Chrissiesmeer has been for many years one of the hidden treasures of the magnificent province of Mpumalanga.
Chrissiesmeer is at the heart of the Mpumalanga Lake District and the town of Chrissiesmeer sits on the banks of Lake Chrissie, a ‘pan’ which is the largest freshwater lake in the country, with over 270 smaller pans surrounding it. Together they lure more than 20 000 flamingos to the area each year (which makes for an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon) and many other species aside.
Chrissiesmeer has some of the richest human heritage and history in the Mpumalanga region. The area was once inhabited by the ancient San people, who left behind a trove of rock art paintings, and by the Tlou-tle people, who built floating villages on the lakes and are believed to have hidden away from aggressors by hiding underwater and breathing though reeds. Chrissiesmeer also has a rich Anglo-Boer War history, and each year the proud residents dress up and re-enact the ‘Battle of Chrissiesmeer’.
The little town of Chrissiesmeer is charming and rich in historical sandstone buildings and classical 19th century Colonial architecture and churches (there are 5). It used to be a stopover on a 19th century trade route, but not a whole lot goes on here these days. It’s small and rural and the main tourist attractions are birding, frogging (that’s right – frogging), drinking in the scenery and discussing where ‘that 5 foot footprint’ came from. Make no mistake, however, this small sleepy town has a core of lake custodians for residents, who take their lovely environment, and protecting it, very seriously – and it is becoming a popular tourist and holiday destination.
There are consequently quite a few guesthouses in Chrissiesmeer and in the surrounding countryside, many converted old buildings (including the old gaol), all lovely and quaint, and a stop here is recommended on any trip east from JHB toward Swaziland.
Getting there: from Gauteng, take the N4 going East into Mpumalanga. At Belfast, turn onto the R33 going South. Continue along the R33 to Carolina. At Carolina, take the R36 to Breyten. At Breyten, turn onto the R542 and follow into the town of Chrissiesmeer.
