Barberton

Barberton came into being during the time of the gold rush in South Africa. The town is named after Graham Barber and his cousins, who discovered Barbers Reef, a vein of gold so rich that it actually sparkled in the sunlight. After it was declared a suitable place to mine gold more people inevitably came to the fledgling town, leading to the development of South Africa’s first stock exchange. Eventually the town began to calm down, many people ended up leaving for better prospects, and today we are left with a peaceful little place that offers tourists a glimpse into the past and a chance to walk in the footsteps of South Africa’s pioneers.

The De Kaap Valley, where Barbeton can be found, was pillaged during the gold rush as people did their utmost to get their hands on the valuable metal. The Valley itself, despite being abused, is a haven of greenery, beautiful mountains and wildlife. Evidence to support this can be seen in the fact that there are half a dozen nature reserves within a 12km radius of Barberton and a little further out is the much talked about Kruger National Park.

For a little town, forgotten by those who once rushed to it, Barbeton has a lot to offer travelers. As mentioned there are plenty of nature reserves surrounding the town, the mountains are also a great place to hike and mountain bike, people can try hang gliding or take a trip in a microlight. Another option is to visit the many museums and memorials that tell the tale of Barberton’s discovery and expansion.