What is Nigel?
Nigel is a small gold mining town in Gauteng Province, South Africa, southeast of Johannesburg. The town is at the southeastern edge of the area known as the East Rand.
Where Is Nigel In South Africa
The town of Nigel, directly south of Springs and Brakpan, lies in what is known as the East Rand, southeast of Johannesburg.
As with many of the little outlying towns out this way, Nigel began as a gold mining town in the late 1800s, named, not after anyone particularly famous but instead for a book the prospector, Sir Walter Scott, happened to be reading at the time they discovered gold here – The Fortunes of Nigel.
Whilst the gold mines recently closed, the industrial area of the town keeps its economy ticking over (the Gautrain rail cars were dispatched from here and electricity line hardware and towers are manufactured here, amongst other things).
This does mean that the center of the city is anything but pretty. But head into the suburbs and the leafiness of Gauteng is once again evident.
If you do one thing whilst visiting Nigel, make sure that you head out on the R42 on the Marievale road extension to the Marievale Bird Sanctuary, a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of city living, lying on a large wetland roughly 10 km outside of town.
Over 65 water bird species are found here and over 3 500 types of birds – to call it a prime birding spot does not quite do it justice. The team at Birding South Africa advocates that this is the best place in Gauteng to try and spot the goliath, black squacco, and purple heron. Even marsh owls are evident in the grasslands during winter.
Also, take in Diepkloof Farm Museum on Nigel road towards Suikerbosrand. This is a restored farmhouse from 1850, and whilst out here, visit Suikerbosrand itself, where a day spent hiking is food for the soul.
Where does Nigel get its name?
In July 1888 (two years after the discovery of gold on the Witwatersrand) Marais achieved his goal. Marais attributed his luck to the novel he had been reading and therefore, called his company Nigel (after the character in the novel) and in this way, the town of Nigel came into being.
Which province is Nigel?
Gauteng
Nigel, Gauteng
| Nigel | |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Gauteng |
| Municipality | Ekurhuleni |
| Area |