Paulpietersburg

The small town of Paulpietersburg is located in KwaZulu-Natal, in the foothills of the Dumbe Mountain, and was established in 1888. It was named after then President Paul Kruger and Voortrekker hero Piet Joubert. This area was the stage for many of the battles which took place in the Anglo-Zulu war (1879) and Anglo-Boer war (1899-1902).

The small town has a rich cultural and historical background, and many memorials and monuments can be seen there today. The Egode River Monument commemorates the site where Louis Botha and his troops gathered before signing the Peace Treaty that ended the Anglo-Boer War. An interesting site for visitors is the library, which was originally the Dutch Reformed Church, and has now being proclaimed a provincial heritage site. Another historical building of interest, and now also a provincial heritage site, is the Old Drostdy of 1906, which was the first British colonial public building to be built in the area.

Today Paulpietersburg is also well known for the hot springs at the Natal Spa 16km away. The area around the springs has been developed into a pleasant resort, where visitors can enjoy the benefits of the therapeutic waters. Also in the area is the delightful Itala Game Reserve, and the 858ha Phongola Bush Nature Reserve which conserves an evergreen forest and can be visited by prior arrangement with the officer in charge. Walking and hiking have become popular activities in the area and the 10km Dumbe Trail on which hikers pass old coal mine shafts and enjoy the abundant bird life, takes them on a circular trail along the Dumbe Mountain.