15 Sep Wakkerstroom – Mpumalanga
Wakkerstroom lies in the border of KZN and Mpumalanga with the escarpment dropping down towards Newcastle. The elevation and topography results in a cool climate and acts as a wetland that is an ideal home for many bird species.
The town was started in 1859 and the elegant NGK Church is the centrepiece of the town. The original church foundation stone was laid in 1964. The town or village comprises small plots and the community is very mixed. There are no large shops but the centre plain has small shops that can provide the bare essentials. Most people come here for the peace and quiet from the large cities, to bird, hike or simply relax. There are a number of small churches like St Marks and the local cemeteries reinforce the conflict that was close at hand during the Anglo Boer War. The Wakkerstroom Commando was an important unit in the Boer forces being close to the border. In the NGK vicinity are memorials to the fallen.
A steam train loco also has centre stage in the village although the old station is a few kilometers out of town and now has commercial tenants.
Driving around in the vicinity will expose you to vast landscapes of natural beauty.