Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Limpopo & Mpumalanga
6 AWESOME EXPERIENCES IN LIMPOPO & MPUMALANGA:
1. BLYDE RIVER CANYON
The Blyde River Canyon, officially the Motlatse Canyon, is the third largest canyon in the world and forms the northern part of the Drakensberg escarpment. Located in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, it is 25 kilometres in length and is, on average, around 750 metres deep. Stop at the Graskop Lift Company where the viewing lift takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the gorge into the forest below and wooden walkways & suspension bridges meander along a 600 metre trail through the indigenous forest with interactive exhibits.
Blyde River Canyon Reserve includes natural wonders such as the Bourke's Luck Potholes (photo above), the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God's Window. Many visitors to this region enjoy the visual splendour of combining the Panorama Route with exceptional game viewing in the Kruger National Park to create a spectacular itinerary in Mpumalanga.These unique geological features are all easily accessible on tarred roads from the picturesque village of Graskop. There is ample accommodation throughout the area. Several hiking trails meander through the reserve and cater for all ages and levels of fitness. This Mpumalanga Nature Reserve in South Africa also offers a variety of adventure sports such as white water rafting and abseiling as well as quieter activities like fly-fishing.
2. DULLSTROOM
Dullstroom, also known as Emnothweni, is a small town in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The town lies 35 kilometres (22 miles) north of Belfast and some 53 kilometres (33 miles) south-west of Lydenburg. Along with Underberg, it is one of South Africa's premier flyfishing destinations. It is also a haven for artists, musicians, foodies, fitness fanatics and outdoor lovers.
3. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa. It covers an area of 19,485 km2 (7,523 sq mi) in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa, and extends 360 km (220 mi) from north to south and 65 km (40 mi) from east to west. The Park became South Africa's first national park in 1926 and it is now part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a peace park that links Kruger National Park with the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe, and with the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique. The park has nine main gates allowing entrance to the different camps.
4. MAC MAC FALLS
Just 13km from Sabie on the R532 road towards Graskop lies Mac Mac Falls, which was named by the Scottish miners who sought their fortune by panning for gold in the 1870s gold rush; they themselves didn’t come up with the name. Apparently President Thomas Burger was visiting the area in 1873and was struck by how many of the miners names began with “Mac”. On the spot he named the area Mac Mac – a name that has survived to this day. Take the cement pathway to the viewing platform for a great view of the falls.
5. MAGOEBASKLOOF
Magoebaskloof in Limpopo Province, also known as ‘The Land of the Silver Mist’, is the kind of place you can come back to time and again – even if it’s just to make sure that it’s actually as beautiful as you thought it was when you saw it the first time. With the towering massif of the Wolkberg as backdrop and the pristine beauty of the surrounding grassland Haenertsburg Village will remind you of a Swiss Village, without the snow of course! Haenertsburg is a former gold-mining town with its trading-post buildings made of corrugated iron and shady roads. In Rissik Street you'll find several outstanding eateries, curio and antique shops, a museum and a rare second-hand bookstore.
6. SUDWALA CAVES
The Sudwala Caves in Mpumalanga, South Africa, are set in Precambrian dolomite rock, which was first laid down about 2800 million years ago, when Africa was still part of Gondwana. The caves themselves formed about 240 million years ago. There are a number of speleothem structures in the cave, known by names such as the "Lowveld Rocket", "Samson's Pillar", and the "Screaming Monster"; some have been dated to 200 million years old. There are also microbial fossils of a cyanobacterium known as collenia in the rock; these formed 2000 million years ago. The caves were used for shelter in prehistoric times, probably due in part to a constant supply of fresh air from an unknown source in the caves.
SLEEP AT COACH HOUSE HOTEL & SPA (TZANEEN)
The Coach House's name has become synonymous with elegant colonial luxury. Dine in the graceful Zeederburg Restaurant surrounded by History and Heritage.Orchards, macadamia plantations and manicured gardens offer the chance for the sophisticated traveller to immerse themselves in the Natural Beauty and multitude of outdoor activities that make this a retreat far from the madding crowd.
SLEEP AT FLYCATCHER CASTLE (GRASKOP)
The Castle is perched on the edge of Graskop on the Drakensburg escarpment, centrally situated in the Lowveld area of Mpumalanga. Designed and completed by sculptor, Manie Connoway, Flycatcher Castle boasts with its own unique art gallery, breathtaking views and nearby attractions such as the Kruger National Park, God’s Window and the Three Rondawels.
SLEEP AT FOREST CREEK LODGE & SPA (DULLSTROOM)
Forest Creek Lodge & Spa is an incredibly exclusive, private place 0n the Mpumalanga escarpment and offers an escape from the bright city lights. Marvel at the expansive night sky and fall asleep to the sounds of the night in their Luxury Lodge Suites or one of the self catering accommodation options available.
SLEEP AT GREEN KRUGER LODGE (MARLOTH PARK)
The guest rooms have a rustic African feel and provide everything you would expect in terms of eco-friendly luxury and comfort. The 4 en-suite bedrooms provide guests with an unchallenged experience of waking up and snuggling a little further into their luxury duvets while adoring the fauna & flora right outside their doors.
SLEEP AT GUNYATOO TROUT FARM & GUEST LODGE (NELSPRUIT)
Gunyatoo Trout Farm & Guest Lodge is the perfect country getaway presenting a charming fly-fishing, birding and nature retreat. Nestled in the picturesque, and malaria free Rhenosterhoek valley (just off Long Tom Pass - between Lydenburg and Sabie - 40km from Nelspruit). The guest lodge is ideally positioned for access to most tourist attractions that Mpumalanga has to offer, including Kruger National Park, Pilgrims Rest, Sudwala Caves & the Panorama Route.
SLEEP AT HOTEL PROMENADE (NELSPRUIT)
Hotel Promenade is located in the Lowveld region’s capital city, Nelspruit - once the original town hall. This historic hotel is one of the town’s landmarks, with its stately tower overlooking the Promenade Shopping Centre and the Town Centre. The hotel offers 72 well-appointed and spacious accommodation with warm personal service and genuine local hospitality.
SLEEP AT KHAYA NDLOVU MANOR HOUSE (HOEDSPRUIT)
Khaya Ndlovu is situated in the Khaya Ndlovu Game Reserve, surrounded by nature, yet a stone’s throw away from Hoedspruit, gateway to the greater Kruger - wildlife haven of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Khaya directly translates to 'home' or 'haven' in the isiZulu language, one of South Africa’s eleven official languages. It could not be more appropriate for what they represent. They offer a true home away from home experience, where you set the pace of your own holiday, working only to a time-lapse deadline!
SLEEP AT KUSUDALWENI SAFARI LODGE & SPA (HOEDSPRUIT)
Kusudalweni Safari Lodge & Spa was designed and built with one goal in mind: to provide guests with an authentic African safari experience in the midst of sheer luxury.The Main Lodge is a spacious structure of warm, natural wood and thatch with ample verandas that wrap around the various dining- and entertainment areas. Here you will find a crystal-clear swimming pool, restaurant, curio shop, communal lounges and bar.
SLEEP AT LEGEND SAFARIS - KRUGER PARK LODGE (HAZYVIEW)
Legend Safaris – Kruger Park Lodge is located on the banks of the Sabie River in Hazyview, South Africa within the locally renowned 4 star golf resort of Kruger Park Lodge. The privately owned luxury self-catering holiday rental home offers quality accommodation at competitive rates and is located close to all the nearby attractions such as The Kruger National Park, God’s window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Blyde River canyon and all the stunning waterfalls.
SLEEP AT MAGOEBASKLOOF HOTEL (MAGOEBASKLOOF)
Set in the beautiful Magoebaskloof area of Limpopo, the Magoebskloof Hotel offers guests a chance to enjoy a relaxing break in the countryside. The Hotel offers spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the expansive garden with swimming pool. Guests will be treated to the famous Silver Mist that appears early mornings and evenings. The Hotel offer a choice of Self Catering Apartments, Standard Rooms or Deluxe Rooms.
SLEEP AT NEEDLES SAFARI LODGE (MARLOTH PARK)
Needles Safari Lodge is a peaceful retreat where guests can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Enjoy the hospitality, relax, and soak up the sun at the pool. Warthogs, giraffe, zebra, kudu, wildebeest and impala wander around Needles Safari Lodge. As guests get up close and personal with them, they will experience their lives – and the heart of the African bush.
SLEEP AT NIRVANA GUESTHOUSE (NELSPRUIT)
Nirvana in many religions means deep silence and ultimate bliss. Nirvana Guest House is a place of bliss and peace and they are excited to share Nirvana’s treasures with each and every one of their guests. The nature experience is unlike any other in the world and their beautiful North African style sccommodation and excellent heart-warming hospitality, is just hard to find.
SLEEP AT RAFIKI BUSH LODGE (HOEDSPRUIT)
Nestled in arguably one of the most stunning nature locations in South Africa, Hoedspruit, Rafiki Bush Lodge is the ultimate home away from home. The laid back atmosphere and surrounding bushveld makes it the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city and a perfect stopover to fill days during your bush holiday. Its located very central to use as a base to explore the Lowveld and surroundings. Right in the heart of the Greater Kruger area.
SLEEP AT THULAMELA BED & BREAKFAST (HAZYVIEW)
The skillful blending of nature and comfort has transformed Thulamela into a place of tranquillity and an ideal honeymoon destination. Air-conditioned Log Cottages, specially designed with the rest and recuperation of city dwellers in mind, ensure that Thulamela is much more than just another tourist destination.
PLAY AT BUSHBABY ADVENTURES
Bushbaby Adventures Tours, Safaris & Photography operates from Phalaborwa and Letaba camp in Kruger National Park. Phalaborwa is a small town on the doorstep of Kruger National Park. Bushbaby Adventures makes each and everyone’s experience in the African bush an everlasting memory and lets you fall in love with the bushveld and sunny South Africa. They specialize in safaris, tours, photography and transfers.
PLAY AT LEGEND SAFARIS
Legend Safaris is a South African tour operating company based in Johannesburg,South Africa and Arusha,Tanzania. With many years of experience in planning, organising, and taking selected groups to the undisturbed beauty and hidden gems of Southern Africa, they decided it was time to share their passion with the world. They are passionate about the world and want you to experience the majesty of undisturbed wildlife and the thrill of catching some of the worlds sought after fish species.
PLAY AT NANDZANA SAFARIS
Nandzana Safaris specializes in crafting exceptional private safaris to the Kruger Park. They believe that a safari should revolve around wonderful experiences you’ll remember for a lifetime – so they work together closely with you to design a unique safari that will realize your dreams and shape your memories for a lifetime. Your own private safari vehicle - only you and no sharing and no conflicting interests. It’s the ultimate in flexibility, comfort and wildlife viewing.
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HOW TO GET THERE: The region is easily accessible from within South Africa and from neighbouring countries, by air and by road.
BY AIR: The three principal aerial gateways to the region are Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (also known as KMIA or Nelspruit Kruger - airport code: MQP); Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport (HDS) and Skukuza Airport (SZK) in the Kruger National Park. KMIA hosts several regional routes, including daily flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban; scheduled shuttles to private game lodges and to Skukuza. There are regular, scheduled flights to Vilancoulos in Mozambique and Livingstone in Zambia. Skukuza offers daily scheduled flights to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town and scheduled shuttles to nearby game lodges; whilst there are daily flights from Hoedspruit to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
BY ROAD: The region offers good road access from all directions. The N4 highway traverses the region from east to west, linking Nelspruit/Mbombela with Johannesburg and Pretoria/Tshwane and with the Mozambican capital city, Maputo (via the Lebombo/Ressano Garcia border post). All of the SA Roads Agency (SANRAL) roads in the region are well maintained and driving conditions are generally outstanding, providing easy access from Phalaborwa, Tzaneen, Polokwane and Zimbabwe in the north; Lydenburg/Mashishing, Dullstroom and Machadodorp/eNtokozweni in the west; and Ermelo, Piet Retief/Mkhondo and Swaziland in the south.
GETTING AROUND: Many visitors choose the self-drive option when visiting the region to ensure that they get to see as much as possible.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: The weather is often at its best here in March and April, when there is little wind or rain and temperatures are not too stifling. By contrast, the spring months of September or October are the best time for game viewing in Kruger and other reserves.
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