Swartruggens (E 8)

Name: Swartruggens
The name "Swartruggens" refers to the series of black ridges (hills) that surround the town. It was established on the farms Brakfontein and Scheepersrus in 1875.Swartruggens is Dutch for Black Ridges. It was also known as Rodeon.
Swartruggens in 1907 got a railway station on the farm Brakfontein. The town which grew around the station was named Rodeon, although this name is no longer used.

Attractions include a visit to African Game and Art (an ostrich farm offering tours and rides, and a well-stocked curio shop that also sells refreshments); Diamond Mine (diamonds were discovered north of the town in 1932 and today a few mines and small diamond diggings are still operational); Madikwe Game Reserve, Tulane Game Lodge, Lindleyspoort Dam, Swartruggens Dam, Elands River Battlefield and Graves (a battle took place in this region during the Anglo-Boer War between 1899 - 1902).

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"I knew the old railway stations no longer served a function, so when I heard of the success of the Scottish project,

I thought we could put ours to better use too," Areff said.

"I had a look at the old buildings and saw they were rapidly becoming dilapidated, so I approached Spoornet and asked if I could buy them.

"I viewed the development as much as a job creation project as a tourism initiative - both of which are vitally important to South Africa."

The authorities agreed to lease the buildings, and a few months ago Areff finally started converting the first station into a lodge.

But that was just one aspect of his new business venture. Areff did research and found that there was about 45km between each of the seven stations on his "cycling route". He spoke to experts and learned that cyclists could easily cover that distance in a day. He reasoned they could leave their vehicles at Magaliesburg where secure parking is available, and cycle to the next station, exploring as they go.


'I viewed the development as much as a job creation project as a tourism initiative' The road between the stations is tarred and relatively quiet. He believes cyclists will love the environment and that, in time, international tourists will want to explore the area

in the same way. At this stage he will not be hiring out cycles but will encourage visitors to bring their own bikes. Special provision is being made to store the cycles in the guest's own room overnight.

"While we were turning the station around, I heard that one of my workers was a trained chef," Areff said. "I asked him for a list of equipment for the kitchen. When he provided this I could see he knew what he was talking about, so I put him in charge. I invited friends for breakfast and he provided a great meal."

The bedrooms at the new Railroad Lodge are simply furnished and immaculately clean. The old "ladies' waiting room" is the only bedroom with a fireplace - a facility that will be much appreciated in winter. Electric heaters will be provided in the other rooms. The bedrooms, however, are not en suite. Toilets and showers are provided at the end of the corridor.

Areff is focusing on cyclists, but the lodge is open to anyone wanting to explore the area or to experience a night in an old railway station.

One of the main attractions in Magaliesburg is across the railway tracks at the station. The original corrugated building that about 100 years ago served as Johannesburg's first railway station has been reconstructed on the other side of the lines.

The Blaauwbank mine, one of the first gold mines in South Africa, is nearby and open to the public, and there are several little antique shops in the village. But the Magaliesberg is, perhaps, best loved for the beauty of the countryside.

Just a century ago elephant, giraffe, wildebeest and impala were among the animals which roamed the area. They have disappeared but not all mammals have gone. Hikers regularly report sightings of smaller creatures such as squirrels, porcupines, bushbabies, duiker and monkeys.

Anyone wanting a truly enriching weekend in the Magaliesberg should go armed with a copy of a book by Vincent Carruthers. Called The Magaliesberg, it outlines both the natural and cultural history of South Africa with chapters on the environment, wild flowers, reptiles, early man, the first missionaries, the South African War and, finally, the 20th century.

There are several fine hotels in the village, but for a totally different experience, the Railroad Lodge is a must.

The next station to be converted is Syferbult. Others along the route are Koster, Swartruggens, Groot Marico, Woodbine and Zeerust.

To mark the launch of the lodges, an opening special of R150 per person per night including breakfast is being charged. Dinner can be provided on request.


•For reservations, phone 011-857-8098 or e-mail rrlodge@netactive.co.za

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