ABOUT UTRECHT

The town of Utrecht lies within the confines of the Balele Game Park and the Utrecht Community Game Farm, with a total Game Park area of 2500ha.  All the mountains that surround the town are part of the Game Park and have been stocked with no fewer than 11 species of game including Impala, Blesbuck, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Nyala, Red Hartebeest, Blue Wildebeest, Kudu, Burchell's Zebra, Warthog and Giraffe.  The town itself lies within a part of the Game Park and the long-term plan is to open the whole area to the town, so that we may see game animals frequenting the outskirts of town, parks and gardens as is already happening with species such as Grey Duiker, 
Genet and the odd Impala.

This is an initiative by the local Town Council in conjunction with the Balele Conservancy and motivated by individual residents in the District.  It has, in the last 5 years, brought about a greater awareness of the magnificent natural surroundings of the town and has shifted the focus of the town from industry to tourism.

FEATURES:  Tranquil Caravan Park, Bushcamps, Game Drives, & Birding Tours and Country Club with all Sport facilities.  The perfect place to spend a little of your free time and a quiet, peaceful and safe environment to live.  So, join us for a day, a week, or just move right in!

HISTORICAL & OTHER FACTS

Tucked away in the corner of the picturewsque Balele mountains lies Utrecht, a rare gem, unique in that it lies within a Game Park.

Established in 1854, the town is steeped in history which is reflected in beautiful historical buildings like the Old Parsonage Museum, the Dutch Reformed sandstone church, the unique old military cemetry and stately colonial houses and other buildings.

Utrecht does not only offer an historical experience to the tourist.  The picturesque Balele mountains whti its waterfalls and ecological diversity is home to a wealth of fauna and flore, especiallu in the Balele Game Park which encircles the town.

The conservancy and district offers a variety of experiences that include hiking and horse trails, trout fishing in dams of the pristine Bivane river, birding as well as water sport at the redreation resort.

The Utrecht district is the tribal domain of no fewer than 5 Amakosi (Zulu Chiefs) who, today play an active role in the development of the area.  The Mangosuthu Arts and Crafts village with backpacker accommodation and craft shop that sells a variety of traditional Zulu articles is a must!

Utrecht has excellent agricultural potential and is the most important wool producing area in KwaZulu-Natal.  It is, howeer, also a major cattle and mixed farming region.  Farm holidays are on offer to the city dweller in search of an alternative experience.