Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations
Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations
Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations
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Burgersdorp, situated in the northern foothills of the Stormberg Mountain<br />
Range, was established in 1846 as a new parish of the Dutch Reformed<br />
Church of Graaff-Reinet. The parishioners called their new village<br />
Burgersdorp (“Citizens’ Village”) and administered their town according to their<br />
own solidly, conservative views based on biblical doctrine. It was therefore a<br />
logical next step for the town to become the site of the country’s first<br />
breakaway Reformed Theological Seminary, an early forerunner of the<br />
University of Potchefstroom. This institution played a major role in the struggle<br />
for the recognition of Afrikaans as an official language in <strong>South</strong> Africa. The<br />
Seminary has since been declared a national monument.<br />
ADVENTURE AND SPORT<br />
Kroonvlei: Situated 40 km from Burgersdorp, this private mountain resort is<br />
deeply ensconced in the beautiful Stormberg Mountains. Adventure trails, tennis<br />
courts, chalets and indoor barbecuing facilities are some of its attractions.<br />
Stormberg: Contact Stormberg regarding bird watching and hunting<br />
opportunities as well as comfortable accommodation.<br />
ARCHAEOLOGY AND PALAEONTOLOGY<br />
San rock art at Kapokkraal: There are interesting, well-preserved pictures at<br />
this site as well as evidence of some of the artist’s palettes; see the place<br />
where they mixed their colours. An added bonus is that plant fossils can also<br />
be seen in the area.<br />
San rock art at Leliekloof Farm: Visitors can hike to several San rock art sites<br />
on this farm, situated between Burgersdorp and Jamestown. Other sites in the<br />
vicinity feature ancient plant fossils.<br />
FAUNA AND FLORA<br />
Die Berg Nature and Game Reserve: The main attractions of this 500-ha<br />
reserve situated on the outskirts of the town, are its attractive surroundings<br />
against the backdrop of the Dorpsberg Mountain and the many antelopes,<br />
zebras and other small mammals that are found here.<br />
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE<br />
Afrikaans Language Monument: The monument commemorates creation of<br />
the Afrikaans language. The British stole the original monument during the<br />
Anglo-Boer War. After it was recovered it was placed in the town square. A<br />
replica made after the theft now stands in the library.<br />
Burgerdorp’s main church: Take time to view this magnificent-dressed<br />
sandstone building with its impressive steeple and clock tower, beautiful<br />
stained-glass rose windows and large silver dome and cupola.<br />
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