Pilgrims Rest is an historic village in Mpumalanga

Pilgrims Rest is the most beautiful or romantic spot in world where a gold rush took place

Pilgrim’s Rest was born during the excitement of an alluvial gold rush. Pilgrims Rest is a most perfect example and as such, the entire place has been declared a National Monument.

Pilgrims Rest’s history allegedly began when ‘Wheelbarrow’ Alec Patterson, who pushed his belongings along in front of him, panned for gold in the stream running through the valley. News of Alec’s success spread and he was soon joined by hundreds of other prospectors. Within a year there were 21 stores, 18 canteens, 3 bakeries and all sorts of other establishments.

Some extraordinary nuggets were found here in Pilgrims Rest including ‘Breda’ who weighed in at 214 oz and ‘Lilley’ at 119oz. One reef, found after the main rush had died down, yielded over 5,000,000oz of gold in 50 years of continuous working.

Pilgrims Rest really is well worth a visit and you can seep yourself in the genuine atmosphere of the old days, by staying overnight in the village.

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