Have Fun Outside
A perfect location for outdoor pursuits is found in the grass and wetland landscape of Ermelo. The phoenix of the Mpumalanga region offers the ideal stage from which to have fun outside. Its endless views of its green flora, which include a range of Acorn trees, Pin Oaks, Cedars, Wattle and Pine trees, acts as the ultimate natural attractions.
Plenty of bird watching opportunities exist during the day, while the nighttime sky allows for magical stargazing. The latter activity may come as no surprise as Ermelo is home to the well-known amateur astronomer, Michiel Daniel Overbeek, who is particularly known for his extensive star observations.
Another popular pastime in the bustling town is fishing. Dams in and around the area are generously populated by fish such as carp, barbel, vlei and dwarf kuiper. An assortment that serious fishermen and anglers would find attractive.
Ermelo is home to an impressive golf club and course, which was constructed in 1911. The par 72 course is approximately 6404 m, while players in search of a smaller tee can choose the 5532 m course. Both courses ares sure to satiate many a golf enthusiast’s desire to hit the range.
A Walk to Remember
Acting as a launchpad for more adventurous outdoor fun, Ermelo has the benefit of being a unique location that encourages further exploration of surrounding towns. A little over an hour away from Ermelo via the N7 and R36 lies eNtokozweni, a small town formerly known as Machadodorp, that offers a walk to remember. This cultural hike fuses history with fitness in a remarkable way that allows hikes to trek on terrain marked by ancient stone circle ruins believed to be up to 250 000 years old and erected by the Bakoni people. Not much is known about the Bakoni people as they form part of an oral history, however what is known is that the Bakoni were an industrious farming community and that the ancient stone circles may have been erected as a type of kraal (animal pen) to keep their cattle from wandering off.
Another unique feature to the area is Bonnefoi. Formerly a small trading town, Bonnefoi, is currently known as a ghost town with the veritable status of being a National Heritage Site. Established in the late 1800s, this town was home to the illustrious Everard family. The Everard family were artists who added a cosmopolitan touch of colour to an otherwise typical farming neighbourhood. Bonnefoi later came to act as a pitstop for important ANC members travelling to Swaziland. Visit the Highveld Heritage Tourism office in Ermelo to arrange a visit to the ghost town.
Concluding the historical and cultural exploration, are the Thiqwa Caves - also called La Rochelle Caves that holds displays of bushman rock art. Tours are an offering that many history buffs to the region of Ermelo delight in.