Beautiful Mountain Pass
A beautiful mountain pass through lush indigenous forests, Magoebaskloof is a delightful drive. Start by exploring the adorable town of Haenertsburg, located at the top of the pass, and take time to stop at all the farm stalls and restaurants on the way down.
You can also explore George’s Valley, a parallel road down to Tzaneen. The Zion Christian Church’s mammoth headquarters at Moria is close by and the road can be VERY busy over the Easter weekend. If you have the time, take the detour to Duiwelskloof and wander through the legendary Queen Modjadji’s Cycad Reserve.
Magoebaskloof Parrots
'Land of Silver Mist'
Originally named after Carl Ferdinand Haenert - the man who actually discovered gold based on the knowledge of auriferous deposits – the townspeople go to great lengths to preserve the historic ambience of Haenertsburg. Visitors will be enchanted by its old-world feel and period-style architecture, with the open-air museum and cemetery both excellent examples.
The Iron Crown Pub and Grill has its walls adorned with old photos of the days when prospectors, full of hope, descended on this quaint little village. The area features a micro-climate brought on by the change in altitude between the Lowveld and Highveld, with the peaks often shrouded in mist and cloud.
Lush tropical vegetation abounds in stark contrast to the dry arid areas a few kilometres up the road. Haenertsburg is also famous for the annual Spring Fair where various crafts and flower displays are exhibited. July sees the advent of the Holistic Fair which displays the diverse creative talents of the mountain folk. Every Friday and Saturday morning the Morning Market is run by the Duchess of Atholl.
By David Fleminger