Utrecht, located in the foothills of the Balele Mountains, is a town steeped in South African history and is a must-see for travellers who enjoy quaint little towns with lots to offer.
Utrecht is dotted with many historical landmarks and buildings, including old classic residencies, churches, memorial sites and the Old Irrigation System.
It also now has an attractive Game Park surrounding the town and one can picnic alongside the dam.0
After the British Annexation of Natal in 1843 nearly two thirds of the Voortrekkers left the colony. In 1847 a small group of Trekkers chose to settle in the beautiful area east of the Umzinyathi or Buffalo River. The territory was granted to them by the Zulu King Mpande.
The small republic became known as the “Buffaloriviersemaatschapij”. It was also often referred to as the “Old Republic” and was one of the five early Voortrekkers’ settlements the existed in 1850.
The Town was established in 1855 and 1856 adopted the name of Utrecht. In 1859 Utrecht became part of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.
After the Anglo Boer War of 1899 – 1902 the region was incorporated into Kwazulu-Natal.
