Pilgrim's Rest

Approx. Time: 4 hours
Activity Level: Easy to Moderate

The history of gold mining on the greater escarpment is encapsulated in the museum displays, shops, mines and hills of Pilgrim’s Rest. This village became a household name in 1873, after a miner named Alex Patterson discovered alluvial gold on the farm Ponieskrantz. The name Pilgrim’s Rest explains the aspirations of one digger, William Trafford, who sought to settle in the village. The mine, which operated profitably for many years, was eventually closed in 1972. Today many of the original buildings have been restored to create a living museum. Of particular interest is the historic Royal Hotel, St. Mary’s Anglican Church, the Miner’s Cottages, Joubert Bridge (dated 1896) and the graveyard, where many well-known names are recorded. There are excellent trout fishing, hiking and mountain biking venues nearby. The Robber’s Pass leading into Pilgrim’s Rest from Lydenburg and the west was named after an incident in which a coach was held up and robbed. The robber was apprehended and sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Courtesy of South Africa Tourism Board

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