Amersfoort, Grass & Wetlands
Just across the KwaZulu Natal border in Mpumalanga, Amersfoort lies about 30 minutes' drive from Volksrust, in the heart of the country's energy, mining and transport base. Standerton is just west of here, whilst the N11 passes right through town, intersecting Route 35 on its way through.
Amersfoort is an interesting little town. It grew up around a Dutch Reformed church way back in 1888, during the period of Dutch colonisation of South Africa. The church is still there, on Route 35, the stone church's spire visible through the line of trees on the side of the surprisingly wide street.
Further through what can only be described as a 'one horse' town in today's terms, derelict shops and little cottages have stood for years, some of them with the Cape Dutch gables and tin roofs typical of mining towns in Mpumalanga still intact; strangely reminiscent of more popular towns like Pilgrim's Rest.
Not far from Amersfoort is the Majuba Power Plant, the coal fired generator of electricity run by Eskom. It is the largest producer of coal-fired electricity in the world, hence its name Majuba or 'mountain of the doves' – an allusion to its size.
Majuba uses about 50 000 tons of coal a day, transported by truck. It is not unusual to pass mega ton coal haulage trucks, as they arrive at the power station on average every two minutes. Hence the drive by Eskom to construct a R5.2 billion railway line - a 68 km heavy-haul line from Ermelo in Mpumalanga to the power station just outside Amersfoort, to convert the transport of coal from road to rail.
The bridge over the Vaal River in Amersfoort is a national monument, built in 1896.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Amersfoort is a great place to recharge your equilibrium. It is quiet and peaceful. It has a dam or river for fishing. Lots of places to walk to including graves from the Boer War. The power station is also a place of interest. It is a quick drive to more bustling places like Ermelo, Newcastle. It is a great place to stop over whilst travelling to Durban and taking the scenic route. People are very friendly and you could visit the local farms and even the mill.
SUMAYA TIMOL (JHB)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options

Bali Biasa Guest House
Bali Biasa Guest House is centrally situated in the historical town of Piet Retief, Mpumalanga. Bali Biasa is not only the luxury, harmony, peace...

Pretty Pig Cottage
On the Mpumalanga Highveld bordering Kwa Zulu Natal, nestled between mountains and wetlands, lies the Pretty Pig Cottage at Forellenhof Guest Far...

De Loft Guest House
De Loft Guest House offers accommodation in Piet Retief. We are a favourite halfway stop on the N2 for many tourist destinations, like the Kruger...

Guest Room on Joubert
Guest Room on Joubert is a stylish, elegantly decorated room furnished with a King-size bed and has an en-suite bathroom. Relax on the couch or e...

Wakkerstroom Country Inn
Wakkerstroom Country Inn offers comfortable rooms in a relaxed and friendly environment in Wakkerstroom. Each unit has heaters, electric blankets...

Ermelo Backpackers
Ermelo Backpackers was previously a residential home that has been changed into a hostel. We are located just a few blocks from the main road in ...

The Bubble Valley
Overlooking the beautiful scenery of Piet Retief, The Bubble Valley offers a breath-taking escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Bu...

Mountain View Lodge Volksrust
Mountain View Lodge Volksrust offers accommodation just outside the town of Volksrust. The surrounding area offers mountain passes, restaurants, ...

Kwa-Dlamathe Guesthouse
Kwa-Dlamathe Guesthouse offers accommodation in Volksrust, a peaceful neighbourhood. All the units have a TV with DStv, tea / coffee making facil...
Things to do in the area

Grey Rhebok Hiking Trails
Start: Donkerhoek Road between Amersfoort and Piet RetiefFinish: base campDuration: 5 different trails that range between 300 metres and 11kmFitn...
Noteworthy attractions

Badplaas Golf Club
Badplaas Golf Course is privately owned nine hole golf course located in Mpumalanga at the feet of the formidable and striking Hlumu-Hlumu mounta...

Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve
Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve, renowned for its access to great fishing opportunities, lies just 10 kilometres from Carolina on the Komati Rive...

Ermelo Golf Club
An excellent 18-hole course layout with plenty of challenging holes. The Ermelo country club is in Hendrina Road on the left just before the town...

Nelshoogte Pass
Nelshoogte Pass, sometimes known simply as Nelshoogte or Nelsberg Pass, lies on the R38 between Barberton and Badplaas directly north of the Nkom...

Piet Retief Country Club
Although it has nine holes, the Piet Retief golf course can be played as an 18-hole course. Tee times are welcomed and the club is open all week ...

The Giant Footprint
Lothair also promises visitors a peek into some of its mystery. Was this once the home of giants? A strange question under normal circumstances, ...
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