Breyten

The small coal mining town of Breyton is situated between Carolina and Ermelo, near the source of the Vaal River, in the Glass and Wetlands Region of Mpumalanga.

Besides coal, Breyton offers leatherworks and weaving. Surrounding farmlands consist mostly of apple orchards, maize, sheep and cattle ranches.

Breyten is not far from Chrissiesmeer and Lake Chrissie, known for excellent birding, and the attractive surrounding area offer guest farms and outdoors activities from anglng in the many dams in the area, to horse trails, birding, hiking, quad bike, mtb and 4×4 trails. For the most part, it’s a case of bring your own bikes, 4×4, fishing equipment etc to your guest farm, and enjoy the rugged and extensive farmlands, lakes and open roads. There are few ‘formalised trails’ as you can choose to head off in almost any direction.

Breyten is quite a sleepy town with some slightly rundown buildings, but this adds to its rural appeal, and it has all the basic amenities, shops and services. There are a number of old historical buildings and disused coal shafts that speak of a time gone by.

Getting there: Take the N17 from Ermelo toward Chrissiesmeer, turning left on to the R36 for Carolina a few kilometres out of town.