The Makhonjwa Mountains around Barberton have defined the Swazi frontier for as long as human memory. They stretch from Jeppe’s Reef to Oshoek and all the hills between, from Shiyalongubo to Queen’s river and Jambila to Songimvelo and Elukwatini. Geologists and historians refer to this area as the Barberton Greenstone or Barberton Mountainlands. They are renowned for their ancient green rocks with their unique scientific record of the pre-history of the earth and for the human stories in pursuit of hidden gold.

This small and beautiful mountain range has a global reputation. Also referred to as the ‘Genesis of Life’, its geology includes the best preserved truly ancient rocks on earth. Despite the rocks being 3.5 billion years old they are so well preserved that their fossils faithfully record the earliest life forms on the planet as well as evidence of the first recorded massive meteorite impact. Here, when gold was discovered over 120 years ago it was the site of one of the milestones marking the industrial development of South Africa. And those mines are still producing the oldest gold on the planet.

For years Barberton has attracted teams of international scientists who return annually to research and interpret the story of the earth’s beginnings and the evolution of life. This is because it is only in the beautifully preserved rocks of the Makhonjwas where they are able to find the clues that science needs to learn about the earth’s earliest history and the way life began.

The Makhonjwa Mountains are also a veritable treasure trove of other heritage values of great significance. Biologically, they are home to an incredible variety of native plants and animals, and is one of the recognized ‘Centers of Biological Endemism’ in South Africa. They contain very important high-rainfall mountain catchments which are protected in terms of several proclaimed Nature Reserves. The historic and cultural history of the region is of great importance to the Swazi Nation as well as that of the early colonial era. Its beauty and accessibility makes it a natural destination for tourism where visitors from southern Africa and overseas can enjoy an enjoyable inspirational and educational experience.