Only 135 km's from Johannesburg, lies a "Mining Wonder", the Blaauwbank Historic Gold Mine & Resort - the Cradle of Gold. Join us for an experience of a lifetime and see how the early miners worked the gold bearing ore. Original equipment includes coco pans, picks, shovels, pit props and rope winches. Hard hats andlamps will be provided. Guests have the opportunity to crush ore and even pan their own gold! We have the only permit in the country that allows you to take the gold that you have panned home!

Who can say that they have visited the oldest gold mine in Gauteng. It lies hidden in the rocks of the Witwatersrand Reefs and led to the discovery of the largest gold deposit in the world as well as the Johannesburg "Gold Rush"

For a touch of nostalgia view the ancient boarding house of the first "diggers" and visit the "graveyard" of the miners who worked the original claims in 1874.

Mine history:
James Jennings was born in 1816 in England at Londonbridge Deverill in Wiltshire. He married Sarah Sanders and they had a 11 children. In 1866 they packed their belongings and "trekked by ox wagon" to the Transvaal, today known as the Gauteng.

This "Trek" of nearly 800km was done in "shifts" of 12km each. Each "shift" took an entire day to complete. Saturdays were spent repairing the ox wagons, tending to sick livestock as well as smearing the axles and "wheel rims" of the wagons with Hippo fat as lubricant. The woman would burn coffee beans in cast iron pots and cook soap, whilst making candles using Hippo fat. On Sundays no work except "Call in the Put" was allowed and neighboring farms were visited for fresh news out of Europe.

The travel company continued with their journey and traveled though a pass in the ridge, which had a reddish tinge known as " De Roode Roort", today knows as the city of Roodepoort. This city is situated towards the Cashaqni Mountains (Magalies Mountain Range) on the Western side of Johannesburg.

The Jennings family then bought the farm Blaauwbank where the little town Magaliesburg stands today. The old homestead and the family graveyard are still on the farm. The Jennings family would live on to play a major role in the establishment of not only the mining industry in South Africa, but also in the tobacco industry in the years that followed.

Or you could rather do the Maxi Mine Tour. This is an extensive underground mine tour and lecture about the mining industry. Here you will also be doing reef digging and gold panning and you'll receive a certificate but the Maxi Mine Tour lasts around 2 hours.

BLAAUWBANK FACILITIES:
Along with the necessary facilities required for conferencing and teambuilding events, we also have a restaurant, and the Pick and Shovel Pub.

Treat yourself to mouth watering meals that complement the mining era at the Gold Rush Tavern. The menu includes "buffet-style" meals from Braai's to good old fashioned "Potjiekos"

The restaurant boasts the most amazing view of the Magaliesburg, which can be enjoyed from inside, or while dining on the covered sundeck. Family Sunday Luncheons are a specialty. Booking is essential!

ACCOMMODATION AT BLAAUWBANK

The unique accommodation comprises of 20 fully equipped and comfortable tents that are situated around a crackling bonfire. After re-living the 18th - century mining trade for a day, you can sit back, relax and appreciate the South African star-lit skies.

A communal braai, kitchen facilities and ablution blocks are also available to guests.

CONFERENCE VENUES
Conference in the Country - The Conference Centre boasts two fully equipped Conference rooms, Situated on our " Mountain of Gold", with it's unprecedented panoramic view of the Magaliesburg Mountain Range & Magaliesburg town.

Blacksmith Shop : 120 Delegates
Miner's Jail : 30 Delegates
Underground Conference Room: 20 Delegates

CONFERENCE PACKAGES
Half and full day packages available

CONTACT DETAILS:

Tel: 082 567 3111
Fax: 014 577 1080
Cell: 082 465 2639

Physical Adress:
Station Road
Magaliesburg
South Africa

Postal Adress:
P.O. Box 1850
Kempton Park
1020
South Africa