A History Of Bela Bela
Bela Bela
Warmbad (previously named Hartingsburg, officially got known as Bela-Bela in 2002. Bela-Bela (Tswana: The pot that boils), set in the Waterberg district of the Limpopo province, lies off the N1 between Pretoria and Polokwane.
As the name refers, the town’s hot springs produce 22 000 litres per hour at 52°C. This water from these springs is rich in sodium chloride, calcium carbonate and other salts that are highly valuable to those suffering from rheumatic conditions.
How it all started
- Voortrekker Carl Van Heerden established the first farm in this area at the Mineral Springs and named it Het Bad, at this time the area in and around the mineral springs was a swampland.
- In 1873 the Honorable President Burger of the then South African Republic, first saw the tourism and leisure opportunities that Het Bad had to offer.
- Although Hartingsburg was the authorized name, the place was commonly called “Warmbaths“.In 1903 the British government altered the name of the Post Office to WARM BATHS
- A declaration of April, 1905, proclaims the extension of the borders of Warmbaths over the other portions of the farm Het Bad and since then the name Hartingsburg vanished.
- In 1920 Warm Baths was reproclaimed a town and it was not until the 1st July 1950, that it had a magisterial district of its own.
- In 1932 Warmbaths attained village town status and town council status in 1960. Since then the community has made rapid advances. New suburban areas sprang up, modern commercial concerns were established and superb schools and hotels made their arrival.
- Today Bela-Bela is known for its satisfyingly warm winter days with an average of 286 sunny days yearly. Summer temperatures varies between 15.7°C – 29°C and winter temperatures 6.7°C – 24°C
- Being a mere 100km from Pretoria, Bela-Bela offers you relaxation at the town’s local resort and numerous activities from game viewing, bird watching, hiking, biking, swimming to golfing.
- Bela-Bela boasts with supreme luxurious Accommodation, Game lodges, Restaurants Golf courses and Spa’s the Waterberg has to offer!
- Warmbad (previously named “Hartingsburg”), officially got known as Bela-Bela in 2002. Bela-Bela(Tswana: The pot that boils), set in the Waterberg district of the Limpopo province, lies off the N1 between Pretoria and Polokwane.
- As the name refers, the town’s hot springs produce 22 000 litres per hour at 52°C. This water from these springs is rich in sodium chloride, calcium carbonate and other salts that are highly valuable to those suffering from rheumatic conditions.
- Voortrekker Carl Van Heerden established the first farm in this area at the Mineral Springs and named it Het Bad, at this time the area in and around the mineral springs was a swampland.
- In 1873 the Honorable President Burger of the then South African Republic, first saw the tourism and leisure opportunities that Het Bad had to offer.
- Although Hartingsburg was the authorized name – named after Pieter Harting (Dutch Biologist & Naturalist, 1812-1885) who conducted extensive groundwater research in effort to improve quality of water for public health – the place was commonly called “Warmbaths“.
In 1903 the British government altered the name of the Post Office to Warm Baths.
- A declaration of April, 1905, proclaims the extension of the borders of Warmbaths over the other portions of the farm Het Bad and since then the name Hartingsburg vanished.
- In 1920 Warm Baths was reproclaimed a town and it was not until the 1st July 1950, that it had a magisterial district of its own.In 1932 Warmbaths attained village town status and town council status in 1960.Since then the community has made rapid advances. New suburban areas sprang up, modern commercial concerns were established and superb schools and hotels made their arrival.
Bela-Bela offers the lavish luxury accommodation, game lodges, restaurants, golf courses and Spas.
Bela Bela Today
Today Bela-Bela is known for its satisfyingly warm winter days with an average of 286 sunny days yearly. Summer temperatures vary between 15.7°C – 29°C and winter temperatures 6.7°C – 24°C.
Being a mere 100km from Pretoria, Bela-Bela offers you relaxation at the town’s local resort and numerous activities from game viewing, bird watching, hiking, biking, swimming to golfing.
Leandra Jacobs
| More info on the area of Waterberg | More info on the Limpopo area |
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