Page 18 - Amajuba brochure 2024

Dannhauser
The view over the bustling little town of Dannhauser.
A Diverse and Colourful Region
The Dannhauser Municipality encompasses the region from Normandien in the Drakensberg Mountain Range in the west, to the rural Buffalo Flats in the east, and three small towns – Dannhauser, Durnacol and Hattingspruit – which all offer something unique to the visitor. The diverse community, with its cultural and historical attractions, its rich and varied bird life and other points of interest, make it an interesting stopover point for those looking for an experience that is slightly ‘off the beaten track’.
Dannhauser is popular among birding enthusiasts for its many wetland birds and waterfowl, and it provides idyllic fishing and picnicking spots at the Tom Worthington Dam, where major sport events also take place, including annual triathlons and sailing regattas. The Normandien area, which straddles the Amajuba Drakensberg Route and the Amajuba Buhle-Bomzinyathi Route, offers glorious mountain landscapes and wildflowers. There are game farms, horse riding, hiking and 4x4 trails available, and a variety of quaint, comfortable accommodation options.
In 1902, Durban Navigation Collieries (Durnacol) was formed and began mining operations, and the last shaft was closed in 2001. Durnacol, later taken over by Iscor, provided employment for up to 6000 people at some stages of its existence, and has left a colourful past in its wake. Many families living in Dannhauser today are descendants of the coal miners who worked the coalfaces over the last century.
In a self-help project initiated between Kumba Resources and the Durnacol community when the mine closed, workers were trained in practical welding skills and business management skills. The group uses the Old Locomotive Shed, which dates back to the 1930s, where they produce engineering structures and metal arts and crafts.
Established as a mining town in the 1800s, Dannhauser was a hub of activity but, with the closure of the mines, it has been transformed into a peaceful village with a country atmosphere. Explore and enjoy country life at its best!
ENQUIRIES
Dannhauser Municipality
Tel: 034 621 2666 • 8 Church St, Dannhauser
DANNHAUSER MUST DOS:
Visit St Margaret’s Presbyterian Church, which has served the communities of Dannhauser, Durnacol and the surrounding farms for more than a century, to view its beautiful stained glass windows dedicated by the women of the Durban Navigation Collieries in 1933. Make an appointment through the local tourism association.
To enjoy rich and varied birdlife, visit the Dannhauser sewer filtration ponds and Tom Worthington Dam, just outside Dannhauser. The dam is a favourite weekend venue for locals and visitors from surrounding towns for picnicking, fishing and bird-watching.
Chelmsford Nature Reserve and Ntshingwayo Dam enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, picnics and game drives. Cell: 076 159 2960.
Lloyds Baai – offers a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, and camping. Accommodation in a form of rooms, caravans, rondavels and igloo for adventurous visitors who want to explore. Cell: 073 222 7307
Horseshoe Farm host conferences, weddings, functions, matric dances, school camps and choir camps. Tel: 034 315 5455, Cell: 084 604 1679
Cicilian’s Country Estate is at the heart of Dannhauser. Ideal venue for wedding ceremonies, baby showers, picnicking, parties, business- or work- related functions and matric dances. Cell: 076 085 1496
Sekusile Community Organisation – own beautiful bead work and hand craft in all forms tailor made for you. Also attend their poetry and artist events at Thusong Centre. Cell: 072 315 3282/ 084 880 4437
Durnacol Mass Grave – Durnacol coal mining started in 1902 and was closed in 2002. Hence, the mass grave is regarded as a place of special importance where miners who died underground due to mine shaft collapse were buried in one big hole and have never been found.
Bangabangani Tour and Events – try Bangabangani Tour and Event for a unique and memorable educational tour, sightseeing, private and corporate tour. Enjoy hiking and storytelling about history, culture, art and heritage. Cell: 082 643 681
16 EXPLORE THE AMAJUBA ROUTES