MPUMALANGA
HISTORYPilgrim's Rest
A preserved gold rush town in the mountains
Pilgrim's Rest began as a gold rush settlement in the 1870s and is now a heritage town preserving many of its historical buildings and atmosphere. It makes a worthwhile stop on the Panorama Route, offering a different lens on South Africa's mining history from the better-known gold narrative of Johannesburg. Its old hotels, churches and shopfronts make it particularly photogenic.
Practical Info
- Entry fee:
- Town access generally free; museums or heritage sites may charge separately
- Hours:
- Best explored during daylight business hours
- Getting there:
- Reached by road between Graskop and the escarpment areas; easy as a stop on a driving itinerary
- Tip:
- Treat it as a stop rather than a major overnight unless you specifically want a quiet heritage-town atmosphere.
📷On the Ground
gold rushheritageMpumalangahistoryroad trip
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Where to Eat & Drink
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