Things To Do
in Kriel
Kriel is a small mining town in Mpumalanga, South Africa, set on the Highveld plains with wide horizons and rolling hills. Its character revolves around coal mining, a practical, close-knit community, and a calm, rural pace of life. Visitors can observe everyday town life, enjoy local cafe fare, and connect with friendly residents in the streets.
Nearby towns and nature reserves offer easy day trips that balance the industrial roots with scenic countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the nearest major airport and travel to Kriel. Settle into your accommodation and freshen up after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to soak in the atmosphere of this charming town.
Explore the local market, where you can find handmade crafts and tantalizing foods. Engage with friendly vendors to learn about their products and the culture of Kriel. Don’t miss the opportunity to try some traditional South African snacks.
Dine at a cozy restaurant, sampling local dishes featuring the famous boerewors. After dinner, take a stroll around the town to admire the evening ambiance. Conclude your first day with a nightcap at a nearby bar, mingling with locals.
Start your day with a visit to the Kriel Museum, where you'll discover the rich history of the area. Take your time exploring the exhibits and engaging with informative displays. After the museum, head to a local bakery for some fresh pastries.
Participate in a guided walking tour of Kriel, visiting significant historical sites and learning about the town's culture. Interact with locals and immerse yourself in the stories shared by your guide. Stop for lunch at a local diner, where you can enjoy hearty South African fare.
Experience a traditional dance performance at a community hall, showcasing the heritage of the area. Engage with performers and learn about the significance of the dances. After the show, enjoy dinner at a restaurant featuring live music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $8-20 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $25-55 |
| 🚗Gas per liter | $0.95-1.20 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close-knit communities and friendly locals
- Affordable to travel and stay
- Access to Highveld landscapes and nature nearby
- Limited nightlife and dining options within town
- Longer drives to major cities for certain services
- Seasonal weather variability (thunderstorms, cold winters)
- "Goeie dag" - Good day / Hello
- "Dankie" - Thank you
- "Kan ek help?" - Can I help?
- "Waar is die naweekmark?" - Where is the weekend market?
- "Hoeveel kos dit?" - How much does it cost?
- "Ek is verdwaal" - I am lost
- "Skaal" - Cheers / Goodbye
Places to Visit in Kriel
Visit one of these nice places.
Open plains with a gentle rise of hills; best light just after dawn.
Industrial silhouettes against sunrise or sunset; captures the town’s mining heritage.
Colorful storefronts and daily life; shoot in the softer morning light.
Scenic overlooks along the main routes where fields meet distant ridges.
Food in Kriel
Kriel Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Maize porridge served with grilled meat and gravy; a staple comfort meal found in most local eateries.
Must-Try!
Spicy vegetable relish served with pap; a common side in braai meals.
Grilled boerewors sausage served with pap and a tomato-based sauce.
Slow-cooked meat and vegetables in a pot; available at some local restaurants and bistros.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Occasional weekend market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts; check local listings.
Boerie rolls and braai-inspired snacks available at local eateries or stalls when markets operate.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hello or handshake; show respect to elders and community members.
Maintain respectful eye contact in conversation; avoid staring.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; follow service context and your experience.
Safety
Tipping in Kriel
Ensure a smooth experience
In South Africa, 5-10% is common at casual places; 10-15% for good service; rounding up is appreciated on small bills.
Cards are widely accepted; cash in ZAR is still useful; mobile payments and QR-based options are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with late-afternoon thunderstorms; carry water and sun protection; outdoor activities are best in the morning.
Cool to cold with occasional frosty mornings; layering is essential; sunny days are common after crisp starts.
Mild temperatures and green pastures; great for outdoor walks and photography.
Cooling evenings and comfortable daytime temperatures; ideal light for photography and strolls.
Kriel at Night
Hiking in Kriel
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail with open grasslands and distant hills suitable for a half-day hike.
Gentle trails through farmlands with opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Airports
How to reach Kriel by plane.
Main international gateway about 90-120 km away, best reached by car or domestic flight to Secunda or Johannesburg.
Smaller regional airfield near Secunda for domestic flights or charters; seasonal service may vary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority in Mpumalanga; diverse cultures and languages with isiZulu, isiNdebele, and Sesotho among communities.
Significant presence in towns due to historical settlement patterns; Afrikaans is commonly heard in daily life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across schools and communities; regional matches and social games occur in Mpumalanga.
Widely played in towns; local leagues and friendly matches are common.
Participates in school and community leagues during season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kriel.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for veggie options like salads, mielie pap with tomato relish, grilled vegetables, and veggie curries; communicate dietary needs in Afrikaans or English; many places can adjust sides.