Swartruggens

SWARTRUGGENS

Swartruggens was founded in 1875 on the farms Brakfontein and Scheepersrus. The name refers to the series of black ridges (hills) that surround the town.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there - Rustenburg 55 km, Zeerust 69 km

Altitude – 120 m above sea levels

Average Rainfall – 605 mm per annum

Dams – Lindleyspoort Dam, Swartruggens Dam

Rivers – Elands River, Great Marico

HISTORICAL VIEW

Elands River Battlefield & Graves

This battle took place in the region during the Anglo Boer War (1899 – 1902)

NATURE

Madikwe Nature Reserve

Tulane Game Lodge

Lindleyspoort Dam

Swartruggens Dam

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Beer & Winter Festivals, Mampoer Festival, Swartruggens Show

Diamond Mine

Diamonds were discovered north of the town in 1932 and today a few mines and small diamond diggings are still operational

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

Grys Loerie Hiking Trail

Situated 14 km northeast of the village and about two hours drive from Gauteng.

Outdoors – Game Viewing, Hunting

Accommodation

The base camp is located at the foot of a steep hill. The hut has two rooms, each sleeping 10 people. Bunk beds, mattresses and pillows are supplied.

Facilities

Hand basins and showers inside the hut, and flush toilets and a donkey for hot water outside. The thatched lapa has seating around the braai area. Cooking utensils include a two plate stove, pots, pans, kettle and cutlery. Lanterns and five wood are also supplied.

Trails

Route 1

Follow the yellow footprints (17 km). The day starts with a steep climb at the foot of the hill, and leads through valleys and gorges offering lovely views of the surrounding area. The second half of the trail is mostly downhill through kloofs, eventually back to base camp, where you can cool of in the swimming pool.

Route 2

The trail is market with white footprints (7 km). The path follows the contour of the hill, through aloes and rivulets and then gradually slopes down to base camp again.