Carolina, Grass & Wetlands
Carolina lies in the Grass and Wetlands region of Mpumalanga, South Africa. This entire region boasts exceptional natural beauty and dotted with an abundance of shimmering lakes and rivers.
There was a rather vital wagon route from Johannesburg to the wildly popular gold fields of the Kaap Valley around the 19th Century. Eventually, farmers in the area decided to establish a town as a ideal stopover for wagon trains. One of these farmers named C.J.Coetzee, decided to offer the other farmers a portion of his farm provided that the town was named after his wife. Soon, Carolina was accordingly established in 1882. Unfortunately, during the 2nd Anglo-Boer War the village was completely destroyed and later rebuilt. Yet, there still lie a few perfect examples of spectacular sandstone architecture in Carolina's public buildings.
Situated in the vicinity of Carolina is the magnificent Komati Gorge and linked Komati River. This beautiful area allows for many a day picnicking, swimming, fishing, hiking, boating or just general relaxing and soaking up the warm sun. Numerous exciting watersports can be enjoyed. In addition, this lovely area is home to an abundance of vibrant birds. The Komati area is any bird lovers delight!
Situated just to the North West of Carolina is the picturesque Nooitgedacht Nature Reserve. This nature reserve is a very popular birding area and home to more than 200 species of spectacular birds. In addition to birding, there are also a few exciting horse and hiking trails that can be enjoyed in the Carolina area. Most of these lovely trails are day trails, but for the adventure seekers there are several 2 day trails available where one can stay overnight in a trail hut.
Carolina not only boasts magnificent beauty but fine cultural and historical heritage. Besides the fascinating architecture, this area boasts a few fine examples of San rock art which can be seen and explored. To add to the historical heritage of the Carolina area, there are also a few interesting Battlefields which can be visited. Make sure you visit the Market Square, Burger Monument as well as other historical memorials.
Other exciting activities that can be enjoyed in the area are 4×4 adventures, quad biking and game viewing.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Stunning place! Two hours drive from Pretoria / OR Tambo International Airport. Or enroute to Kruger National Park. This little friendly town of Carolina has beautiful scenery with lots of potential. Would love to see the "spook huis" converted into a tourist attraction - the house has great architecture with many little windows protruding out from the main roof structure - this white house is located on the left hand side of the road when entering the town of Carolina. Rumor has it that the owner of the "spook huis / ghost house" use to scratch his back with a real skeleton hand of a monkey. Also, stargaze or bird watch, Carolina has great potential for hosting events away from busy smog polluted crowded cities. Carolina naturally lends itself to hosting events that may include Golfing Tournaments, Mountain Biking, Triathlon (swim,run,bike), 24 hrs adventure races (canoeing, hiking, mountain climbing biking,etc.). These types of events is sure to include and benefit the local community of Carolina through, retail, accommodation, constructing and organizing events. Great place!! Check it out..
Shafeek Liberty (Pretoria)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
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...
Kingfisher Cottage at Komati Gorge
Kingfisher Cottage can sleep up to eight guests in three bedrooms. The first two bedrooms are furnished with a Queen-size bed and the third room ...
Komati Gorge Lodge
On the banks of the Komati River, at the base of a miniature Grand Canyon, this small village of thatched dwellings provides affordable luxury in...
Firefly Cottage
Firefly Cottage can sleep up to four guests in two bedrooms. The kitchen is equipped with a two-plate stove, microwave and fridge. The lounge has...
Zebra Cottage at Komati Gorge
Zebra Cottage is located at Komati Gorge Lodge near the village of Dullstroom. It is a convenient stop over point from either Gauteng or KwaZulu ...
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 ...
Yellowwood Cottage at Komati Gorge
Yellowwood Cottage is located right on the river and has five en-suite bedrooms with Queen-size beds and a loft room with two single beds for the...
The Leopard Suites at Komati Gorge
This untouched expanse of 1200ha with its thorn bushveld and highveld grassland offers an unparalleled experience to nature lovers. The biodivers...
Things to do in the area
Fly Fishing at Machado Flyfishing Club
Glenshee offers prime Flyfishing in the Mpumalanga area of South Africa. Glenshee is situated 6km from Machadodorp on the Carolina Road. The club...
El Dorian Hiking Trail
Get on your walking boots and join the two day El Dorian Hiking Trail for a fun yet challenging experience. The circular route is situated betwe...
Suikerboschfontein Hiking Trail
Situated on a farm in the district of Carolina in Mpumalanga is the Suikerboschfontein Hiking Trail. You can choose between a one day 7 kilometer...
Rainbow Route
The Rainbow Route links the provinces of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal starting at Carolina. It passes through the towns of Kriel, Bethal, Ermelo,...
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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