Pilgrims Rest, Panorama Route

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Pilgrims Rest, Panorama Route

Pilgrims Rest
Pilgrims Rest, Mpumalanga

Pilgrim's Rest is situated on the magnificent Panorama Route on the eastern Escarpment region of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. The entire town of Pilgrim’s rest has been declared a national monument. Here, visitors can relive the days of the old Transvaal gold rush.

The history of this quaint and delightful village dates back to 1873 when a miner, Alex Patterson, discovered alluvial gold on the farm named Ponieskrantz. Though the discovery was kept as a secret, once a second prospector named William Trafford also discovered gold close by, the inevitable happened. Soon after, optimistic panners and prospectors from all over the country and the World came to the area.

On 22nd September 1873 Pilgrim's Rest was officially proclaimed a gold field and the scatter of tents and elementary shacks soon grew into a flourishing little village complete with sturdy brick houses, shops, churches, canteens, a newspaper and the well-known Royal Hotel. Within a year there were 21 stores, 18 canteens, 3 bakeries and all sorts of other interesting establishments. Interestingly, the diggers called it Pilgrim's Rest because here, at long last, after so many failed dreams they had truly found their home.

Pilgrims Rest, Mpumalanga
Today, Gold Panning is still supported and practiced by people from all races, genders and ages. There is plenty to do and experience here. From exciting curio and craft shops to fascinating historical sights, one can never be bored. Interesting historical sites include old church buildings, namely Sacred Heart Church, St Mary's Church, Methodist Church and Dutch Reformed Church, Dredzen Shop and House Museum, Historic Cemetery, Joubert Bridge, Digging Museum & Gold Panning and the Printing Museum.

There is an abundance of gorgeous arts and crafts shops where one can purchase pottery, stained glass, weaving, hot glass and even custom crockery. Other exciting activities include horse riding, bird watching, hiking, mountain biking and golfing. The Mount Sheba Nature Reserve boasts a series of outstanding walks offering spectacular scenery.

There never was a more beautiful or romantic spot to have a gold rush than Pilgrim’s Rest. This spectacular 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. The beauty here is unsurpassed. Pilgrims Rest offers all visitors a fascinating look into the past and captures the spirit of a former era and its people in their quest for gold. It is definitely well worth a visit.

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Featured Attractions in (or near) Pilgrims Rest

Blyde River Canyon

The fresh mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment are quite spectacular and give the area its name of 'Panorama Route'. Viewpoints are named for the spectacle they offer, and God's Window and Wonder View hint at the magnitude of the scenery. The 'Pinnacle' is a ... more information

Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve

This has to be one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The reserve is 2200 hectares and the Klipgatspruit cuts the mountainous area into a deep valley. The main habitats include thornveld and bushveld on the low-lying areas, and montane grassland on hillsides and plateaus with protea ... more information

Mount Sheba Nature Reserve

Beautiful Mount Sheba Nature Reserve is extremely popular amongst bird lovers and is regarded as one of Mpumalanga’s premier forest-birding destinations. The reserve is privately owned, but is open to the public - many of whom use the particularly good series of walking trails to set their sights ... more information

Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve

Lying between the town of Ohrigstad and the historical village of Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga, Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve is situated on the edge of the Greater Drakensberg Escarpment, 2 500 hectares of beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds the Ohrigstad dam and makes for a tranquil and almost ... more information

view all attractions in Panorama Route

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Things To Do in Pilgrims Rest

Alanglade House Museum

Where: Pilgrims Rest
How much (per person): R1 to R100

Located just north of the village and build in 1915 by Transvaal Gold Mining Estates, Alanglade was the residence of the mine manager until ... more information

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On Holiday in Pilgrims Rest

• Pilgrim's Rest Map
• Pilgrims Rest - A Visitors Perspective
• Pilgrims Rest Hotels
• Pilgrims Rest Accommodation
• Panorama Route Hotels
• Panorama Route Accommodation
• Mpumalanga Accommodation

View Mpumalanga Destinations

View other towns / suburbs in Panorama Route:
Graskop, Hazyview, Kiepersol, Ohrigstad, Pilgrims Rest, Sabie or ...

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Cosmos Country, Cultural Heartland, Grass & Wetlands, Greater Kruger National Park, Highlands Meander, Lowveld Legogote, Panorama Route, Wild Frontier or choose another province: South Africa Destinations

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Also see Things To Do in Panorama Route or check out Things To Do in Mpumalanga to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.

South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. To start planning your holiday click here to find accommodation in South Africa. Enjoy your stay in Pilgrims Rest!
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