Richmond

Province: Northern Cape
Region: Karoo
Town: Richmond

Richmond
Established in 1843 when the Dutch Reformed presbytery of Graaff-Reinet formed a new congregation for that area. A portion of the farm Driefontein was bought and “erven” were sold on 19 April 1845 during a communion gathering. The town was named after the father of Lady Sarah, wife of the then Governor of the Cape, Sir Peregrine Maitland, Duke of Richmond from Kent.
Tourist information: Loop Str, Richmond 7090. Tel: (053) 693-0001.
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Pietermaritzburg

Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Midlands
Town – Pietermaritzburg

Having crossed over the Drakensberg range into Zulu territory on their Great Trek from British dominion in the Cape Colony, Boer settlers earmarked this site as their capital-to-be, and in 1838 laid the foundation of a neat grid of streets and lanes. Rival British expansionists were a safe distance away at Port Natal-Durban…and the surrounding tribes were predominantly ‘scatterlings’ – the result of King Shaka’s empire-building exploits – who posed no threat. It was from this fledgeling settlement that Pieter Retief embarked on his ill-fated journey to negotiate for land with Shaka’s co-assassin and heir, King Dingane. The Boer leader’s ‘martyrdom’ gave Pietermaritzburg the first half of its name – Gert Maritz being the head of a second wave of Voortrekkers.
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Kranskop

Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region: Midlands
Town – Kranskop

Kranskop
This tiny village dates back to 1894, when it was called Hopetown – only to be renamed with the Afrikaans-language description of a striking rocky landmark on the nearby escarpment. Two openings in this sandstone outcrop led to it featuring in Zulu folklore with tales of cannibalism…the mountain opening its twin mouths to entice unwary victims into its depths.

The British built several fortifications on the escarpment during the Anglo-Zulu War, and faint reminders of Fort Buckingham remain visible near a small quarry close to the village.
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Karkloof

PROVINCE: KWAZULU NATAL
REGION: MIDLANDS
TOURIST ROUTES: MIDLANDS MEANDER
TOWN : KARKLOOF

The first white settlers found this beautiful area virtually empty…abandoned first by the ancient San hunter-gatherers in response to encroaching black tribes, then by these same black tribes as King Shaka carved out and expanded his Zulu Empire. During the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, a church built 16 years earlier served as a fort and remains surrounded by settler graves.


Piermaritzburg / Midlands

Province: Kwazulu Natal
Region:  Piermaritzburg / Midlands

Towns:
Towns: Boston-Bulwer |   Greytown |   Howick |   IxopoKarkloof  |  Kranskop|   PietermaritzburgRichmond |  Wartburg

Beyond the reach of moisture – laden coastal elements, these vast landscapes are our Zulu Kingdom’s ‘Eshayamoya’ – ‘where the breezes blow’ – across soft, rolling hills and through deep, secluded valleys…ruffling great rivers and dams, and sporting with the rainbow-spray of dramatic waterfalls. Here lie the experiences of country living at its most elegant and refined…wide open spaces dotted with horse studs and cattle ranches, guest farms and welcoming, quaint communities.
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