Brits

This area played an important role in the history of the old Transvaal. Five kilometers east of the town on the Silkaatsnek road, is the 'Vredesboom' (Peace Tree). The inscription on the plaque reads: 'After the 'Burgerstryd' in the Transvaal and the Crocodile River Battle in the area, on January 5th 1864, the leaders of the 'Staatsleger' and the 'Volksleger' met underneath this tree from the 9th to the 15th January for discussions which led to the restriction of peace and harmony. Paul Kruger in his capacity as Commandant General provided important contributions to the restoration of peace."Today, Brits is a modern town with all the necessary facilities. There are large numbers of factories, and Brits is well known for the production of citrus fruit and vegetables. The granite works in the region use the largest diamond saws in the world to cut and process huge granite blocks.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Johannesburg 80 km, Pretoria 48 km, Rustenburg 60 km, Vereeniging 140 km

Altitude - 1500 m above sea level

Average Rainfall - 621 mm per annum

Average Temperatures - Summer 13,6°c - 29,3°c; Winter 6,3°c - 24°c

Banks - Absa (ATM's 4), Fnb (ATM's 3), Nedbank (ATM's 3), Permanent, Saambou (ATM's 2), Standard (ATM's 5)

Dams - Hartbeespoort, Rooikoppies, Vaalkop

Mountains - Magaliesberg

Rivers - Crocodile

HISTORICAL VIEW

Preller House

Well known journalist, author and historian, built this house in the late 1920's. Now a quaint restaurant, open daily.

NATURE

Borakalalo National Park

Borakalalo is a 14 000 ha National Park, situated 60 km north of Brits, and consists of woodland, with a stretch of riverine forest along the Moretele River. It encompasses the Klipvoor Dam, renowned for it's excellent fishing. The park contains over 35 species of mammals, including white rhino and 350 species of birds have been recorded. Bird viewing is exceptional in Borakalalo. Part of the park is zoned for wilderness trails, and there is a wooded area suitable for self guided walks. Those who prefer to drive, have over 50 km of good gravel roads to view game. Accommodation at Borakalalo is provided in two rustic camps with East African style safari tents. Moretele Camp is a self catering camp and also offers camping sites, while Pfundufudu Camp is let on a fully catered or self catering basis. Pitjane Camp, often called the anglers' camp, consists of camping and caravan sites with very basic facilities, including hot and cold water showers, and flush toilets. None of the camps have electricity. The small shop at the entrance gate stocks limited supplies of fishing tackle and bait, wood and basic provisions. True to it's name, Borakalalo offers the ultimate bush experience so enjoyed by true nature enthusiasts.

Dikhololo

Finfoot Lake Reserve

Bush walks, canoeing, game viewing, mountain biking, fishing, accommodation provided in chalets.

Hartbeeshoek Nature Reserve

The reserve lies 22 km north of Brits. It offers fully equipped caravans and 6 bed chalets, a well equipped shop, put putt, bundu huts, swimming pool, indoor jacuzzi, day and night safaris, lapa, conference centre plus Sunday buffet lunch.

Ilanga. Kokoriba. Kupala. Mokuru Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve

Two thirds of this 3500 ha property, consists of the Vaalkop Dam itself, which has a popular angling shoreline. Whilst camping is permitted, the reserve is presently undeveloped.

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Brits Show - August

Velskoen Festival - September

Bergsig Flea Market

De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre

World famous for it's breeding and research programmes on the cheetah, king cheetah, wild dog, brown hyaena, suni and blue duiker. Tours by arrangement.

Hartbeespoort Cable Way

Take a cable car ride to the top of the Magaliesburg and enjoy the spectacular view

Hartbeespoort Dam and Dam Wall

The only dam wall in South Africa with a typical Roman truimphal arch.

Le Croc Crocodile Farm

Margart Roberts Herbal Centre

Provides insight into the culinary and medicinal uses of herbs. Sample mouth watering traditional bushveld cuisine.

Rainbow Cultural Village

Reptile and Animal Park

Tours and Safari's

Van Gaalen Cheetah Farm

Tan'Malie se Winkel

Traditional South African shop in the style of a typical trading post Handcrafts, traditional spices, African curios. Enjoy a nice cup of tea or 'koffie' and boerebeskuit' and a 'boere braai' in a most exquisite setting.

ACTIVITIES

Hiking – Trekos Trail, Phaladingwe Trail

Hot Air Ballooning