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

TWK Welverdiend Guesthouse
Situated in the town of Piet Retief, the TWK Welverdiend Guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation in six twin rooms, each with an en-suite bat...

Wetlands Game Lodge
This serene accommodation serves as an excellent destination for families andromantic escapes, making it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenat...

Butterfly Cottage
Butterfly Cottage is located on the banks of the Komati River, at the base of a miniature Grand Canyon, this small village of thatched dwellings ...

Pablo Guest House
Situated in a quiet suburb of Ermelo, Pablo Guest House offers nine en-suite bedrooms on a bed and breakfast basis. All our double rooms have en-...

JC Studios
JC Studios offers accommodation in Ermelo in studio-styled suites with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All rooms include a seating area...

44 On Ennis Guest Lodge & Restaurant
44 On Ennis Guest Lodge offers comfortable and affordable accommodation in Ermelo. Each room has a private bathroom For your comfort, you will fi...

Buffalo @ Emahlathini
Buffalo is an open plan holiday apartment furnished with a Queen-sized bed, three single beds and a double bed sleeper couch. Buffalo has a fully...

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...

The Wool House
The Wool House offers guests a choice of rooms furnished with comfortable Queen-size beds and en-suite bathrooms. Each of the rooms has a desk as...
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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