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TThe village of Pilgrim’s Rest is a settlement lost in time. Here you can walk in the footsteps of early gold prospectors and relive the heady days of pioneers, garter-snapping barmaids and highway robbers. You can also stay over in an historic hotel and drink in a legendary bar.
Pilgrim's Rest is situated on the magnificent Panorama Route of the Mpumalanga province. The entire village is a tourist attraction, and was declared a National Monument in 1986. Today, Pilgrim’s Rest is a living monument to the feverish gold rush days of the late 1800s.
YYou're in the village where that famous dog Jock of the Bushveld roamed with his master; where thieves, diggers and good-time gals gathered in scores of pubs; where a gold nugget was thrown onto the bar counter to buy a round of drinks; and where the surrounding hills still ring with gold rush clamour every year when the gold panning championships come around. (These championships are still held each year in September.)
Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga
VVisit the Alanglade House Museum, which was once the mine manager’s home. It's an elegant Edwardian house built in 1915 and furnished with period pieces.
Pilrgrim’s Rest is home to a wide variety of shops selling antiques and collectables, as well as arts, crafts and curios. You can also take a walk between uptown and downtown to see a number of historic buildings and sites.
The attractions of Pilgrim’s Rest are not limited to gold. You can explore the surrounding area in a 4x4; or try a variety of outdoor activities including fly-fishing, golfing, horse riding, overnight hiking and hot air ballooning.
Feeling brave? Head out to Graskop and experience the adrenaline rush of one of the world's highest cable gorge swings with a 68m freefall. Or fly across the 80m-high gorge on the high-wire slide. Both are located at Panorama Gorge in Graskop, about 15km from the village.
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