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Albasini Ruins

At last...

Thanks for those WTM!! (Such co-operation today )

I have just referred to my KNP map and think that I have been muddling these ruins with the Masorini site. What is the history behind these ruins? (Save me reading up on it on my own )

Joao Albasini build it and used it as his trading post/home. He brought iron from the Masorini to here and then took it al the way to Moz. It is the first time in South Africa that this type of building was discovered.

In a nutshell...

João Albasini (an Italian born Portuguese) was the first European who really established himself in this part of the Lowveld. Although the area was known as Ngomeni, he called it Magashulaskraal (as he obtained the ground from a local chief, Magashula, in exchange for 22 cattle).

The local black people called him Juwawa - a corruption of the pronunciation of João. Albasini originally had the idea to annex the Lowveld for Portugal and to call his new colony Santa Luiz, but he eventually started helping the Boere to establish the wagon route they wanted. Albasini had a very strong influence in the area - so much that the local communities along the Sabi River regarded them under his protection and work for him as carriers. They carried merchandise for him through the malaria- and tsetse fly corridor to the interior.

He lived here for only two years, before moving to Orighstad in 1847. He lived at several places after that, until his death in 1888.

(Information taken from David Paynter's book: "Die Krugerwildtuin in woord en beeld")

Very informative.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't this the spot where Jock fought the baboon that was tied to the tree??????

Wow!! If it is.

I thought that was in Pilgrims Rest. Will have to check the book for that one.

No I don't think it was at Albasini's post. In fact, I am not convinced Alasini and Jock lived at the same time.

Most likely the fight was either in Pilgrims rest or Graskop. I would love to be wrong though

I have always wanted to see these ruins
but just never seem to get around to it.

With regards to the Jock question, according
to the book, the baboon was owned by a guy
called Seedling who used to dabble in dog fights
with his baboon for money. The baboon was tied
to a pole that had a little top post/hut.

In the book it says that the baboon fight took place
in an area somewhere between Lydenberg and Paradise Camp.
It was an area that was frequented by the prospectors.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Lowveld HRs Heritage Group, together with KNP folk, are looking at revamping this site to make it more attractive and informative. Any information or ideas welcome!!!!

Hahahahaha, BIG fight....there is nothing left!



That place looks a bit rundown, how about rebuilding it to its former glory!

Always the dilemma in these situations......do you try to do restoration, or leave things as they are but have models/illustrations to show what it probably was like.....

Definitely more information is intended, about Albasini, trade routes, the graves at the site, and anything else we unturn while working on the idea.

From a personal point of view I do think the site needs some sort of re-vamp. Earlier this year I visited the ruins and the info boards were looking a bit shabby with some artifacts that had been 'removed' or had fallen off.

I have a deep love for the history of the Park and every time I'm in Kruger I always stop to visit the historical sites just because I love it so much, irrespective of the fact that I have seen them 100 times!