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Self-Catering in Swartruggens - Essential Travel Info

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Self-Catering in Swartruggens North West South Africa (1 Results)

Thaba Thula Game Lodge Thaba Thula Game Lodge
- Swartruggens North West South Africa Self-Catering

The ideal venue for business and pleasure alike. Enjoy the magnificent splendour of the bushveld in comfort and style. Only 180km northwest of Johannesburg. Wedding and conference facilities. Excellent cuisine. Luxury or bush accommodation and off-road tracks.

Geography: Swartruggens makes up part of the Marico District and lies about 40km east of Groot Marico. For travellers from Gauteng, it is about 55km from Rustenburg and 70km from Zeerust.

History: The quaint village of Swartruggens was established on the farm Brackfontein in 1875, and only later in 1907 did the railway line from Johannesburg to Mafikeng branch off and reach the town. The name "Swartruggens" means "black ridges" and refers to the hills that surround the town. Originally known as Rodeon, Swartruggens is today a typical bushveld town with cattle ranching, and wheat and tobacco crops being the main economic activity.

Arts and Culture: The entire Marico District, including Swartruggens, and especially the characters that could be found in the dusty towns, has forever been immortalised by the great South African writer Herman Charles Bosman. It was Bosman who said of Marico: "There is no other place I know that is so heavy with atmosphere, so strangely and darkly impregnated with that stuff of life that bears the authentic stamp of South Africa". Other cultural and historical points of interest in Swartruggens include the South African (Anglo-Boer) War graves of soldiers that died in the Elands River Battle.

Science and Nature: Diamonds were discovered just north of the town in 1932, and a bit of prospecting still goes on here today. Tourists who are interested in wildlife have a world of experience at their doorsteps, as the surrounding areas are home to the likes of Madikwe Game Reserve and Tulane Game Lodge. There are two dams in the area, Lindleyspoort Dam and Swartruggens Dam, with the former supplying irrigation water.

Entertainment: Attractions of Swartruggens include African Game and Art, an ostrich farm that offers tours and rides, as well as a well-stocked curio shop that also sells refreshments.

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