Wakkerstroom is situated in Southern Mpumalanga, approximately three hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, and 27km from Volksrust on the R 543, and just over 400 kms from Durban.
Depending on the route taken it will be a road trip of about 280 to 300km’s.
Situated at an altitude of 1760 meters above sea-level, Wakkerstroom has a bracing and invigorating climate with pleasant, mild summers and chilly winters.
The village is recognised as one of South Africa’s most beautiful rural jewels. It has become internationally famous for the richness of its natural habitat and as an area for bird watching. The Wakkerstroom wetland is also registered as a South African Natural Heritage Site ( No 220 ).
There are many other activities within the village and surrounding areas – mountain biking, road biking, village walks, fishing, horse riding and scenic drives. And don’t forget the variety of places to eat and shop. Wakkerstroom has a rich historical heritage -a historical cemetery and many historical buildings.
We hope you will take the time to get to know the village and its many attractions. Wakkerstroom is one of those places where you can be very much part of the village if you want to be. Everyone is friendly.
Two important points do need to be made though:
1. Wakkerstroom is not a totally credit card friendly village. If you do need cash we suggest you bring some with you. There are two ATM facilities, Standard Bank at the local filling station and FNB at Torrazzo General Dealer. Other ATM’s are located in Volksrust.
2. The weather is exceptionally variable. Expect winter in summer and extreme temperatures in winter and summer (it snowed once in December!), wind and rain. Bring warmer clothes.
The village is a mere 15 minute walk (2km) down the hill from Chetnole Cottages. Follow the un-tarred roads – they are much quieter! There are also some really wonderful mountain bike routes, plus lots of walking paths. The hills behind our cottages are commonage, so you are free to roam. A very fit person would take 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach the top of Ossewa Kop from Chetnole Cottages. The views from the top into KZN and southern Mpumalanga are spectacular!
Walking, hiking, biking and running booklet: This very informative booklet is available in the village and gives much detail on all routes with related maps. A real must. On sale at Cheese Shop for R 45.00.
Village walks, hikes and trails: Wakkerstroom offers a unique opportunity to do some wonderful walks and hikes in and around the village. There are four short historical village walks and the pleasant Wetland Waddle for bird and nature lovers -route of 11 km around the wetland reserve.
One can also do some lovely hikes on Ossewa Kop, from 5 km for the Mini hike to 9 km for the Summit hike, not forgetting our 16km Iron Horse Trail.
All of these are also suitable for trail running
Biking: Enjoy high altitude training and create your own technical rides with the hills on your doorstep A lovely 22 km ride on the old airstrip gravel road with beautiful photographic opportunities. There are also some longer, more challenging 40 to 50 km rides.
The WW&T booklet is available in the village which gives more detail on all routes with related maps.
Park Run: There is a village Park Run every Saturday at 08h00 from Weavers Nest.
Wakkerstroom is a nature lover’s paradise – particularly well known in birding circles. We have magnificent bird hides situated at various points around the wetland and if you are interested in birds, there are 9 endemic grassland birds in Wakkerstroom.
Eating out is a great experience! Although Wakkerstroom is small, it has a fair amount to offer.
Note: Opening and closing times may vary so recommend to check first!
The Bistro: Lizzie Lack (glass artist) and Paul, whose gallery, Metamorphosis is down the road towards the village, run a delightful eatery. Enjoy tapas or a la carte lunches from 12 onwards, or fine dining in the evenings only, Thursday to Sunday – do book as they are very popular. The food is exceptionally good, but not child-friendly, and the menu changes regularly.
Wakkerstroom Country Inn: Has good English breakfasts and other meals, including a children’s menu.
Aangenaam: Emma runs this coffee shop on the corner of Church Square, which is only open Thursday to Monday from 11h00-20h00. They also do the most exquisite light meals and lunches. She has antique jewelry and furniture for sale.
Thyme Out: Fully licensed, fine dining restaurant. Good quality food and wines. Open for lunch – Thursday to Monday. Dinner- Friday and Saturday.
Red Rooster: Draft bottle beer available and pub meals. Outdoor area for kids. Open from Thursday to Sunday from 0900-1600. Also open on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The Goathouse Kitchen: Coffee bar, fab pancakes and Deli. Open Thursday to Monday from 09h00- 14h00.
De Kotzenhof: Country farm stall, deli and some gifts. Meals by arrangement.
Mucky Duck: Local pub and light meals. Outside area for the kids!
De Oude Stasie: A local pub that offers various meals, including breakfast. Open generally on weekends and for sporting events.
Weaver’s Nest: Situated just out of town. Light meals are available and during the week will do take-a ways.
If you need to buy food, there is a Super Spar and a Shoprite Checkers in Volksrust. If you are merely topping up you will find some good food in Wakkerstroom
Please do support our local shops!
Honeymoon Valley Cheese Shop: Have excellent cheeses, biltong, dry wors, fresh farm milk and frozen meals.
Dop ‘n Tjop: Butchery with fresh meat available, situated at the other end of the main road (not open on Saturday afternoon or Sunday).
Mini Market: Next to the petrol station and has limited stock and takeaway’s.
Botselos: Curtains, cushions, upholstery and soft toys.
Runnymede Iris Farm: Over 100 varieties of Californian Bearded Irises, ceramics studio and gift shop.
Village Bakery: Baked goods from our well appointed bakery, open most days from 08h00 to 14h00
Feathers: Wonderful homemade gifts, cakes, biscuits, jams, and many more treasures.
Tendai: Fresh and frozen berries, Honey,good stock of nuts, seeds and dried fruit
Vegetables: Fresh daily fruit and veggies
Torrazzo Distributor: Useful outlet for basic grocery and household items and hardware (nuts, screws, plumbing and electrical etc.)
House of Baxburg: A wide range of home décor items, large and small, can be viewed at their magnificent new building, next to the Country Inn. Only open on weekends.
Bank Gallery: Zulu war and Boer war historians will enjoy this. On corner below the Country Inn
The Historical Cemetery: Well worth a visit – one of the best kept historical cemeteries in the country.
If you need to know anything else, please do not hesitate to ask us or anyone in the village. The above information is subject to change, which is beyond our control
Check out the WTA Information Centre at the Bioscope.
Additional details and information can be found on the very informative Wakkerstroom website: www.wakkerstroom.co.za
Wakkerstroom hosts a variety of different annual events. A visit to www.wakkerstroom .co.za will give the details.
Enjoy Wakkerstroom!
Your hosts, Gwynne and Rupert Lawlor (083 227 9020)
MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO WAKKERSTROOM
Take the N3 to Durban, then south of Jo’burg take the Springs Highway (N17).
Stay on the N17, travel for about 150 km’s towards the toll gate near Leandra
One can also travel N3 to Heidelberg. Then R 23 via Belfour to Standerton. This route from Heidelberg has some bridge construction and coming into Standerton, road works. Potholes within Standerton are very bad
- A) Just before Toll take R 50 to Standerton, newly upgraded road. Note that roads in Standerton are in poor condition
- B) After Toll at Leandra take R 546 via Charl Cilliers onto Standerton. Take R23 to Volksrust and just before entering Volksrust see sign to left for Wakkerstroom. Then travel on R 543 to Wakkerstroom
C )Travel on N17 till you reach the town of Bethal. Go through Bethal and just outside the town, turn right onto the R35 to Morgenzon and Amersfoort. The R35 from Morgenzon to Amersfoort is a beautiful new road with lovely scenery. At Amersfoort traffic light turn right onto N11. Don’t turn off onto the Wakkerstroom road just outside Amersfoort as this is a dirt road. Travel all the way till you reach Volksrust. At the very first traffic light in Volksrust turn left towards Wakkerstroom. Road condition from here are not good!
Travel on R 543 for 25km to Wakkerstroom. As you approach Wakkerstroom, crossing the wetlands, the road turns quite sharply to the left. Follow the bend and after the “Wakkerstroom” sign, turn right onto a brick road .( Von Weilligh St ) If you reach Muck Duck you have missed out turnoff. Travel uphill for approx 750m on this road. Our house, The Windows, will be visible on the righthand side of the road near top of hill. It has a green roof and large bay windows. Below the house is the Westover Cottage – you might also notice the tree house.
GPS Coordinates: S 27* 22.07.1 E 030* 08.24.0