Geluksburg is a small village in the Northern of Drakensberg in the KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa, located approximately 24 km from Bergville, close to Green Point and to the Free State border between the Oliviershoek and Van Reenen Mountain passes. The village lies 6 km below the base of the Tintwa mountains.
These ridges provide views of the Northern Drakensberg. Furthermore, these foothills contain notable examples of San Rock Art. These are not yet open to the public due to archaeological survey work. The word âÂÂGelukâ means âÂÂluckâ in Afrikaans and âÂÂBurgâ a town or residential area.
The closest other towns include Bergville, Ladysmith and Harrismith. Accessible on gravel roads only, the hamlet is a haven for retirees, recluses, and refugees from the world seeking out its remoteness. ItâÂÂs also home to a handful of professionals like teachers and social workers and those who work remotely, including digital nomads, who proudly proclaim GelukburgâÂÂs egalitarianism.
Geluksburg played a role in the history of the Bushmen (San), Zulu, Boer and British. Firstly, inhabited by the Bushman. However, they were forced out of the region by Nguni clans and the early European settlers. King ShakaâÂÂs Mfecane during the early 1800s added to their displacement from this area.
The âÂÂLost ValleyâÂÂàlocated near Geluksburg was an early settlement of âÂÂTrek BoersâÂÂ. This group were a âÂÂWhite Tribeâ that lived an elementary life. Some five families lost their way from Piet RetiefâÂÂs primary group, and as a result sought refuge in this valley. They were very reclusive until being discovered by a journalist in the 1950âÂÂs. The journalist observed them living in very simple mud dwellings.
The âÂÂLost Valleyâ is now private farmland. However, tours can be arranged to see the remnants of the homes of this community.