You can see why Scotsman Alexander McCorkindale decided to settle in Chrissiesmeer – the glittering network of lakes and Highveld summer greenery must have reminded him of home.
In 1866, McCorkindale convinced the government to sell off 200 farms and establish a settlement that would service the trade route to Delagoa Bay, in what was then Portuguese East Africa (now Mozambique). He changed the name of the largest of the lakes, from Groot Zeekoepan to Lake Chrissie, paying tribute to the daughter of the president of the South African Republic, Marthinus Pretorius.
Today, Chrissiesmeer remains one of our most important wetland areas. Four rivers have their sources in the area – the Vaal, Komati, Olifants and Usutu – and birdlife is prolific. Flowers and frogs are just as plentiful. Indeed, the area is also known as Matotoland, after maxoxo, the siSwati word for frog. During summer, there are tours on offer to find these tiny treasures hiding in the grass.
But even if you’re not into birds, flowers and frogs, the lakeshore is a perfectly peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of Gauteng for a weekend. And even better if you can take your pooch along! Here are five great places to stay.
1 THE BOAT HOUSE
There’s no need to share the shore at The Boat House, which is hidden in a secluded cove west of Lake Chrissie. The elevated cabin is built against a bushy outcrop and the waterscape view stretches to the faint blue horizon. And yes, there is a boat!
This story is from the August 2020 edition of go! - South Africa.
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This story is from the August 2020 edition of go! - South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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