Witbank dam is known as the largest municipal dam in the southern hemisphere and boasts a rather large catchment area. The dam is perfect for water sports such as windsurfing, skiing and fishing. The area hosts a vibrant birdlife, brilliant hiking trails and game viewing from the water’s edge or on land, if you prefer. 4x4 trails, parasailing and golf are also popular activities in the area.
Witbank has lots to offer all travellers boasting plenty of recreation to suit all preferences. The area is bustling with fantastic coffee shops, inviting farm stalls and fascinating cultural villages selling arts and crafts.
Witbank translated from Afrikaans means ‘White Ridge’ and is named after a rocky outcrop of white sandstone where wagon drivers rested many years ago. Early trekkers discovered coal in the area and of course, once the coal was discovered, numerous farmers arrived with their wagons to cart the coal away. Paul Kruger’s railway line reached this area in 1894, which solved all the transport problems and the first coal mines started to operate.
Witbank developed into a town in 1903 and today it has developed into a rather large and bustling town where dairy, potatoes, maize, sheep and sweet potatoes are farmed. Interestingly, Winston Churchill hid in a colliery near Witbank during the Second Boer War after his escape from Pretoria.
