Hangout Haenertsburg – Explore on your doorstep
Creativity and relaxation in H’burg
Maretha Swanepoel
With more than 680 different species of butterflies (Lepidoptera or Papilionoidea) in the country, it is no wonder that the Wolkberg Zulu butterfly is little known to us.
This unique insect was discovered in 1952 by Margaret Kenway, who was walking with her father. Today, it is on the brink of extinction and will be protected by law.
A conservation servitude has been registered on the farm in Limpopo where the critically endangered Wolkberg Zulu butterfly (Alaena margaritacea) has been protected by the land‘s owner, Gustav van Veijeren, in collaboration with the Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa (LSA) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). The work to establish this servitude was funded by Rand Merchant Bank.
The servitude is a form of Biodiversity Stewardship and the first of its kind to be established for the protection of a threatened butterfly species in South Africa.
According to Ian Little from the EWT, there are few countries in the world with as many threatened and endemic species as South Africa. “It is this amazing diversity of life that makes the job of conservationists so exciting and challenging. The formal protection of these unique and isolated habitats for these incredible species is the building block towards securing our natural heritage and the life-giving ecosystem services that are provided by these intact landscapes. We are proud to be the custodians of our unique and beautiful wildlife assets”.
The Wolkberg Zulu can only be seen on two tiny sites at high altitudes on the slopes of the Wolkberg mountain range in Limpopo. The butterfly is only 26mm in size and feeds on hard rock lichens that are almost impossible to separate from the rocks.
Dr Dave Edge from the Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa (LSA) initiated the idea of the conservation servitude in 2021.
Read the full article in Polokwane Observer 30 April 2026 edition.
H’burg: Explore on your doorstep
Maretha Swanepoel
Nature enthusiasts can enjoy a day on one of the running, hiking and cycling trails in Magoebaskloof. With an ecosystem that ranges from misty mountains to dense forests, every hike offers a unique experience. The Swartbos Trail, also known as the Lesodi Trail, runs through the indigenous forests of Magoebaskloof. It is a medium to difficult level route that starts across from Sandford Heights Nursery, next to Magoebaskloof Hotel. Along the trail, hikers will encounter notable landmarks such as the Knoll, Saw Pit, Pipe, Cathedral Tree and the Nose.
The Knoll is an unexpected hill, offering views back towards the hotel and down the valley to the Tzaneen Dam. The Saw Pit is a hole dug by 19th-century woodcutters, located beneath large fallen trees. The Pipe is a strangler vine that formed a hollow tube after the host tree died and decomposed. The Cathedral Tree is another strangler vine that spans several trees, resembling the arches of a cathedral.
The Louis Changuin Trail, named after the well-known writer, starts and ends in Haenertsburg and runs through the Haenertsburg Grassland Nature Reserve. Here, hikers can explore the rare Afro-montane Woodbush Granite Grasslands on either a 5km or 10km route. The trail offers sweeping grassland views, as well as sightings of rare fauna and flora. Visitors can also see some of the world’s oldest rock formations, known as greenstone.
Hiking enthusiasts can also explore newer trails at Schultz Farm. These 3km, 5km and 8km routes are easily accessible from Tzaneen and Haenertsburg.
The trails combine agricultural scenery, coffee farming and natural surroundings.
The Makgeng Hiking Trail, situated 17km from Haenertsburg, offers distances of 12km, 9km or 3.3km.
The route features abundant fauna and flora, along with views of ZCC and the surrounding areas.
German experience on H’burg soil
Maretha Swanepoel
A new addition to the dining experience in Haenertsburg is the opening of the Lechner’s Berg und Bier Brauhaus.
This new German-style dining experience embraces the German roots and heritage of the town.
Carl and Bernadette Lechner, who are also the proud owners of the award-winning Tenpin on Grimm in Polokwane, were inspired by Carl Ferdinand Haenert, who first discovered gold in the area.
According to Carl, Lechner’s Berg und Bier Brauhaus’ service is not just about food and drinks, but about patrons’ experience when they leave the restaurant.
The food is traditionally German, with pretzels and eisbein, paired with good beer and craft options.
Haentersburg is known for the hospitality at the shops and restaurants, and according to Bernadette, the Berg und Bier Brauhaus complements this unique tradition and the town’s ethos.
The dishes are familiar, thoughtfully prepared and can be enjoyed in a relaxed setting. When the couple walked into this space the first time, they just knew this would be the place where their dreams would be born.
The area was known as The Eatery, a place with warmth, creativity, and authenticity, and the couple will keep the focus on consistency and reliability.
Apart from being open for lunch and dinner, there is also a bar and deli with speciality baked items. The future is bright for this Brauhaus, and patrons can soon enjoy themed evenings.
From The Eatery, there will still be fresh bread and pastries, as this is what made The Eatery special.
Carl says there is no reason to take away something well-loved. “We would rather build on that foundation, expanding the offering while keeping quality.”
The Lechner’s Berg und Bier Brauhaus supports local producers and growers from Magoebaskloof and uses exceptional ingredients to keep the menu fresh and seasonal.
Food, fun and family at Pot ‘n Plow
Maretha Swanepoel
If there is one destination to visit in Haenertsburg, Pot ‘n Plow stands out as a must-stop venue, offering a unique dining and social experience.
Owned by George and Lara Luis, the restaurant combines food, entertainment and hospitality. “We’re not just serving food or drinks. We’re serving connections, stories, laughter and the kind of hospitality that makes strangers feel like old friends,” said Lara.
Pot ‘n Plow is known for its homemade wood-fired pizzas and a variety of hearty meals.
The venue was recently named Friendliest Business of the Year for 2025 in Tzaneen and surrounding areas by the Tzaneen Chamber of Commerce. It has also been nominated for Best Restaurant in Limpopo by the South Africa Restaurant Awards, as well as the Best of Tzaneen awards by the Herald.
Weekends at Pot ‘n Plow feature regular entertainment. Monthly themed events include Oktoberfest, Back to the 90s and Heritage Day Blues. Food at Pot ‘n Plow is prepared from scratch and the drinks offering includes six beers and four mixed drinks on tap, an extensive wine list.
The venue also caters for families, with a jumping castle and additional activities available for kids.
“We’re incredibly grateful to each and every local legend, lost tourist and loyal customer who has become like family,” the owners concluded.
Rescue effort gives endangered Cape Parrot a 2nd chance
The Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus), South Africa’s only indigenous parrot species, remains under threat due to the destruction and degradation of its natural forest habitat.
The Cape Parrot Project, established by Dr Steve Boyed in 2009, works to safeguard the species by partnering with communities to restore forest habitats critical to the birds’ survival.
Recently, the project responded to reports of an injured Cape Parrot in George’s Valley. The team travelled to the area, where they found an adult male bird hiding under a bus, unable to escape. He was rescued and transported to a rehabilitation facility, where they nnamed Scotini.
On arrival, Scotini was underweight and unable to fly. After several days of supportive care, including tube feeding, he began to regain weight. His inability to fly, however, persisted, prompting further examination. X-rays revealed a fractured wing.
Scotini tested negative for Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), a serious viral condition affecting parrots. He subsequently underwent surgery to repair the fracture, during which veterinarians inserted a pin to stabilise the bone.
The pin is expected to remain in place for approximately six weeks while the wing heals. In the meantime, Scotini is receiving physiotherapy to restore movement and rebuild strength.
Once he has fully recovered and is able to fly again, Scotini will be released back to the farm where he was found.
H’burg: Explore on your doorstep
Maretha Swanepoel
For a relatively small town, Haenertsburg has a lot to offer visitors.
Polokwane Observer compiled a list of things to do in Haenertsburg and Magoebaskloof.
• Enjoy the Haenertsburg Food and Wine Festival in April.
• Have a beer or gin and tonic at Zwakala Breweries.
• Book a picnic for you and a loved one at Sequoia Garden Retreat, Cheerio Gardens or Debengeni Falls.
• Go white-water tubing, Kloofing, abseiling or ziplining at the Canopy Tours at Magoebaskloof.
• Take a bike ride in the Misty Mountain Meanders or hike in various locations like the Louis Changuion Trail.
• Go birding or mountain bike riding in the Woodbush Forest Reserve, at the heart of Magoebaskloof Valley, where you can see the Cape Parrot.
• Relax with catch and release trout fishing.
• Have a tour at the Thomac Essential Oils distillery.
• Do some mushroom gathering at Otterholt Farm.
• Enjoy pottery classes at House of Art/Earth Creations Pottery.
• Visit the Long Tom Monument and the Haenertsburg Graveyard.
• Stroll through the arboretum and look at the various trees.
• Visit Wegraakbosch Organic Farm to learn more about cheese.
• Go blueberry picking at Blueberry Heights Farm (December – February).
Zwakala: Where friends and family gather
Maretha Swanepoel
Zwakala means come closer, and by offering a brewery where you can relax, a wedding venue and a river retreat, the owners manage to get people closer to each other.
The Zwakala River Retreat is located on the family farm, high up in the Magoebaskloof Mountains. This piece of paradise welcomes readers to gather together to celebrate the best things in life. The long tables, tilled with divine dishes, are surrounded by laughter, music and wine. With hugs and meaningful conversation, people connect to each other and form long-lasting friendships.
Mina’s Farm Venue is the perfect space for couples to have wedding celebrations by using the natural surroundings and the charming rustic venue as their canvas. At Mina’s, you can create your own unique wedding with a meaningful wedding weekend.
With over 15 years of experience, Mina’s wedding coordinator will guide you every step of the way, and the rest of the team is ready to assist you in the process. The in-house florist and stylist brings your vision to life with wild, seasonal blooms and thoughtful details.
Every corner at Mina’s holds character and charm, and every view begs to be remembered. Whether it’s your wedding, an intimate celebration with family and friends, Mina’s is about connection – to nature, to each other, and to the moment.
Zwakala Brewery is known for its delicious food and a variety of craft beer, gin and tonic on tap. Each batch of beer is handcrafted with no unnatural products in the brewing process.
With its enormous windows that overlook the mountains and lots of outdoor space with a magical playground for the children, you can come and relax with friends in a tranquil environment.
Apart from the playground for children, there is also a variety of outdoor games like the life-size Jenga, badminton and corn hole, fun for both adults and children.
EVENTS IN HAENERTSBURG
Haenertsbrug offers a variety of events to suit everyone’s taste.
A Sunday at Pot ‘n Plow offers live music, good food and great company.
Live performanaces are free but you need to book to avoid disappointment. To book, send a WhatsApp to 074 059 0560.
Upcoming live shows:
• March 29: Doulton Gill.
• April 5: Mario Solo.
• April 12: Just Helgard.
• April 19: Will Jordan.
• May 3: Danny Shade.
• May 10: Not so Fast, Mister.
• May 17: Will Jordan.
• May 24: Juanne Steenkamp.
Events:
• April 4: Good Vibes Long Weekend with Jahworx.
• April 18: Fire, Fiddles and Folk-Rock and Roll in the Kloof with RAAF.
• April 24: It’s in the Blood Live and Unplugged with Ferg ’n son.
• May 22: Winter Fireside Rock ’n Blues with Jan Blohm.
