Pilgrim's Rest is located on the scenic Panorama Route in the northeast corner of South Africa's Mpumalanga Province. This quaint little village offers the visitor an interesting selection of cultural, historic and eco experiences in an atmosphere reminiscent of the early pioneers.
Pilgrim's Rest history dates back to the 1870s when a miner, Alex Patterson, discovered alluvial gold on the farm named Ponieskrantz. The area was soon officially proclaimed a gold field and prospectors flocked to the area in search of fortune, bringing with them their families, friends and a spirit of discovery.
Soon the settlement became a thriving tent town and grew rapidly to include a church, newspaper, grub houses and the now famous Royal Hotel. Strolling through the village one can still sense the wild atmosphere of these gold rush days in the many historic buildings and landmarks, each with their own fascinating tales from the past.
The Diggings Site on the outskirts of town offers a gold-panning demonstration and is an authentic re-creation of how the Pilgrim's valley once looked, with its Gold Commissioner's hut, prison tent, transport wagon and steam engine.
The entire town was declared a National Monument in 1986 in living memory of its auspicious history and today its preservation is managed by a dedicated group of architects and historians.
You simply cannot leave town without raising a toast at the bar in the Royal Hotel. The building itself has a fascinating history and you will always find a good conversation to join with one of the locals. The hotel also offers good conference facilities and is a great location for parties and weddings.
The area around Pilgrim's Rest is packed with attractions too numerous to mention. Day trippers can picnic at God's Window, Lisbon Falls or Berlin Falls or visit the unique natural whirlpools at Bourkes Luck potholes. The more energetic can enjoy nine holes of golf, horse riding, trout fishing or hike one of several nature trails.
Whether you stay for a day or a week, Pilgrim's Rest will capture your heart with its beautiful surroundings, quirky atmosphere and unique blend of history and architecture.
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