About Witbank

Witbank, Cultural Heartland

Witbank is situated in the Cultural Heartland of Mpumalanga. Whether you’d prefer budget or luxury accommodation in Witbank, there is a guesthouse or lodge that is the perfect base during your travels to South Africa.

The name Witbank is Afrikaans for ‘White Ridge’ and named after a rocky outcrop of white sandstone where wagon transport drivers rested many years ago. Early travellers discovered coal in this area. Of course, once the coal was discovered, numerous farmers arrived with their wagons to cart away the coal. Once Paul Kruger’s railway line reached this area in 1894, it solved all transport problems and the first coal mines started to operate.

Witbank soon developed into a town in 1903 and today it has developed into a rather large and bustling town where dairy, potatoes, maize, sheep and sweet potatoes are farmed. Interestingly, Winston Churchill hid in a colliery near Witbank during the Second Boer War after his escape from Pretoria.

Witbank boasts plenty of recreation to suit all preferences. The area is bustling with fantastic coffee shops, inviting farm stalls and fascinating cultural villages selling arts and crafts. Witbank is home to the well known Witbank Dam. This dam is known as the largest municipal dam in the southern hemisphere and boasts a catchment area of more than 3 540 square kilometres!

Of course, this magnificent dam is ideal for numerous exciting water sports such as skiing, windsurfing and fishing. Relax and watch the vibrant bird life in the area or enjoy a hike on one of the many beautiful hiking trails. As you sip on refreshing drinks and sail down the waters one can also enjoy some game viewing.

Witbank also offers opportunities to go parasailing, golfing, scenic hiking and adrenaline pumping 4×4 trails. Witbank is also near to the popular Kruger National Park where excellent game viewing of the Big 5 can be enjoyed.