About the Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountains
The Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountain Land (BMML) is one of the oldest and most remarkable landscapes on Earth. Set among steep, rocky hills and lush, forested valleys, these mountains hold secrets that span billions of years — from the dawn of life to the golden age of discovery.
The area’s unique geology gave rise to rich soils and abundant resources that drew some of the earliest humans to this land. Evidence of their lives still lies scattered among the valleys and ridges — from Stone Age tools to Iron Age settlements and vibrant rock art.
A Journey Through Time
The Stone Age Legacy
Artefacts found throughout the region reveal that all three Stone Age periods — Early, Middle, and Late — are represented here. Beautifully crafted stone tools, including examples of the Pietersburg culture, have been unearthed in the valleys of the Kaap and Komati rivers.
Rock Art
Hidden among the cliffs and caves are ancient paintings — some monochrome, others in red and white — depicting animals, hunting scenes, and rituals. These artworks link us to the spiritual life of the early inhabitants and are now carefully protected to preserve them for future generations.
The Iron Age Arrival
Around 2,000 years ago, Iron Age communities settled here, cultivating millet and sorghum, raising cattle, and leaving behind pottery, smelting sites, and village ruins. Their craftsmanship lives on in artefacts displayed at the Barberton Museum.
Swazi Heritage and the Rise of Kingdoms
By the mid-18th century, the Swazi people under King Mswati II established dominance over the region. His reign was marked by raids, alliances, and the creation of a powerful nation. Military outposts once stood along the Komati and De Kaap Rivers, marking a time of strategy and conquest.
Many modern communities in the BMML trace their roots to these Swazi settlements, living amidst the same mountains their ancestors once defended.
The Gold Rush Era
The discovery of gold in the 1880s transformed Barberton into a bustling frontier town — one of the first gold rushes in South Africa. Prospectors came from around the world, and remnants of that era still shape the landscape today:
- Historic buildings like the De Kaap Stock Exchange and Belhaven House.
- Mining relics such as Rimer’s Creek Park and the Fortuna Tunnel.
- Eureka City, once a lively gold-mining settlement, now a haunting ruin in the hills.
This golden heritage continues to define Barberton’s charm, with museums, tours, and preserved architecture bringing the past to life.
Natural and Cultural Treasures
Beyond its geological wonders, BMML is a haven for biodiversity and traditional Swazi culture. The Songimvelo Nature Reserve and the Badplaas hot springs offer both natural beauty and cultural depth, while local legends — like those surrounding the sacred Makhonjwa Mountains — give voice to centuries of storytelling.
Explore Heritage Sites
- Rock Art Caves at Mountainview and Bongani Nature Reserve
- Ancient Ochre Mines and Iron Smelting Sites in Songimvelo
- Swazi royal and military sites including Mjindini and Mekemeke
- Historic buildings such as the Phoenix Hotel and Stopforth House Museum
- Monuments like the Jock of the Bushveld statue and Samora Machel Memorial at Mbuzini