Metsweding, in the north-east corner of Gauteng, is where South Africa's biggest diamond was discovered and the area sparkles with natural and historical attractions. The region has many game reserves and conservancies, which are being linked together and restocked with game with the potential to form a large 'Big Five' game reserve in the future.
Against this backdrop of natural beauty, Metsweding offers a melting pot of history and culture. The area's history is of particular significance to the Tswana, Pedi, Ndebele and Tsonga-speaking people, many of whom can trace their roots back to the ancient bush and rolling grasslands.
The present-day region, established in 2000, is developing a project known as Dinokeng, 'All of Africa in One Day'. You can explore traditional Ndebele culture, go on a game drive, take in a shebeen and explore a diamond mine - all in just 24 hours.
The social hubs of this region are the farming town of Bronkhorstspruit with its spiritual retreats, Gauteng's only wine estate and numerous picnic spots at dams and nature reserves. The quaint Victorian mining town of Cullinan is a treasure chest of history. The Cullinan experience includes visits to stone-built miner's cottages, a turn-of-the-century station and authentic trading centre buildings, jewellery shops and museums and surface and underground tours of the mine.
Metsweding is also an important water catchment area with the Elands and Pienaars rivers feeding the Bushveld and grassland areas. The Mkhombo, Rust de Winter and Roodeplaat dams all offer great recreational facilities for day-trippers and weekend visitors.
