The small historic village of Lake Chrissie lies in the centre of South Africa’s Lake District. There are about 270 lakes and pans located within a 20 km radius of the village, which is known for it’s many guest houses, a lodge and outdoor activities such as horse riding, mountain biking, hiking and picnicking on the banks of Lake Chrissie.

Bird watching is also popular, with 82 aquatic and 170 other bird species to be seen. The village is also known for it’s many unusual activities presented by the Matotoland Ecotourism Association (Chrissiesmeer). These include the Matoto Ride, frogging, rafting, stargazing and many more. The word “Matoto’ was derived from the Swazi word ‘Maxoxo’, meaning ‘frog’.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Badplaas 60 km, Breyton 22 km, Carolina 28 km, Ermelo 36 km

HISTORICAL VIEW

Billiard Cottage

The cottage was brought by ox wagon from Bloemfontein (Tempe) during the Anglo Boer War (1899 – 1902) and served as recreation mess for the British soldiers.

Dumbarton Oaks Hotel

Built in the late 1800’s. Oaks planted by John Jack (of gold mining Jack & Simmer fame) in 1886.

FNB Building

Was the first bank in the area (1906)

Methodist Church

Built of sandstone building dating to 1912. Today serving as the church hall.

Old Parsonage

Post Office

Proclaimed in 1878. All the surrounding towns, including Ermelo, received their mail via the Post Office in Chrissiesmeer.

Reformed Church

Sandstone building dating to 1892. View the graves of Genl Frans Joubert and his wife

San Rock Art

On the farm Welgelegen and various shelters surrounding Lake Chrissie.

St George’s Anglican Church

July 1913

Zionist Church

Stone and sandstone building in the KwaChibikulu village.

NATURE

Lake Chrissie

Altitude approximately 1800 m above sea level. Surface area 1046 ha. The lake or pan is the largest of the approximately 270 pans in the area

Songimvelo

Accommodation in and around Chrissiesmeer