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 Himeville
Museum was built in 1900 as the last of Natal's loop-holed forts before
housing prisoners until 1972. An open-air exhibition of settler and agricultural
history is surrounded by display rooms housing military, African traditional
and even trout- fishing memorabilia. Further, the museum is home to a
valued collection of San artefacts and an insightful interpretation of
the life and times of these ancient ones is to be found there.
Visitors to Himeville can arrange with local tour operators
for day trips up Sani Pass or, providing that they have a 4 x 4 vehicle,
choose to make the trip into Lesotho
on their own. For those wishing to go on their own a valid passport is
compulsory.
There are also a number of dams in and around the
Underberg/Himeville District for the fly fishing enthusiast. Horse rides can
be arranged locally. In summer it makes the perfect base for canoeists who
plan to paddle the rivers in the area from the Umkomaas to the Umzimkulu.
Accommodation in Himeville
Himeville Historical & Cultural Attractions
- Himeville Museum
The Himeville Museum is one of the best rural museums in the country
due to ts wide range of exhibits. From fossils and stone age artifacts
to a comprehensive display on the Bushmen, the early settlers as well as
African beadwork and artifacts. The displays also cover the Anglo Boer
War and the two world wars. There is an old post office and a school
room, wild life display and many farming implements and machinery
including a blacksmiths forge and a workshop.The museum is housed in the
old fort or laager started in 1896 by the Border Mounted Rifles sent to
police the area after the LeFleur Rebellion of 1895. Completed in 1899
it was only used once during the Bambata rebellion of 1906 although no
fighting took place nearby. It was taken over by the Natal Mounted
Police after the Anglo Boer War and turned into a prison by the addition
of the warders house and magistrates court along with a number of cells.
Abandoned as a prison in 1972 it became a museum in 1976 and was
declared a National Monument in 1978. It is now affiliated to the KZN
Provincial Museum Service.Covering the Bulwer, Underberg and Himeville
communities it commemorates the way of life of all the erst while
inhabitants of the last frontier of Natal and has a fairly extensive
archives which is available to any would be student of local history.
- Himeville Old Residency
Built in 1898 and in constant use as the magistrates residence since
construction, it is a national monument.Corner of Arbuckle and Clayton
streets, Himeville
- Himeville Fort
The Old Fort was completed in 1900 and used as a prison until 1972, when
it became a museum. Exhibits include the San and period pieces of the
early settlers of this area. It is a national monument. Arbuckle street,
corner of George Street, Himeville.
Telephone:(033)7021184
Fax:(033)7021060
- Mhlwazini Cave, Drakensberg
The cave is situated in the valley of the Mhlwazini river. It is a
proclaimed heritage site of great sensitivity. In the valley of the
Mhlwazini river.Himeville
- Mpongweni Cave, Cobham
Mpongweni cave contains many interesting rock paintings apparently
depicting historic events. The fishing scene is especially interesting.
Mpongweni was declared a national monument in July 1979. Cobham State
Forest, Himeville
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Himeville Nature Reserve
Himeville
Nature Reserve is situated in the southern Drakensberg, 130 km from
Pietermaritzburg.
The reserve stretches along the eastern boundary of Himeville Village
and was proclaimed to its present size of 104 ha in 1973. Himeville
Nature Reserve offers trout fishing in two dams situated in the reserve.
Boats are no longer available for hire but anglers may
use their own small rowing craft or flotation tubes. Power boats are not
permitted. Visitors may walk freely throughout the reserve and view Blesbuck
and Black Wildebeest.
The two dams offer good opportunities for bird watching. Himeville
is only 14 km from Cobham
Nature reserve which offers enjoyable walks and hikes for the
whole family.
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