Krugersdorp, Gauteng

Krugersdorp is a mining city on the West Rand of Gauteng, about an hour and a half drive from Johannesburg city centre.

Krugersdorp is an ideal destination for a day trip or weekend away in the bush for city dwellers. The town has fantastic infrastructure including modern sport facilities, a thriving business centre, and shopping malls, all mixed in with some historic sites such as the Mogale City Museum and the Old Magistrates Court.

The main draw card though would be the area surrounding Krugersdorp – hiking, horse riding, bird watching, cave exploration and game viewing! The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is only 20 minutes away where the Maropeng Visitor Centre, Wonder Cave, and the Sterkfontein Caves bear witness to some of the world’s oldest hominid fossils.

The Rhino and Lion Park is home to more than 700 animals belonging to 30 different species. It covers 1 400 ha and has lion, buffaloes, rhinoceros, cheetahs and wild dogs.

There is no shortage of accommodation options from hotels, guest houses, self-catering units, B&B’s, game lodges and caravan and camping parks in and around the area of Krugersdorp.

Things to do and see

• Bridge Swing & Burma Bridge
• Krugersdorp Museum
• Railway & Steam Train Museum
• Paardekraal Monument
• Lemon Tree Organic Market
• Florida Lake
• Sugar Bush Day Trail
• Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
• Wonder Caves
• Sterkfontein Caves
• The Cradle of Humankind
• Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
• Krugersdorp Game Reserve
• Nirox Sculpture Park
• Silverstar Casino
• Clearwater Mall
• Krugersdorp Golf Course

Climate

Krugersdorp receives approximately 759 mm of rain annually with most rainfall occurring during the Summer months.

Summer months, November to March will have average temperatures of between 14˚C and 28˚C.

Winter months, May to August will have average temperatures of between 1˚C and 19˚C.

Transport

There are daily flights into Johannesburg’s, Lanseria International Airport approximately 29 km’s away via the N14. Car rental companies are available for easy access around the area.

History

Before Krugersdorp was ever a town, between 8 and 18 December 1880, more than 6 000 men gathered on the farm Paardekraal, which forms part of the municipal area of Krugersdorp and swore to stand together until they had secured the independence of the Transvaal. Three men were appointed to lead the struggle - Paul Kruger, Piet Joubert and Marthinus Wessels Pretorius.

Seven years later in 1887, when Gold was discovered on Marthinus Pretorius’s farm Paardekraal, the town of Krugersdorp was proclaimed and named after President Paul Kruger. With the West Rand gold rush came many people and an urgent need for housing - everyone wanted a piece of the gold pie.