Plizio Visual Lab
Ermelo
ℹ️Practical info — Ermelo
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Expect busy traffic at the intersection of the N2, N11, and N17 roads.
- Winters are very cold; be sure to pack warm clothing.
- Visit the nearby Nooitgedacht Dam for birdwatching.
- Look out for the historic sandstone buildings in the town center.
- The town is a good base for exploring the Mpumalanga grasslands.
🍽 Food
A regional specialty from the surrounding sheep farms.
Local beef is high quality; try a steakhouse in the town center.
Often found at farm stalls on the highways leading to town.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Look for items made from local wool and sheepskin.
Great for biltong, preserves, and snacks for the journey.
A quiet spot for birdwatching and picnics.
Small green areas within the residential parts for a short break.
Water temperature…
Ermelo serves as the administrative and economic hub of the Gert Sibande District in South Africa's Mpumalanga province. Officially established in 1880 by the Dutch Reformed minister Frans Lion Cachet, the town was named after its namesake in the Netherlands. Geographically, it occupies a strategic position at the junction of three major national roads, the N2, N11, and N17, making it a critical logistics point. During the Second Boer War in 1901, the settlement was almost entirely razed by British forces, only to be systematically rebuilt starting in 1903. Today, the local economy is primarily driven by extensive coal mining operations and a robust agricultural sector focused on maize production, wool, and cattle farming. Situated at an elevation of roughly 1,700 meters above sea level, the area enjoys a temperate highveld climate that supports its diverse commercial activities.
- Location: South Africa
- Top sights: AJ Swanepoel Stadium · Ermelo, South Africa
- Nearby: Secunda (80 km)
- Population: ~100.324 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 19 | 18 | 15 | 12 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 149 | 102 | 89 | 55 | 14 | 9 | 9 | 13 | 26 | 77 | 114 | 140 |
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1880 by Reverend Frans Lion Cachet
- Situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level
- Nearly destroyed by British forces during the war in 1901
- Strategic junction of the N2, N11, and N17 national roads
- Key center for coal mining in the Mpumalanga province
- Major producer of wool and maize for the South African market
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Ermelo (2)
Frequently asked questions
What makes Ermelo interesting?
Best time to visit?
Family-friendly?
What dining options are there?
How to reach Ermelo?
Ermelo: where is it located?
Ermelo: what is there to see?
Ermelo: when is the best time to visit?
Ermelo: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
Nature
More places
