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This route is a nature lover's paradise, boasting South Africa's premier fly-fishing, birding and rock climbing destinations – all just a couple of hours out of Johannesburg. It also has the privilege of being home to Africa's only breeding community of wild Black Leopard; if you are lucky, you will spot these magnificent elusive creatures in the wild mountain ravines and streams that characterise the Highlands Meander. Along cool trout dams and streams, bright yellow arum lilies and 120 other species of indigenous wild flower carpet the region in a kaleidoscope of colour every spring. The History of the region shows that it was not always a place of peace and tranquillity. It was the scene of bloody battles during the Anglo Boer War 100 years ago. Torched by invading British forces, the ruined forts, trenches and artillery placements are still visible around the village, as are the graves of Boer fighters and Imperial troopers. The Verloren Valei Nature Reserve should not be missed, it boasts the only habitat where all 3 of the world's endangered cranes are found. The Blue Crane, which is South Africa's national bird, the Wattled Crane and Crowned Crane all found alongside each other at the reserve, which is an international RAMSAR wetlands site. The Meander has become one of 7 tourism regions in Mpumalanga increasing in popularity due to its natural wonders and close proximity to Mozambique and Gauteng.
The Meander takes you to
Belfast, Dullstroom, Elands Valley, Kwena Basin, Lydenburg, Machadodorp, Skurweberg Waterval Boven
THINGS TO DO:
4X4
Bird watching
Fly-fishing
Game Farm
Grass and Wetlands
Hiking/Walking
Horse riding
Horse trail
Mountain Biking
Steam Trains
Wildlife
Wildlife walks
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Just next to the Highlands Meander is The Panorama Route, with breathtaking views from natural wonders along the eastern slopes of the escarpment. God's Window and the world's third largest canyon, the Blyde River Canyon is 2 of the amazing sights to be seen on this route. There are also the astonishing Bourke's Luck Potholes and three rondawels. The towns of Lydenburg and White River are gateways to the route, which takes visitors through the quaint towns of Pilgrim's Rest, a living museum dating back to the hey days of the gold rush, as well as Sabie, Graskop, Ohrigstad and Hazyview.
Cascading water falls with enthral nature enthusiasts. For adrenaline, you can get your rush by bungee jumping, white water rafting or going on rigorous 4x4 trails. Also available are hot air ballooning, walking trails and gold panning.
THINGS TO DO:
4X4
Abseiling
Bungee jumping
Canoeing
Gliding
Horse riding
Museum
Paintball shooting
River rafting
Rock Climbing
Rock Sliding
Spelunking/caving
Wildlife walks
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Suggested
Itinerary: An ideal Self-Drive Itinerary
for The Panorama Route, would be 11 Day Historical South Africa .
click
here |
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Immerse yourself in colourful Ndebele culture as it winds through the northwestern towns of Witbank, Middleburg, Siyabuswa, Groblersdal, Marble Hall and Roossenekal. The Ndebele people are world famous for their vibrant house painting, beadwork and crafts, all of which are on display at cultural villages in the region. The Heartland also has a Boer War route ideal for history buffs.
Loskop Dam Nature Reserve offers a less traditional form of game viewing by boat.
With a catchment area of 3 540 square kilometres The Witbank Dam is the largest municipal dam in the southern hemisphere. A large portion of the region is fantastic for water sports like skiing and windsurfing. The Heartland also offers parasailing, golfing and scenic hiking and 4x4 trails.
Visitors can also see the mining and farming industry as never before by going on industrial and agricultural tours to collieries and farms, while plant enthusiasts will find that the lanatus cycad is indigenous to the region and wild flowers like arum lilies transform the area into a magical garden during summer.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO:
Craft market
Dance
Game Farm
Animal farm
Market
Woodwork
Cultural festival
Cultural village
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This region situated in the southeastern part of Mpumalanga, shares borders with Mozambique, Swaziland and the southern tip of the Kruger National Park. Home to the historic towns of Barberton, Komatipoort, Kaapmuiden and Badplaas and the region is even more special due to the Samora Machel monument erected in a small village in this region where his plane crashed.
The Wild Frontier referred to as the cradle of life, owing to the archaeological discoveriesin the Mkonjwa mountains dating back more than 3 billion years. Highlights of the Wild Frontier region include the historic town of Barberton (a fascinating reminder of the old gold rush days), Komatipoort, a major Southern African crossroad in the region, linking Africa’s diverse people. You could visit three countries in just one day: Swaziland, Mozambique and South Africa.
Towns:
Badplaas
Barberton
Komatiepoort
Things to see and do:
Kruger National Park
Private Game Reserves
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Belhaven
heritage trails
hiking trails
4X4 scenic drives
hot springs
hydro spas
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The name says it all; the Grass and Wetlands region is a true birding paradise that lures bird watchers from both South Africa and the rest of the world in their droves. The route includes South Africa's largest freshwater lake at Chrissiesmeer. Chrissiesmeer also boasts a mysterious giant footprint in rock that matches one in Canada, and hosts an annual frog watching festival in summer as well as a stargazing festival in winter. Annually one of the fiercest Anglo Boer Wars is re-enacted.
Bordering Kwazulu-Natal and Free State, as well as the kingdom of Swaziland, which is the last absolute monarchy in sub-Saharan Africa, it is also home to the 1 000-year-old ruins of the lost Legoya people and San paintings. The route also includes the farming communities of Carolina, Hendrina, Ermelo, Volksrust, Piet Retief, Amsterdam, Breyten, Lothair and Morgenzon.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO:
Bird Sanctuary
Bird watching
Craft market
Grass and Wetlands
Pottery
Weaving and knitting
Wildlife walks
Woodwork
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Cosmos Country lies in the southwestern part of Mpumalanga against the Free State and Gauteng borders and includes the towns of Secunda, Delmas, Leandra, Bethal, Standerton, Balfour and Greylingstad. Cosmos Country is also big 5 country. From coal production and home to the world's largest underground coal mining complex, this is Cosmos Country. Home to the only place in the world where petrol is manufactured out of coal on a commercial basis, and where coal and gold are mined simultaneously at the same location. Here you will also find the Sasol Synfuels at Secunda - the biggest factory site in the world. Graceland was the first casino in the "new South Africa" to receive a gambling license. Cosmos Country explodes with colour when pink and white cosmos flowers bloom in late summer. |
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Lowveld Legogote where you will find Sudwala Caves the oldest dolomite caves the world. The area also has a mesmerising butterfly garden and botanical garden with an enormous collection of cycads and African rainforest trees. Provincial administration in Nelspruit sits here, and you will find the wild horse town of Kaapsehoop. Creative and eccentric White River and vibey township KaNyamazane also call this region home. There is also a mall with an eight-theatre cinema complex, casino and entertainment centre. Indulge in quad and mountain biking, paragliding, microlighting, cultural tours to authentic villages and game viewing.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO:
4X4
Abseiling
Glass/ceramics
Hiking/Walking
Mountain Biking
Mountain Climbing
Museum
Paintball shooting
Pottery
River rafting
Rock Climbing
Slalom canoeing
Spelunking/caving
Wildlife walks
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"Paradise Country",few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the Lowveld and escarpment. Mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterise the landscape. This is also, the setting for dozens of sanctuaries teeming with wildlife and birds. Among them, the Kruger National Park is world-renowned. This is Big Game Country. Steeped in the history of pioneers, hunters and fortune seekers, fascinating gold rush towns like Barberton and Pilgrim's Rest are among the most famous. En route to the Kruger National Park through Mpumalanga, you have the advantage of some stunning scenery. Turn off the N4 to the village of Dullstroom, travel over the Long Tom Pass and its splendid panoramic views to Lone Creek Falls and the charming forestry town of Sabie. Just beyond Sabie, the Mac Mac Falls are worth stopping for; and you can treat yourself to a swim in the crystal-clear pools. A small detour leads to Pilgrim's Rest; a fascinating historic town, well worth exploring before continuing to Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve. In the reserve, you can feast your eyes on the Blyde River Canyon and the rich bird life. At the southern tip of the reserve, the view from God's Window stretches to eternity across the Lowveld. From there, it is a short and easy drive to some of the finest private game reserves in the country and Orpen Gate Entrance to the Kruger National Park. Fruit put Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga on the map in the 1890s, and has always played a vital role in the town's development. The fertile Crocodile River Valley, in which the town lies, is also notable for its tobacco and timber industries. Curio shops and wayside stalls offer excellent hand-woven rugs, carvings, leather goods and fresh farm produce. Hotels and caravan parks in town and the vicinity are convenient for stopovers, and several days can be profitably spent exploring the surrounding countryside. Hiking trails criss-cross this scenic area in every direction.
REGIONS OF MPUMALANGA:
The Highlands
The Panorama
The Cultural Heartland
The Wildfronteir
Grass and Wetland areas
Cosmos Country
The Lowveld
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Suggested
Itinerary: An ideal Self-Drive Itinerary
for Mpumalanga Overview, would be 8 Day Garden Route Delight.
click
here |
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Highlights: Are you aged 18 – 105? Are you planning a trip to Southern Africa? Do you want to meet interesting people in unique places?
www.africatraveltips.com
is a new exciting Africa travel centre and we are looking for tourists in different age groups,... |
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