| Geluksburg | |
| Pushpin Map: | South Africa KwaZulu-Natal#South Africa |
| Coordinates: | -28.5167°N 50°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | South Africa |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Uthukela (IFP) |
| Subdivision Type3: | Municipality |
| Subdivision Name3: | Okhahlamba (APEMO) |
| Subdivision Type4: | Ward |
| Subdivision Name4: | Ward 13 |
| Subdivision Type5: | Ward Councillor |
| Subdivision Name5: | John van Rooijan (IFP) |
| Subdivision Type6: | Main Place |
| Established Title: | Established |
| Leader Title: | Councillor |
| Area Footnotes: | [1] |
| Area Total Km2: | 1.21 |
| Population Total: | 211 |
| Population As Of: | 2022 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Demographics Type1: | Racial makeup (2022) |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Black African |
| Demographics1 Info1: | 51% |
| Demographics1 Title2: | Coloured |
| Demographics1 Info2: | 0.6% |
| Demographics1 Title3: | Indian/Asian |
| Demographics1 Title4: | White |
| Demographics1 Info4: | 45.4% |
| Demographics1 Title5: | Other |
| Demographics Type2: | First languages (2022) |
| Demographics2 Title1: | Zulu |
| Demographics2 Info1: | 48% |
| Demographics2 Title2: | Afrikaans |
| Demographics2 Info2: | 32.9% |
| Demographics2 Title3: | English |
| Demographics2 Info3: | 28.9% |
| Demographics2 Title4: | Sotho |
| Demographics2 Info4: | 0.9% |
| Demographics2 Title5: | Other |
| Demographics2 Info5: | 0.6% |
| Timezone1: | SAST |
| Utc Offset1: | +2 |
| Postal Code Type: | Postal code (street) |
| Postal2 Code Type: | PO box |
| Postal2 Code: | 3377 |
| Area Code Type: | Area code |
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 “Geluk” means ‘luck’ in Afrikaans and ‘Burg’ 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. It’s also home to a handful of professionals like teachers and social workers and those who work remotely, including digital nomads, who proudly proclaim Gelukburg’s 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 Shaka’s Mfecane during the early 1800s added to their displacement from this area.
The ‘Lost Valley’ located near Geluksburg was an early settlement of ‘Trek Boers’. This group were a “White Tribe” that lived an elementary life. Some five families lost their way from Piet Retief’s primary group, and as a result sought refuge in this valley. They were very reclusive until being discovered by a journalist in the 1950’s. The journalist observed them living in very simple mud dwellings.
The “Lost Valley” is now private farmland. However, tours can be arranged to see the remnants of the homes of this community.