to the reserve with two swimming pools, braai and picnic facilities. Self catering lapas can be hired for private functions. For those guests who wish to spend more time in the reserve, the renowned Ngonyama Lion Lodge provides excellent accommodation in the form of 2 bed rondawels, 6 bed family chalets (self catering) and two and four bed luxury units. All units are thatched. The lodge also boasts a superb a la carte restaurant and ladies bar. These facilities are open to both overnight and day visitors. Conference facilities are also available. Caravanning enthusiasts are catered for at a caravan park, offering excellent facilities. Walking trails are no longer available in the reserve and hiking is strictly prohibited. However, day and night game drives in open Land Rovers, accompanied by experienced guides, provides an exciting game viewing adventure.

Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve

Situated only thirty minutes northwest of Johannesburg in the beautiful Kromdraai Conservancy, the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and boasts white rhino, lion, buffalo, hippo and more than twenty other game species. More than 600 head of game will satisfy even the most avid game viewer. Game drives with experienced guides allow visitors to experience the wildlife close up, and on a night drive the fascinating nocturnal habits of the animals can be observed. In two enclosures the visitors has the opportunity to view and photograph the rare Cape Vulture, hippo and five of the smallest antelope in South Africa, namely Klipspringer, blue duiker, suni, steenbok and grysbok. A protected barbecue area allows day visitors to relax and enjoy the game grazing close by. Other facilities include a swimming pool, kiosk, and volleyball court and curio shop. For the adventurous, the pub overlooking the Crocodile pool is a must. A small, private camp consisting of three fully equipped, self catering chalets is available. Each chalet sleeps four people in two en suite rooms with a central living area and large stoep with breathtaking views over the reserve. Conference facilities for up to 30 delegates are also available.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Miss Krugersdorp – May

Mardi Gras – June

West Rand Show

Fun Ride – September

Christmas Market – November

Crocodile Creek

A range of beautifully handcrafted pottery and wood turned items, as well as delicious home industry products, including jams, preserves, pickles and mustards.

Disselboom Pleasure Resort and Children’s Farm

Disselboom offers a wide range of activities ranging from relaxing in the beautiful surroundings to bird watching, horse riding and hiking. A ‘foefieslide’ over the river will keep the children busy for the whole day. For the more adventurous a two hour guided tour on horseback or a self guided hike through the beautiful surrounding are possible. Visit the dairy or enjoy an exciting ox wagon ride drawn by eight Afrikaner oxen.

Events in Krugersdorp

Picnic Concerts, Mardi Gras, Miss Krugersdorp Competition – Held every second Saturday of the month at the Plant Park Nursery, Magaliesburg Express, Street Market – Every Saturday, West Rand Show, Christmas Market, Gospel Festival – Kloof en Dal

Fishing - Monument Dam, Rainbow Trout Farm, Heia Safari Ranch

Go Karts - Pro Karts Racing, Buggy Park

Ice Rink - A popular venue for year round skating

Kromdraai Gold Mine

Take a trip down the oldest gold mine on the Witwatersrand, or a walk in the surrounding hills. A rustic tea garden offers refreshments and light lunches. Other attractions include a mine museum and an art gallery. Open weekdays and by appointment.

Rhino Resort & Hotel

Vleiloerie Recreation Centre

Recreational park and centre offering shady picnic spots and adventure activities, including abseiling

Walking Trails

Wonder Cave, Vleiloerie Bird Sanctuary, Krugersdorp Hiking Club, Kromdraai Conservancy

Wonder Cave

Located in the internationally known valley of Kromdraai, amidst famous palaeontological sites containing the oldest relics of mankind. In 1895 the first fossils from Kromdraai were submitted to the British Museum, where they are still preserved. Looking out on the Kromdraai Conservancy, the Wonder Cave is surrounded by game farms with an abundance of both wild and birdlife. This natural wonder, only open to the public since 1991, boasts an enormous single chamber, which one enters by elevator beside walls decorated with beautiful formations up to 150 m high. Rimstone pools, cave pearls, stalactites, stalagmites popcorn formations, straw formations, mush room formation, the Madonna etc. Tours are conducted by competent guides along well lit pathways, where no crawling is necessary, reducing the likelihood of claustrophobia. Light snacks, pizzas and refreshments are available, with limited braai areas. An educational centre / museum is planned where fossils currently being excavated will be housed. Special packages are available for schools and groups. A full packages are available for schools and groups. A full day outing for the family can be created by visiting the adjoining attractions such as the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, the Rainbow Trout farm or a memorable ride on an authentic ox wagon.

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors

Archery, Bird Watching, Fishing. Enjoy a day’s fishing at the Rainbow Trout Farm. Dams are stocked regularly and under normal circumstances one should have no problem catching trout. Fishing tackle and bait are on sale at the kiosk. Tackle can also be hired. Fresh trout are always available, while smoked trout and smoked trout pate are weighed and a fixed price paid. Game Viewing Rhino and Lion Park, Krugersdorp Game Reserve. Hang Gliding, Hiking, Horse Riding, Hot Air Ballooning, Airtrack Adventures, Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris, The Hot Air Balloon Company. Mountain Biking, Scuba diving, Sky diving, Swimming, Walking Tours, Wonder Caves, Vleiloerie Bird Sanctuary, Krugersdorp Hiking Club, Kromdraai Conservancy.

Accommodation in and around Pringle Bay