It was a hot Thursday afternoon, December 12, in Burgersfort, East of Limpopo Province in South Africa. As I embarked on this unforgettable journey through the heart of the mining town, my day was filled with fascinating history, captivating stories, and surprises.

From the Echo Caves’ depths to a family-run shoe shop that feels like a home, here’s a peek into what made the day so special.

The Echo Caves: A Journey Beneath the Surface

Our day began early with a visit to the Echo Caves outside Burgersfort. In recent centuries, the Pedi people used the caves for shelter; they slept in what is now called the Samson chamber (due to the limestone columns that appear to hold the low roof of the cave up).

We were greeted by Evans Mkhondo, a knowledgeable tour guide who led us through the winding paths of this underground wonder. “They found clay pots and grinding stones, their original tools. There was no chimney, but people chose this spot because it had a hole for smoke to escape,” Mkhondo explained. 

Taking us down a history path, Mkhondo described how the kitchen ceiling was darkened by smoke, and while the hole helped the smoke to leave, it wasn’t as effective as a proper chimney. “If you look up, it’s black from the smoke, and the hole didn’t let it escape directly, so it stayed trapped in the ceiling,” the tour guide said. 

As the tour moved underground, Mkhondo pointed out the impressive formations in the cave. “These are stony spikes called stalactites,” he said, “formed when water drips from the ceiling. Over time, the water creates stalagmites on the ground below.” He explained that when stalactites and stalagmites grow together, they form a column, which takes centuries. 

“A tiny 2.5 cm of stalagmite can take 100 years to grow!” he added. 

Mkhondo also noted that the process is slow, and water can wear away the formations, so visitors aren’t allowed to touch them. “The acids from our skin can damage these ancient formations,” he warned, hinting at the mystery beneath.

The Echo Caves are not just any tourist spot; they are part of a geological marvel that earned recognition in the Guinness Book of Records for having the longest underground routes.

As we navigated through narrow passageways, Mkhondo explained that early settlers used the caves for iron smelting, grinding grain, and even as a burial site. The air was thick with history.

One of the most interesting facts shared was about the stalactites and stalagmites above us. “These formations grow very slowly, just 2.5 centimetres every 100 years,” he noted. The caves were once crucial for survival, with their chimneys helping to prevent suffocation from smoke.

But today, they are a sanctuary for those seeking to connect with the past.

The Museum of Man: A Glimpse Into the Past

Our next stop was the Museum of Man, a hidden gem in the heart of Burgersfort. The museum, managed by Jacob Thabang Mashiloane, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. 

As we walked through the exhibits, Mashiloane shared fascinating details about the artefacts. “These tools were used for iron smelting, and these are the horns the Vapiri people used to blow when the swallows attacked,” Mashiloane explained, pointing to ancient items carefully displayed throughout the museum.

One of the most striking features of the museum was the collection of human and animal bones discovered on nearby land. “The owners of the farm discovered human skeletal remains here,” Mashiloane told us, adding a chilling touch to the history we were learning. Early inhabitants once buried the bones, later replaced with animal bones for study.

The museum’s collection also includes impressive replicas of South African artefacts and a unique display of sculptures. Mashiloane explained the importance of these items in understanding local history and culture. A peaceful, reflective stop connected the past with the present.

The Shoe Shop: A Family Legacy with a Twist

After a morning full of history, we made our way to the final stop of our day — the Shoe Shop. At first glance, it looked like any small-town shop, but as we entered, the charm of this family-run business quickly became evident.

Aldo van Zyl, the shopkeeper, welcomed us with a story about the shop’s humble beginnings.

“It started as a shop for my mother,” Van Zyl explained. “In the late 80s, she ran a food business a few kilometers away. It became so popular that we decided to open the Shoe Shop here.” 

The shop itself is a unique creation, built in the shape of a giant shoe. It’s a nod to Van Zyl’s Dutch heritage and an old nursery rhyme that inspired his mother.

“It was a nursery rhyme about a Dutch old lady who lived in a shoe,” he said with a smile.

But the Shoe Shop is more than just a quirky structure; it’s also a family business with a rich history. Van Zyl’s father, Ron Van Zyl, added to the family legacy by showcasing his wooden carvings, which can still be found inside. 

Ron, who has been carving for over 20 years, shared that the wood used for his sculptures comes from indigenous trees like leadwood and red ivory.

“It takes forever to carve this wood. You have to roll it in the sun, let it dry for years before you can even start carving,” Ron said.

His works have a biblical theme, and he uses them to teach visitors about the conscience, urging them to reflect on their inner thoughts.

After exploring the shop and museum, Van Zyl and his family treated us to a delicious lunch in their cosy tea garden.

The aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air, and the food was simple yet comforting — just the kind of meal you’d expect from a family-run business.

A Day Well Spent

As we wrapped up our adventure through Burgersfort, it became clear that this small town in Limpopo holds a wealth of hidden gems, from the Echo Caves to the Museum of Man and the Shoe Shop. These places, steeped in history and culture, offer a unique insight into South Africa’s past, while the people we met along the way shared stories that brought the past to life.

As we left, Van Zyl echoed in my mind: “This shop started as a dream, but it’s become a place where families come together. It’s not just about the shoe, it’s about preserving a story.” 

Indeed, this day in Burgersfort reminded me that the most fascinating stories are often found in the most unexpected places.