Groot Marico, Gauteng, South Africa

Elephants in Madikwe Game Reserve, Groot Marico.

There are any number of attractive small towns in South Africa and around the world, which have much to offer but are virtually unknown. And sometimes it is only by some strange quirk of fate that they do become known. Groot Marico is one such place.

Groot Marico is a small country town where the pace of life is slow and many things are run just as they have been for generations. However, in the past one small thing did happen to this unprepossessing little town. A young teacher named Herman Charles Bosman, came out from Johannesburg to take up a post at the local school. As this young teacher got to know his neighbours, he started writing about them. With a wry fondness, he documented their habits, foibles, beliefs, faults and their strengths in a series of very popular books.

The art galleries, coffee shops, and mampoer (similar to moonshine) distilleries that offer tasting trips are just some of the new attractions. The eye of Marico is also worth a visit. It's a crystal clear spring, where the Marico rises. Groot Marico is about two hour's drive from Pretoria along the R27 which continues to Botswana. The nearest airport is at Pilanesberg, but Johannesburg International is only about three hour's drive away.

Madikwe Game Reserve is situated on the old route into Botswana and there are many tall tales told about the journeys north through there. The best place to hear them is at the bar in the small town of Groot Marico. It was here that author Herman Charles Bosman lived and taught at the local school. After lessons, he would write hilarious anecdotes about his fellow citizens and their drinking habits. It's worth trying to get a copy of some of his work. While in Groot Marico, you can do a mampoer (similar to moonshine) tasting trip.