Modimolle (original) (raw)

Modimolle, Waterberg

Madimolle lies north east of Bela-Bela, roughly two hours from Johannesburg in the midst of the Waterberg.

Formerly known as Nylstroom the town's history is worth recounting as it makes a good fireside story. A particularly vehement group of Voortrekkers (emigrant pioneers, mainly Dutch, who left farms, primarily in the Eastern Cape, to seek greener pastures inland), known as the Jerusalem Trekkers, left the Cape Colony during the 1860s for the interior with one intent: to find the Holy Land.

A long trek at best, the group finally reached a stream close to what they mistook for a ruined pyramid and, convinced they had found the Nile, settled along its banks � some 10 000 kilometres short of their proposed destination.

The 'pyramid' turned out to be little more than a natural hillock that the locals called Modimolle (meaning: the forefather's spirit has eaten), and the river, which they called the Nyl, is a tributary of the Mogalakwena River.

The little mountain, also known as Kranskop, is regarded as holy by local people and is said to have inspired the architect Gerhard Moerdijk whilst designing the Voortrekker Monument in the city of Pretoria.

The Dutch Reformed church that the people of Nystroom then built in 1889, is now the oldest church in sub-Saharan Africa north of Pretoria.

Despite the rather incredible beginnings, Madimolle today functions as a major support town of the Waterberg Biosphere and the farming community of the area. Its wide streets and myriad shops form a gateway to the bushveld terrain of the Waterberg Biosphere.

Local nature reserves, game reserves and wilderness areas attract wildlife and nature lovers all year round, the clusters of trees and shrubs and the beauty of the Waterberg backdrop a perfect space for city dwellers to seek down time.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options

Self Catering

Waterberg Rest

Waterberg Rest is a comfortable, stylish and affordable accommodation in Koro Creek Bushveld Golf Estate. Waterberg Rest is a spacious holiday ho...

Self Catering

Modimolle Loerie Cottage

The Loerie is a self catering cottage offering Modimoille accommodation at the lower level at the foot of the two farm dams. From here you are an...

Game Lodge

Zwahili Private Game Lodge

At Zwahili Game Lodge where the most spectacular sunsets are experienced from the extended timber deck, you'll find peace and tranquillity while ...

Game Lodge

Monate Game Lodge

Monate Game Lodge is a haven of peace and tranquility just waiting to be discovered. An easy two hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport m...

Self Catering

Bateleur Nature Reserve

Bateleur Nature Reserve offers accommodation in Modimolle and is famous for its SAHTOA accredited Stamvrug Hiking Trails which consist of seven d...

Hotel / Bed & Breakfast

Leeuwenhof Country Lodge & Garden Spa

Leeuwenhof Country Lodge & Garden Spa is a private small romantic Country Lodge, renowned for its tranquility. People from all over the world ha...

Self Catering

Klein Paradys Guest Farm

Situated on a 248 ha Nature and Game Farm, Klein Paradys is ideally located within easy driving distance from Johannesburg. Accommodation consist...

Hotel

Castle de Wildt

Castle de Wildt offers accommodation in Modimolle boasting a Medievil versus Modern theme, providing both modern comfort and an authentic chateau...

Game Lodge

Bushwa Private Game Lodge

Set on 1000 ha in the unspoilt Waterberg biosphere this unique superbly stylish game lodge will not fail to touch your heart. Bushwa offers a cho...

Self Catering

Shakala Village

Shakala Village is able to accommodate up to 20 guests in five apartments and is situated within Koro Creek Golf Estate, in Modimolle. Here guest...

Hotel / Guest House

Fairview Manor

Fairview Manor, nestled within the prestigious Koro Creek Golf Estate in Modimolle, offers an exclusive retreat where luxury meets tranquility. O...

Guest House

Sable Inn

Nestled in the heart of Modimolle, Sable Inn offers a welcoming retreat with en-suite guest rooms. Sable Inn blends comfort with convenience, ens...

Self Catering

Modimolle Kingfisher Cottage

Kingfisher Cottage offers Modimolle accommodation in a comfortable eight-sleeper cottage located on the lower level of the farm dams with a bird'...

Self Catering

ElandsKloof

ElandsKloof is located at Wilgeboomsdrift Safaris which is in the town of Modimolle, Limpopo. This self catering accommodation is in a location w...

Guest House / Self Catering

Waterberg Inn

Waterberg Guest Home is luxurious, but affordable, accommodation in Koro Creek Bushveld Golf Estate. We are situated in Nylstroom (Modimolle); in...

Self Catering

Bosveld Wegbreek Safaris

Offering accommodation, our chalets are equipped with linen and everything you need for self catering. You just need to bring food and a towel. F...

Self Catering

Blouwildebees Uitsig

Blouwildebees Uitsig offers Waterberg self catering at Wilgeboomsdrift Safaris in Modimolle, Limpopo, a tranquil paradise nestled between the Wat...

Guest House / Bed & Breakfast

7th Hole Golf Lodge

7th Hole Golf Lodge offers accommodation in Modimolle, within the Koro Creek Golf Estate in the Waterberg, a relaxed 10-minute drive from the cit...

Guest House

Gorgeous Gecko Guesthouse

Gorgeous Gecko Guesthouse is located in the heart of the Waterberg bushveld. The unique finishes provide a feeling of exclusivity in this spaciou...

Self Catering

La Campagna Olive Estate

La Campagna Olive Estate is an olive estate in Modimolle, Limpopo and offers accommodation for up to thirty seven guests. The estate is 15km from...

Game Lodge

Zebras Crossing

The exclusive Zebras Crossing is one of South Africa's top bush boutique hotels located in the malaria-free Waterberg mountains. The Lodge accomm...

Self Catering

Lethabo Lodge

In the heart of the Bushveld on a 32 hectare farm you will find Lethabo Lodge. Lethabo Lodge caters to couples, families, or groups of friends lo...

Guest House / Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering

Pumula Game Farm

At Pumula Game Farm we strive to make our Guests feel at home with friendly, excellent service and to experience a true African bushveld atmosphe...

Guest House

Bokmakierie Place

Welcome to Bokmakierie Place. We offer accommodation in five double bedrooms. Tennis courts are available a short distance away. There is a swimm...

Things to do in the area

Animal Sanctuaries

Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm

Thaba Kwena Crocodile Farm in Modimolle is the largest commercial crocodile farm in southern hemisphere. They have approximately 22000 crocodiles...

Extreme Sports

Waterberg Zipline Adventures

The word 'zipline' is synonymous with 'adventure', and that's exactly what Waterberg Zipline Adventures delivers, on their zig-zagging tour of th...

Miscellaneous

The Waterberg Meander

Just two hours north of Johannesburg, The Waterberg Meander consists of 8000 sq km of savannah, stretching from Marakele Mational Park in the sou...

4x4 Trails

Marakele 4x4 Trail

The Marakele National Park is situated in Limpopo Province, and is one of the natural gems that showcase the beauty and variety of South Africa. ...

Hiking Trails

Rhenosterpoort Hiking Trail

Start: private game farm at the base of the Jan Trichards Pass in the Waterberg MountainsFinish: base campDuration: 2 daysFitness: moderately fit...

Hiking Trails

Serendipity Hiking Trails

Start: Tierkloof farm, between Modimolle (Nylstroom) and Mookgopong (Naboomspruit)Finish: Tierkloof farmDuration: 24 km, two-day hikeFitness: mod...

Noteworthy attractions

Game Reserves

Welgevonden Game Reserve

The Malaria free Welgevonden Game Reserve is situated just 2.5 hours north of Pretoria. Welgevonden Game Reserve is a declared Heritage Site of 3...

National Parks

Marakele National Park

The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains has become a 'place of sanctuary' for a vast variety of wildlife mainly due to...

Game Reserves

Mabalingwe Nature Reserve

Spread over more than 12 000 hectares of softly rolling hills, the malaria-free Mabalingwe Game reserve is host to the big 5, and also hippo, gir...

Game Reserves

Mabula Game Reserve

Only two short hours drive North of Johannesburg lies the African wonder that is Mabula Private Game Reserve. This 12000ha of malaria free reserv...

Game Reserves

Lapalala Wilderness

Lapalala Game Reserve, today one of the largest private game reserves in South Africa, was established to safeguard a unique eco-system with 77 k...

Lakes / Dams

Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve

The beautiful Doorndraai Dam nature reserve, set in amongst the foothills of the Waterberg south west of Potgietersrus, includes, as its name sug...

Golf Courses

Zebula Country Club

This pristine 660-hectare bushveld estate boasts a sensational new world class Peter Matkovich designed golf course. It is also home to a variety...

Game Reserves

Kololo Private Game Reserve

Kololo Game Reserve is situated in the beautiful province of Limpopo, South Africa, in the heart of the Waterberg biosphere. Vast, peaceful and i...

Nature Reserves

Nylsvley Nature Reserve

The Nylsvley Nature Reserve is situated in the upper reaches of the Nyl River near the town of Naboomspruit in Limpopo, and includes part of the ...

Find accommodation in Modimolle

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Modimolle as a destination