Ermelo is unmistakably known as the garden town of Mpumalanga

Ermelo is situated in the upper reaches of the Vaal River, about 1 720m above sea level. Ermelo lies in the midst of varying topography, superb layout and vivid green flora. Together with its high rainfall Ermelo is unmistakably known as the garden town of Mpumalanga. This is been confirmed by the tranquil acorn trees, pin oaks, cedars, wattle and pine plantations in the vicinity.

In 1871 the Rev Frans Lion Cachet founded a Reformed congregation on the eastern highveld and called it Ermelo, in honour of his friend the Rev Witteveen of Ermelo in the Netherlands. The highveld Ermelo still maintains strong ties with it’s Dutch twin, and some street names have even been duplicated. On 11 August 1900, during the Anglo-Boer War, Ermelo was completely destroyed by the British, only 72 De Jager Street escaped destruction. Since then Ermelo has been rebuilt to become the pride of the eastern highveld. Ermelo lies on the upper reaches of the Vaal River. With it’s high rainfall, varying topography, superb layout and vivid flora, Ermelo is known as the ‘garden town’ of the eastern highveld. The climate is moderate with typical late afternoon summer storms, bright, sunny winter days and chilly winter nights. The flora in and around the town contribute to a tranquil, country atmosphere. Ermelo is known for it’s oaks, cedars, pines and wattle plantations. The town lies on the panoramic Cosmos Route and is also part of the Eastern Rainbow Route. Magnificent scenery combined with excellent recreational facilities provide first class entertainment and sporting opportunities. The game and birdlife, as well as the extensive fountains, are popular among tourists.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Altitude: 1720 m above sea level

Average Rainfall: 900 mm during September to March

Average Temperatures

Summer 12°c – 26°c; winter 4°c – 16°c

Banks

Absa 2 (ATM’s 5), Boland (ATM), Fnb (ATM’s 3), Land Bank, Nedbank (ATM), Standard (ATM’s 2)

Dams

Brummer, 8 km from Ermelo on the Hendrina road. Douglas, 6 km from Ermelo on the Hendrina road. Pet

HISTORICAL VIEW

Laghoya Stone Huts

Approximately 24 km on the Bethal road, on top of the Tafelkop Mountains. A 14^th century stone village which was built by the mysterious Leghoya Tloka people. An exceptional archaeological site.

NATURE

Scenic Routes

Cosmos Route, Eastern Rainbow Route

ATTRACTIONS

Annual Events

Ermelo Wool Festival – March

Goliath’s Footprint

Situated at Lothair on a farm called Arthur’s Seat, some 45 minutes drive from Ermelo, approximately 6 km off the Amsterdam Waveley road

Natural Rock Bridge

Over the Vaal River. The bridge is on the farm Goedehoop, 20 km from Ermelo, previously used as a cattle crossing.

The ‘Eye’

A natural spring originating in the Vaal River, and can be found to the south east of the KwaZanele township near Breyten.

Accommodation in and around Blaubergrant