Land of the Silver Mist

Haenertsburg is a picturesque village between Polokwane and Tzaneen. This village originated as a gold rush town in 1887 and remains of the old workings can still be seen today. This area is surrounded by crystal clear mountain air, mountain peaks, tumbling waterfalls, tranquil lakes and magnificent indigenous forests.

There are several hiking tails in the area where you could quietly walk and maybe encounter some antelope, bush pigs, baboons, samango monkeys or even the rare caracal cat. The bird life is abundant and therefore it is famous as a bird watchers paradise.

The art of fly fishing has long been a mountain tradition. The surroundings of Haenertsburg possess numerous river and lake fishing spots which are regularly stocked with trout while most types of fish can be caught on a fly, the most common are salmon, chars and most game fish. Trout are by far the most popular since trout feed and live in shallow waters and eat small insects. Fly fishing is an enormously satisfying style of fishing. It is environmentally sensitive, promoting a catch and release philosophy. It is a hands-on sport for men and women of all ages as well as young adults. It also appeals to the more environmentally conscious as it is less harmful to the fish than many other techniques and most anglers return their catch.

There are quite a few accommodation facilities to choose from if you wish to stay over and experience the thrill of fishing in the unexplored rivers of this area like the Mountain Fly fishing Cottages. They are on a 300 hectare farm on the source of a mountain stream with a majestic view. These cottages are beautifully situated, fully equipped, overlooking trout water and they offer you comfort and seclusion.

On your way to Haenertsburg visit the Wegraakbosch Organic Dairy, just watch out for the sign as they are tucked away from the main road and next to the Cheerio gardens. Here you can buy and taste traditional dairy products that are made on a small scale in the customary alpine manner. The cheese making process does not rely on any electrical or mechanical devices, not even the cow milking. On a cheese making tour you can explore the use of bacteria, rennet and mould in the process of cheese making. The use of bacteria and moulds on the organic farms is also explained. The tour takes between thirty minutes and an hour. The farm Wegraakbosch was occupied by woodcutters.