Close your eyes for a moment. Imagine standing atop a mountain and all around you for as far as the eye can see, are lush green forests, waterfalls, canyons and ravines. Now listen. Hear the sounds of nature everywhere. Birds and crickets chirping, the rustle of the breeze in the trees, unfamiliar sounds of animals and insects alike – because coming from the city, we are so unaccustomed to these wondrous sights and sounds. This is Mpumalanga.
Situated in the north-east of South Africa, Mpumalanga translates to “the place where the sun rises.” This geographical wonder dates back in excess of 2-billion years and has some of the oldest rock formations on earth. The region’s capital is Nelspruit, borders on four other provinces, Gauteng, KwaZulu- Natal, Limpopo and the Free State as well as the neighbouring countries of Mozambique and Swaziland, making it the ideal holiday destination to combine city-hopping and nature or safari adventures.
There are plenty of things to do and see in this land whose rivers lay abundant with gold back in the 1800’s. Not to be missed are:
Mac Mac Falls which drops 70m below into a gorge. The twin waterfall were not always twin and became so during the gold rush era when miners blasted the stream in order to gain access to the other side in their hunt for the precious metal. At the bottom of the gorge are pools of crystal waters in which you can frolic away. Be sure to make some time to enjoy this refreshing experience. You could picnic here as well and is an excellent way to spend a day.
Dating back to over 3000 million years are the Sudwala Caves, a labyrinth of some 600m of open chambers, 150m underground. The caves are said to be the oldest cave system in the world. The acoustics in the chambers are so good, that the caves are sometimes used to host concerts that could accommodate up to 500 people. An interesting fact is that to this day, no-one knows how the chambers temperature is regulated to an almost constant 17 degrees Celsius by a stream of fresh air. There are guided tours and tickets can only be bought at the cave entrance.
For kids and adults alike a visit to the Dinosaur Park is a must! The park is set in lush greenery next door to the Sudwala Caves is where monkeys and the occasional wild chacma baboons roam freely but it is also home to life-sized dinosaurs who are so realistic, that had you not known that this was a dinosaur park, you would probably run for dear life when stumbling upon any of these creatures, instantly forgetting that they only existed millions of years ago.
The Blyde River Canyon (river of joy) seems to stretch on into eternity and is rumoured to be one of the largest and quite possibly, the greenest canyons in the world. This astounding mountain range offers some of the most panoramic views you will ever have the pleasure of seeing on God’s green earth. And speaking of which, God’s Window so aptly named with its stupendous views of the Lowveld and 900m down into the rich rampant foliage below, will surely take your breath away!
If it’s a truly luxurious African safari adventure you’re looking for, look no further than the most prestigious of all in South Africa, the privately owned Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Their lodges and camps offer the ultimate experience of the bush whilst never comprising on service and opulence. The Sabi Sand Game Reserve also borders the world renowned Kruger National Park. This largest game park in South Africa stretches for over 300km from north to south bordering Mozambique. Here, not only will you see the King of the Jungle (if you’re lucky), but also the rest of his subjects that make up the Big Five. But that’s not all – for the park is alive with scintillating and captivating bird species, among them the Big Six of skies – the lappet-face vulture, the ground hornbill, pel’s fishing owl, the martial eagle, the saddle-bill stork and the kori bustard. Make sure you take along a good pair of binoculars with you apart from a camera with a zoom or long lens functionality.
There are plenty of hiking trails, fly fishing, river rafting, zip-lining and 4×4 and quad bike drives. Be sure to check out: http://www.mpumalanga.com/ for a list of activities.
Apart from the lodges and camps of the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Reserve, Mpumalanga is dotted with hundreds of guesthouses and some hotels, ranging from quaint little gems to the ultimate in luxury. Among my favourites is the Thornybush collection of luxury lodges, also in the Sabi Sand area. A collection of 12 four and five star lodges ranging in size and decor and more importantly, for both the romantic getaway or a family holiday with each being separate from each other so that your ideal vacation will be just that. The award winning Tintswalo Safari Lodge in the Manyeleti Nature Reserve, also on the border of the Kruger National Park, is another favourite with its lodges typically reflecting the opulence of the colonial times.
These renowned lodges have plenty of activities at night as well. Whether you opt for a night time game drive or choose to laze around a “boma” (open fire pit) savouring a hot chocolate or coffee listening to stories and singing along to a strumming guitar or better still, listening to the drum beats of the local African music, or evening chilling out in the restaurant/bar sipping on an ice cold brew, you’re sure to be both entertained and relaxed at the same time.
The restaurants at the SabiSands, Thornybush and Tintswalo Game Reserves all offer gourmet cuisines of the highest standards. Whether it is a private romantic dinner for two or a group or family braai over a boma (open-air barbeque), to a dining experience in any of its 5-star restaurants, you will never be left hungry, but rather licking your lips and looking forward to your next mealtime experieince. The cuisine ranges from plated dishes of succulent meats and fish to English High teas and bush dinners. Even vegetarians are catered for and not left to forage the vast forests for themselves as there are delectable options to cater to their every taste.
Now, in all of my previous articles, I always list a category of cinemas and theatres and this insert is no different, however, it is a slight change from the conventional types. The cinemas and theatres I am referring to is the one which nature has bestowed on us. During the day, the magnificent sights and sounds all around you is the amphitheatre that nature has conjured up and during the evenings, the heavens open up to a spectacular show of its sparkling grandeur in the stars and the Milky Way. The sounds too, change from day to night when the birds lay there weary wings to rest, the predators come out to play. Never you mind though, the roars and squeals remain in the distance far enough from your safety at camp but still close enough for you to hear. But you can rest easy and well, ready to tackle the next days’ adventures!
When it comes to shopping, you won’t find the designer brands, but what you will find plenty of are incredibly handcrafted leather goods from bags to jackets to rug skins and much more. My favourite spoils are the impeccably hand-stitched ostrich leather handbags and purses – my ultimate weakness. There are plenty of curio shops everywhere and great buys are jewellery made from semi precious stones, crafted ostrich egg shells adorned with paintings and resting on elaborate stands, and the soft and luxurious feel of the pashminas (scarves) and garments made from silk farmed at the Tsinini Silk Farm.
TIPS & HINTS:
- The best time to travel to this part of South Africa is during the summer months from November through to February. November and December do have more rain, but these are mostly quick storms or thundershowers and over within an hour or two when the sun pushes her way through to cast a spectacular ray of light and colour (of the rainbow) on this majestic kingdom.
- Pack an umbrella as well as a light raincoat and a sweater as the nights can sometimes get chilly.
- Definitely hire a car if you can or pre-book a guided tour. There are no forms of public transport outside of the towns.
- It is essential to have a good pair of walking shoes, preferably hiking boots as well as a hat, sunglasses and the all important sunscreen. I would also definitely pack along mosquito repellent as well.