Volksrust

Volksrust, Grass & Wetlands

Volksrust is a quaint South African town with plenty of history and cultural sights. Situated close to many famous battle sites, Volksrust became a municipality in 1904 and is currently the commercial center of an area where maize, wool, sorghum, sunflower seed, beef and dairy are all farmed and produced. Majuba, one of Eskom's new generation power stations, was commissioned near Volksrust which has added to its importance to the surrounding areas.

The remains of the Convention Bridge on Grensspruit have been proclaimed a national monument and thus is a popular tourist attraction. One of the key battle sites of South Africa is Majuba Hill. The British suffered catastrophic losses and the conflict finally ended at this site near Volksrust.

The battle site features a memorial to British casualties on the spot where Gen Colley fell. Two memorials, both dedicated to victims of the two Transvaal-Britain Wars, are found in the town. One is for the concentration camp victims and the other for those involved in active service.

The Tamatiesberg, north of Volksrust, is a popular paragliding venue and many visitors come from nearby towns on a regular basis to enjoy the paragliding offered by Volksrust. A fine collection of crafts, paintings, home produce and homemade furniture can be bought here for you to take back home as souvenirs.

Travellers' Reviews

1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.

Verified reviewvery good

Its overall a great place to visit. Central to most historical sites and towns. In the center of town you can find a great steam train locomotive which represents the era of train transportation which was vital to the town in the 1900's. Adjacent to this you can find the the memorial site commemorating the lives lost at the historic battle of majuba and the Volksrust concentration camp. Just 30km's out of town is the Majuba mountain. Although not up to standard for tourism still an inspiring place to see and attempt to climb out. in the same area is the majuba berry farm with largest export of berries in south Africa. There are lots of local stores to visit such as dietjies en daaitjies. The locals are friendly. For culinary treat visit snowy Biltong store for some biltong and home made meals that make the mouth water. And just for the enthusiastic shopper some priceless antiques to be had. Small warning the roads are terrible but with an adventurous spirit its worth it to wake up surrounded by the drakensberg mountains. Its like you can feel the history rolling with mist that descends from the mountains in the early mornings and evenings.

Christean Trueman (Johannesburg)