DESTINATIONS IN MPUMALANGA

Pilgrim’s Rest is situated on the magnificent Panorama Route on the eastern Escarpment region of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.  The area is richly imbued with a diversity of natural, cultural and historic gems.  The uniqueness of this historic village is vividly evident in its museums and historic sites. It offers the visitor a fascinating window into the past and captures the spirit of a bygone era and its people in their quest for gold.

The entire town of Pilgrim’s  Rest was declared a National Monument in 1986 a living memory of the early gold rush days in South Africa during the late 1800’s / early 1900’s. Since then a dedicated team of historians, architects, curators and special interest groups closely monitor all developments and refurbishments in the village to maintain it’s historic appearance.

The Royal Hotel in Pilgrim's Rest is an iconic location. Made entirely of corrugated iron, it evokes the harsh but vibrant era of the 1870s gold rush when successful diggers wanted to celebrate their success and the unsuccessful needed to drown their sorrows! The most famous aspect of the Royal Hotel is the Church Bar. This structure was originally a school chapel which was imported via Lorenco Marques (now Maputo in Mozambique) and shipped overland by ox wagon before being rebuilt adjacent to the hotel.

Where to stay

Accommodation such as the Royal Hotel, Crystal Springs, Inn on Robbers Pass, District Six can be found in Pilgrims Rest of which most cater for weddings, conferences, or family holidays whether self catering or Bed & Breakfast. Activities such as gold panning, hiking or quad trails can also be found in Pilgrims

Best time to visit

There never was a more beautiful or romantic spot to have a gold rush than Pilgrim’s Rest.  This historic town is a town for all seasons.

View Larger Map

Visit the spectacular Mpumalanga - book a vacation package in South Africa with Forty-Two Travel online now.