Ancient ruins of Southern Africa

To give you a bit more of an idea about the stone ruins around Waterval Boven, Machadodorp and Carolina, visit the Makomati Foundation's website. The photos above, also the information below is from there. Author Michael Tellinger has also founded a small but fascinating museum at his Stone Circle Bistro in Waterval Boven.

In the heart of southern Africa lies the scattered evidence of a lost civilisation whose people built some 20,000 stone structures. These breathtaking ruins constitute the largest continuous stone settlement ever built on Earth as it stretches over thousands of kilometres from South Africa all the way to Kenya and beyond.

These mysterious ancient ruins consist of dwellings, forts, temples roads, irrigation systems and agricultural terraces that cover thousands of square kilometres. It is our estimate that more stone went into building these features than went into building all of the Egyptian pyramids. It is an archaeologist’s dream that will unveil even greater and more mysterious secrets in years to come.

Pizza for 2.5

A walk down to Michael Tellinger's Stone Circle Bistro late yesterday afternoon again emphasised the beauty and uniqueness of my adopted little town: Waterval Boven.

And just before dusk, walking along the now turbulent Elands river, I had a stunning view over the old 'veld school' (before that it was the high school), which was my first introduction to Waterval Boven - exactly 30 years ago.

Stone Circle Bistro serves a dam good breakfast

Infamous Sharkey's Sports Bar & Bistro in Waterval-Boven has finally given up the ghost with the signage for Michael Tellinger's Stone Circle Bistro having finally been erected. I can testify that it's now serving a fantastic, value-for-money breakfast from 8am on weekends. Finally there's a breakfast joint in town and it's most likely the only place between Millys and the Malaga Hotel on the N4.

His bookshop is most likely to open later this week. The walls have been drilled and prepared, the shelves should be going up tomorrow and the books delivered later in the week.

The museum - dedicated to Michael's research on the countless stone circles in the area and Adam's Calendar in Kaapsehoop - is also nearing completion; the water proofing's completed and it looks like they've started painting it.

The deck and bar on the Eland's River are also under construction and about 50 trees have been planted. It's looking good... and it's just what this village has been crying out for yonks.

The Full Breakfast consists of 3 rashers bacon, pork sausage, 2 fried eggs, mushrooms, tomato, 2 slices of toast, a great 180 degree view, an efficient waiter called Tommy, a friendly and well-armed chef called Dennis and a vivacious manager called Debra. All of this for R35.00. While a high from a cup of Blue Mountain filter coffee will set you back R8.00.

Other than breakfast, Michael has imported a pizza oven from Melville in Jozi. They're also great and are served with his exceptional chilli concoction on the side.

As Michael always say, "Waterval-Boven is now two clicks away from being a Dullstroom [but in the very best sense, of course]!"

Stone Circle Bistro: 013 257 0759

More info about the stone circles: www.makomati.com