Bronkhorstspruit is a community which has had its share of history. In 1858, a group of Voortrekkers (Afrikaans speaking white settlers) moved to the Bronkhorstspruit creek and in 1880 fighting took place here during the First South African (Anglo Boer) War. In June 1897, the South African Republic recognised Bronkhorstspruit officially.
This area has been pre-dominantly settled by farmers and more recently, a residential area has developed in town and around the dam, used by commuters to Pretoria and as a weekend getaway for holiday makers.
The Bronkhorstspruit dam is today a major attraction due to its being one of the most productive bank angling spots in the country. Thick grass lines the banks of the dam, which serve as great cover for bass awaiting their prey. Private bass and carp fishing venues are also popular.
Anglers have to share the dam with the boating, jet ski, wind surfing, catamaran and canoeing community. The Transvaal Catamaran Club is based at the dam, and is very focused on competitions and tuition.
The nature reserve area to the south of the dam offers over 200 bird species, with some interesting endemics.
The beautiful 5000ha Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, close to Bronkhorstspruit, is an unexpected delight with its wildlife, biodiversity, hikes, cycling and horse riding.
Cultura Park, a suburb of Bronkhorstspruit, hosts the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere, which houses the South African headquarters of the Humanistic Buddhist order. The latter does a lot of community work, celebrates the Chinese New Year and is open to the public, who can book in for weekend-long retreats.
There is a local 18-hole golf course which offers reasonable rates.
Bronkhorstspruit is only about 45 minutes east of Pretoria (Tshwane) – take the N4 east and turn left on the R25 for the town or right for the dam.
For more things to do in Northern Gauteng, visit ShowMe Northern Gauteng.
