LOWVELD LIVING
ACTIVITY GUIDE 2020
get out and go GREAT STUFF TO SEE, DO AND VISIT
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE GAP TOURS & TRANSFERS
GAP Tours & Transfers offer Big 5 safari tours all around the Kruger National Park. Overnight in the Park to get the full Big 5 safari experience while interacting with the elusive nocturnal wildlife. GAP Tours & Transfers offer Big 5 safari tours in the Kruger conducted in either open safari or closed air-conditioned vehicles. They offer tours & transfers in and around Mpumalanga and between Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Oliver Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg). Get in touch with the professional and friendly team. 013 737 8063, 082 574 2535, info@gaptours.co.za, www.gaptours.co.za
KAAPSEHOOP OUTDOOR & SCOOTOURS
Enjoy six kilometres of downhill adventure for the whole family on non-motorised Swiss designed Monster Scooters. Travel through indigenous forests and pine trees. Pass rivers and marvel the spectacular views of the De Kaap and Eland Valley. At the end of the tour, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the crystal clear Battery Creek.
083 576 6541, kaapsehoopxtreme@gmail.com
LOWVELD MTO TRAILS
The MTO Trails offer safe, marked routes and a scenic, exhilarating experience. The routes are located in MTO’s forestry plantations, offering a wide variety of tracks for mountain bikers, trail runners and hikers, affording them the opportunity to explore the Lowveld’s treasures. The trail consists of over 40kms of loops, from which numerous single-track trails snake off and back on again. The routes range in technicality, from beginners to advanced options. Tanya Knight, Sunshine Events, 073 460 8208, tanyak@mto.co.za 1
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE Local, handcrafted & unique shopping in the wild in Hoedspruit... A world of discovery awaits you, from unique silk skin care products and African crafts to creative art, clothing and handmade ceramics. Enjoy the day spa or relax in the gardens and enjoy a good meal or take a trip down memory lane in the Classic Car & Motorbike Showroom. For a little getaway, book into 24° Self Catering Chalets. R531, Hoedspruit,1380.
24 DEGREES SOUTH
072 467 3310, info@24degreessouth.co.za, www.24degreessouth.co.za
See the Three Rondawels and the Blyde River Canyon from the angle they are supposed to be seen – while on the water, at the base of the mountains that form these sights. Tick off those last birds that have been eluding your bird list and view the hippos and crocodiles that live there. Daily trips at 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Private trips available. Bookings essential.
BOAT TRIPS ON THE BLYDE DAM
082 472 1828, bookings@blydecayonsafaris.com. Book online at www.blydecanyonsafaris.com The Educational Centre promotes awareness of raptors and rehabilitates and releases dozens of indigenous wildlife annually. It is a non-profit organisation dependent on the public for sustainability. They offer self-guided tours and twice-daily educational flight displays (weather permitting) and up-close encounters with some of SA’s most magnificent birds. Fishing & kiddies play area. Entrance R70/adult, R60/ pensioners, R40/kids. Flying demos 10.30am & 2.30pm. Operating hours: 9am-4pm Wed-Mon. Entrance before R70. 082 899 4108, info@wildlifesos.co.za, www.birdsofprey.co.za 2
DULLSTROOM BIRD OF PREY AND REHABILITATION CENTRE
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE ECHO CAVES
The caves were historically inhabited by the San people and also served as a hiding place for african tribes in times of war. Expect to see the gigantic Madonna chamber, where you come across a giant stone wall called flowstone, with the appearance of a frozen waterfall and natural formations like the statue of Madonna. Declared a national monument and one of SA’s longest caves. Open daily. Off the R36 en-route to Hoedspruit, Ohrigstad, Limpopo. Christa 013 238 0015, christa@echocaves.co.za, www.echocaves.co.za.
HAZYVIEW ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
The perfect experience to add to your Kruger National Park or Lowveld visit. They offer various fully guided elephant experiences where you will be educated, be able to interact, walk with and feed these gentle giants. They provide a personal experience and exclusivity can be booked with a programme where you can give the elephants a brush down or just relax and watch them while they munch in the natural forest or take a swim. 013 737 6609, 079 624 9436, hazyview@elephantsanctuary.co.za, www.elephantsanctuary.co.za
FRANCINE’S VENUE & FARMHOUSE
Experience a working farm in Limpopo. Its roots are on Route 531 nestled in the beard of Oom Paul Kruger’s head – the Drakensig Mountain’s icon. Various tours available. Visit the packhouse, drying unit, juice factory and learn about the dumping of harvested fruit, sorting and distribution. Visit Farm Chester with a trip through the orchards and enjoy a harvest lunch. Visit Matumi Orchards and watch the hippos, visit the lemon orchards and enjoy a sundowner of Primos gin on the Blyde River. Between R200-R600pp. Hendrien Kruger 082 451 4498, www.francinesvenue.co.za 3
HAZYVIEW & SURROUNDS Enjoy gin, orange wine and rum tastings in a sleek and stylish setting inside or out. Inside, discover a boutique gin and wine store so choose your favourite at the tasting and buy it to take home. Available for functions. Open 7 days a week at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, White River. Open Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm. Fri 10am-6pm. Sat 10am-4pm and Sun 10am-2pm.
GIN & CO
013 750 1696, www.gincompany.co.za For those seeking a memorable wildlife encounter, elephant activities at Elephant Whispers are an exciting, touching experience and will leave you with a renewed respect and admiration for these gentle giants of Africa. From a wonderful, one-hour elephant interaction, to walking with the elephants or spending a full day with them; the Elephant Whispers team look forward to sharing the magic of the African elephant with you.
ELEPHANT WHISPERS
082 498 4683, info@elephantwhispers.co.za, www.elephantwhispers.co.za Located just 500m from Malelane Kruger Gate next to Leopard Creek, Hamiltons is perfectly situated to explore the Kruger and surrounds. Hamiltons is family-owned and run 4-Star graded accommodation with a relaxed and casual atmosphere. On site is the awardwinning à la Carte restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Sunrise & Sunset Safaris can be arranged as well as morning walks in the Kruger. Debbie Todd, 083 289 2794, reservations@hamiltonslodge.co.za 4
HAMILTONS LODGE AND RESTAURANT
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE
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Whether it’s tubing, kloofing, abseiling, caving or forest cruising that tickles your fancy, Kestell Adventures has it all. Take a tubing trip down the rapids of the Sabie River. Descend 150 metres in elevation into the Mac-Mac canyon, kloofing to Mac-Mac Falls. Abseil down the 25-metre waterfall and finish with a swim in the rockpool. Explore the mysterious depths of Sabie’s caves. Take a forest cruise in an open 4x4 vehicle. Corner of Louis Trichardt Street and R536, Wild Fig Tree, Sabie. 072 351 5553, info@kestelladventures.com, www.kestelladventures.com
KESTELL ADVENTURES
Ever wondered why birds sing? Let us show you why. Come and enjoy a flight with the most amazing bird’s eye views ever. The 180-degree panoramic views makes you feel as free as a bird. Flights are done over the Blyde River Canyon and Big 5 game reserves, taking off from Hoedspruit. Fly in the world’s most versatile three-axis microlight known as the BANTAM. Flights of 20, 30 and 60 minutes are available. 60 minutes are required to go over the canyon. 083 400 1405, rowena@lefssa.com, www.lefssa.com
LEADING EDGE FLIGHT SCHOOL
Offering breathtaking helicopter adventures over the scenic Lowveld, simply the best way to experience the beauty of this area. Departing from Hazyview, all local airfields and lodges, the scenic flights explore the Sabie Valley, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock formations and spectacular views of the legendary Blyde River Canyon. The Cascades and Canyon Spectacular flight swoops over God’s Window before landing at the ultimate picnic venue on the mountain. Custom charters and transfers also available on request. 084 505 2052, info@mhelicopter.co.za, www.mhelicopter.co.za
MPUMALANGA HELICOPTER CO.
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE
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Nirvana is much more than weekend getaway or a visit to Chimp Eden. It is a spiritual and energizing experience. The 4-Star rated retreat, situated on the edge of the oldest crater, offers bliss, peace and experiences unlike any other, such as visits to Adam’s Calender with a prophet and a crater experience. The new, authentic Turkish menu created by awardwinning Chef Adele Maartens will delight and the beautiful North African-styled rooms, suspended daybeds, swings and heartwarming hospitality will wow. R40, Barberton Road. 073 670 6643, www.nirvanacountryhouse.co.za
NIRVANA COUNTRY HOUSE
Nestled in a sylvan setting just outside White River, Oliver’s is an owner-managed boutique hotel overlooking the first green of the 18-hole championship White River Golf Course and located on the secure White River Country Estate. Oliver’s is synonymous with luxury, with a restaurant offering mouth-watering a-laCarte continental dishes, a fully stocked wine cellar, private function facilities, bespoke accommodation and a full service Wellness and Beauty Centre. Conferencing and safaris on request. 013 750 0479, info@olivers.co.za, www.olivers.co.za
OLIVER’S
Award-winning, family-managed and owned, Hamiltons Parks is run with passion and dedication to service excellence. A bush lodge off the beaten track, it offers comfortable and affordable accommodation with delicious meals, a croc enclosure, as well as hiking trails on the property. A gateway to the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, this lodge is in the heart of the Lowveld in Mpumalanga. Bushveld home living at its best. Contact Kurt or Lyn on 082 7233722, space@hamiltonparks.com, www.hamiltonparks.com
HAMILTONS PARKS
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE PERRY’S BRIDGE REPTILE PARK
Snakes, crocodiles, lizards, tortoises, frogs and spiders are all on show at this Park. Shows: 11am and 3pm Venomous snakes. 12pm and 4pm Python demonstration. 12.30pm Bearded dragon feeding and 1pm Tortoise feeding. All weather permitting. Open daily from 10am-5pm. Closed on Fridays, except during school and public holidays. Perry’s Bridge Trading Post and Tourism Centre, Hazyview. 013 737 7680, www.perrysbridgereptilepark.com
PICASSO’S MEXICAN TAQUERIA
The first South African Picasso’s opened at the Bagdad Centre five year ago. Now, a new 50-seater Picasso’s has opened at White River Crossing offering takeaways and home and business delivery service. Don’t miss out on their scrumptious taco fillings – ranging from blackened prawns to slow-cooked beef and chilli con carne – or their variety of nachos, chimichangas, fajitas, burritos, quesadillas, Mexican bowls and more. The signature cocktails, including frozen lime margaritas and strawberry daiquiris that draw fans from far and wide. Your Picasso’s feast is now only a phone call away, as Picasso’s White River Crossing will deliver anywhere in White River. Picasso’s White River Crossing 013 004 0568. Picasso’s at Bagdad 013 750 0300 or 082 648 1019, www.picassoismexican.co.za
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LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE Recently winning the Lilizela Award for the best 4-Star Game Lodge in South Africa, Phelwana Game lodge is situated a mere 40km from the Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate. It is the perfect destination for guests wanting to relax in the Bushveld. Offering accommodation in luxury tents or bush villas, all with private swimming pools. Enjoy a variety of activities such as game drives, bush walks, tours to the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon.
PHELWANA GAME LODGE
071 659 9555, book@phelwana.co.za, www.phelwana.co.za Enjoy the ride of your life and ‘excite your soul’ on Misty Mountain’s Long Tom Toboggan. Feel the wind in your hair and the thrill in your when you wind and whoosh around the Long Tom Pass mountains on the Long Tom Toboggan, the longest toboggan run in Africa with an impressive 1.7 km track. Hop on board, and enjoy speeds of 45 kilometres an hour. After your ride, relax and unwind at Misty Mountain Lodge. Enjoy a meal on the deck or stay the night. 013 764 3377, 073 375 1817, ride@longtomtoboggan.co.za, www.longtomtoboggan.co.za
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LONG TOM TOBOGGAN
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE SKYWAY TRAILS
Skyway Trails offers two fun-packed outdoor adventures: the Aerial Canopy Trail and the Tree-Top Adventure. The Canopy Trail is made up of 8 ziplines that take visitors over one of the last remaining natural forested valleys along the Sabie River. The Tree-Top Adventure is an elevated obstacle course that is suitable for all those who are up for a challenge. The 35 obstacles include balancing beams, rope bridges, ‘spider webs’ and a 50m zipline. Perry’s Bridge Trading Post, Cnr Main Rd, Hazyview (R40) and Sabie Rd, Hazyview. 082 825 0209, 013 737 6747, www.skywaytrails.com
SERONERA CROCODILE FARM
This is a working farm in Hazyview that offers a memorable opportunity to view thousands of crocodiles in a sanctuary, which is beautifully treed and has abundant birdlife. Tours by appointment only.
Call Jeremy 083 459 0733 for tour information. wosty@iafrica.com, www.seronera.co.za
GLASSBAR
The GlassBar is a trendy restaurant and bar at Emnotweni in Mbombela. Featuring beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows, it offers guests sweeping views of the city. GlassBar is an ideal venue to enjoy after-work sundowners and lively get-togethers with friends and colleagues providing a cosmopolitan option for people to meet, eat and socialise. There is also free WiFi on offer, making it even easier to share your experiences. Open daily from noon till late.
013 757 4300, Emnotweni.co.za 11
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE If you’re looking for accommodation – or you need a stopover as you pass through Mbombela on your way to Mozambique or the Kruger National Park – you can stay at one of our Emnotweni hotels. Choose between luxury accommodation at Southern Sun or comfort and convenience at our StayEasy. Explorers, GlassBar or Jasmine restaurants offer delicious meals at Emnotweni. Situated next to the casino, movies@ and Riverside Mall there is something to do for everyone.
HOTELS
013 757 3000, Emnotweni.co.za If you are looking for thrilling entertainment and fun, Emnotweni is just the place. Play slots or tables at the casino, and get to enter promotions to stand a chance to win further incredible prizes. 013 757 3000, Emnotweni.co.za
GAMING
Winners know when to stop. Tsogo Sun Gaming proudly supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Only persons 18 years and older are permitted to gamble. National problem gambling counselling toll-free helpline 0800006008
Emnotweni offers something for everyone. Watch the latest blockbusters at movies@ cinemas or relax and enjoy some of the best shows and entertainment in Mbombela at The Arena. Conveniently situated next to the casino at Riverside Mall, you can pop into the Mall to do some shopping or choose to have a delicious meal at GlassBar or Explorers. Sign up as a Rewards Cardholder to get from 30% discount on your movie tickets.
013 757 0300, Emnotweni.co.za 12
MOVIES
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE Explorers is a down-to-earth, good-value eatery, including a dedicated buffet area for those ever-popular daily buffets. It is family friendly and ideal for those looking for delicious dining with convenient access to the Riverside Mall, movies@ or Emnotweni Casino. The a la Carte menu is exciting and ranges from delicious breakfasts right through to light lunches, snacks such as sandwiches and then of course hearty meals for bigger appetites.
EXPLORERS
013 757 4300, Emnotweni.co.za
At Wild Dogz and Bromvoël, they turn your meal into a contribution towards conservation, in aid of these two incredible species, the Wild Dogs and the Southern Ground Hornbills. Join them for breakfast, a gourmet burger, a healthy sandwich or even just a drink. There are also vegetarian and vegan options available. Pet friendly establishment. 063 024 9486, info@foodforconservation.com
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WILD DOGZ BURGERS AND BROMVOËL SANDWICH BAR
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE MOHOLOHOLO WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE
CHIMP EDEN
The Centre at Moholoholo, in Hoedspruit, contributes to the conservation of endangered species, the rehabilitation of injured and poisoned wildlife and also facilitates a number of successful breeding programmes. Tours are awareness based and aimed to awaken you to the critical situation of our wildlife. Two tours daily from Monday to Saturday, 9.30am and 3pm. R531 near Kampersrus, Hoedspruit, Limpopo. 015 795 5236, 082 907 5984, moholorehab@wol.co.za, www.moholoholo.co.za The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) South Africa Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to 33 chimpanzees which have been rescued from the bush meat trade, been orphaned, traded in the illegal pet market, or rescued from being traumatised for entertainment in circuses etc. There is a restaurant and curio shop. Three tours daily: 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Barberton Road, Turn off 47m –12km from N4, Mbombela. 079 777 1514, tours@chimpeden.com, www.chimpeden.com
SUDWALA CAVES
Guided tours are arranged as visitors arrive at the caves. The tour takes one hour and is suitable for the whole family. Informative and entertaining, learn about the cave’s geology, human history and a lot more. The caves are open daily from 8.30am-4.30pm. Pop into the Butterfly Effect Nature Garden, which is aimed at increasing the local butterfly and bee populations. Enjoy the Unity Labyrinth, gift shop, nature walk, and free roaming nyala. Entrance is free to the Butterfly Garden. 083 446 0228, 060 379 7310, info@sudwalacaves. co.za, www.sudwalacaves.com 17
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE One of the few true visual arts platforms in the Lowveld, the WRG specialises in contemporary fine art from the Lowveld and by broader SA artists. Acting as a curated exhibition space, the gallery’s services include sourcing of specific artworks, framing advice, assisting with valuations and investment guidance. The current exhibition, Say Africa, includes over 30 artists celebrating journeys to return home to our roots and family as the end of the year draws near. Shop G9, Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, White River. Dana MacFarlane 082 784 6695, dana@whiterivergallery.co.za
THE WHITE RIVER GALLERY
This country restaurant and pizzeria now offers live music once a month and an awesome Sunday roast. One of the friendliest, family restaurants around, the kids’ play area has oodles of space and fun. Relax in the expansive garden setting where honest, simple food is served at tables under the shade of magnificent trees. Enjoy the varied menu and full bar. Book to avoid disappointment on weekends. Da Loose Mongoose is available for functions and private hire. Pet friendly. Cnr Vergenoeg & Plaston Roads. 013 007 1402, 083 594 1006, info@daloosemongoose.co.za
DA LOOSE MONGOOSE
The Sabie Brewing Company is the ideal spot for a cold one and a pub lunch. Try a tasting beer tray or choose your favourite brew accompanied by lunch. Sit inside by the fire when it’s cold or outside on the covered deck. There is a small playground for the little ones. Take a brewery tour and buy beer to take home with you. Open Tues to Sat 11am-10pm. Sun & Mon 11am- 5pm. Enquire about Happy Hour. 45 Main Road, Sabie,
SABIE BREWING CO
013 764 1005, manager@sabiebrewery.com, www.sabiebrewery.com 18
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE MAFUNYANE RIVERSIDE WATER PARK
More than seven rip-roaring water attractions, super slides, sparkling pools and fun filled activities for children and adults of all ages. These include body slides, speed slides, kiddies slides, as well as a kids party venue, two food outlets and a braai facility. Great for school groups or a bunch of friends. Open Wed-Fri 2pm-5pm, Sat & Sun 10am-5pm, holidays and public holidays 10am-5pm. Opposite Riverside Mall Entrance Two, R40, Mbombela. 013 757 0065, info@mafunyane.co.za, www.mafunyane.co.za
LANGA LANGA SAFARIS
Experience the magic of The Kruger National Park with Langa Langa Safaris. Offering affordable, luxury safari options to meet all guests expectations. Whether it is a morning; afternoon or full day safari, enjoy an amazing game viewing experience from their top-ofthe-range vehicles, which come standard with complimentary WiFi so you can instantaneously share your adventure photos. Various packages available including pick up and drop offs at convenient locations. 083 257 1817, bookings@langalangasafaris.co.za, www.langalangasafaris.co.za
IT’S GOING TO BE A CHRISTMAS LUNCH Wednesday 25 Dec 2019 Time: 12:00 Adults: R420 Kids (5-12 yrs) R195
White Christmas Welcome to your Holiday Home in the bushveld with roaming game!
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL! LODGE
Join us this Christmas for a festive programme not to be missed!
PLEASE BOOK ON - Tel: 013 758 1222 | Email: banqueting@ebundu.co.za
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LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE
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LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE SANPARKS HONORARY RANGERS
SANParks Honorary Rangers offer unique bush activities for a truly wild bush experience. The Nyarhi Rustic Bush Camp offers guests a 3-night, self-catered walking and camping safari. The Sand River Bush Camp offers guests guided walks and drives with a tented safari base camp with all meals. For the 4x4 & off-road enthusiast, try the “Wilderness on Wheels” Lebombo Overland Eco Trail, selfcatering and camping. Activities hosted by SANParks Honorary Rangers and experienced guides. Ashraf Sayed lowveldvicechairperson@ honoraryrangers.org
OPEN TO PUBLIC • 7 DAYS A WEEK
HOEDSPRUIT ENDANGERED SPECIES CENTRE (HESC) Advanced Booking Recommended Hours: 09:00 – 17:00 (Last Tour At 15:00) DAILY TOURS: 7 DAYS A WEEK DELI AND CURIO SHOP ON SITE Contact No. +27 15 793 1633 +27 83 654 2299
HELP TO ENSURE OUR TOMORROW
AFRICAMPS AT HOEDSPRUIT
www.hesc.co.za
A family-friendly glamping location with 11 self-catering tents beautifully dotted around a magnificent dam popular for catch-andrelease fishing of Carp, Bass, Bream, and Barbel. Each tent has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge, en suite bathroom, two bedrooms and a private outdoor wood-fired hot tub. Cook-Your-Own breakfast and braai baskets can be ordered. The camp offers a selection of expertly guided panorama route tours and game drives to Kruger National Park and nearby reserves. Guernsey Rd, Hoedspruit, 1380. www.africamps.com
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LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE A self-catering glamping camp perfectly located for your safari to Kruger National Park or to explore the jaw-dropping sights on the Panorama Route. Each tent faces the tranquil Sabie River and has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, lounge, en suite bathroom, two bedrooms and comfortably sleeps 5 guests. Breakfast and braai baskets can be ordered for guests to prepare. Enjoy a massage or facial from the comfort of your tent or unwind at the infinity pool. S93, R536 Sabie Road, Hazyview, 1242. www.africamps.com A number of adventure activities are available on this converted family farm. They include rafting, geckoing, quad biking, ziplining, paintball, archery and horse riding. Team building activities, mountain bike trails and sport and training camps available too. Open Mon-Sat 8am-5pm. R536 between Hazyview and Sabie, Hazyview.
AFRICAMPS AT MACKERS
INDUNA ADVENTURES
013 492 0071, 082 463 2334, info@indunaadventures.com, www.indunaadventures.com Experience traditional South African and Shangaan cuisine and immerse yourself in a wealth of culture with a night of Shangaan dance and song provided by children from a local orphanage. With each song, the local chief narrates a song or proverb from tribal legend, sharing the rich heritage and customs of the Shangaan people. Booking essential. Evening entertainment begins at 6:30pm. Hippo Hollow Country Estate, R40, Hazyview.
013 737 7752, www.hippohollow.co.za 22
SHANGAAN RIVER CLUB
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE CASTERBRIDGE MOTOR MUSEUM
The Museum is set in an old warehouse at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre in White River. Car enthusiasts will enjoy a walk around the museum of vintage and antique cars, which are all labelled. There are roughly 60 cars here at any time ranging from a 1912 Willy’s Overland and a 1934 L Type MG to a 1958 100/6 Austin Healey. As well as a range of tractors.
Louis 082 578 3552
MANKELE
BARBERTON GEO TRAIL
Mankele offers a wide range of activities and fun for the whole family. They have scenic mountain biking and hiking trails, an obstacle course, gecko rafting, paintball and a mini zipline. Sparking clean swimming pools, a tuck and coffee shop. Accommodation includes camping, tented camps and log cabins. Situated only 30km from Mbombela at the foot of the escarpment, with beautiful surroundings of tropical forests, open grass lands, rivers, dams, ravines, mountains and breathtaking views. 078 801 0453, www.mankele.co.za Tucked away against South Africa’s border with the kingdom of Swaziland lie the Makhonjwa Mountains, a spectacular wilderness with ancient rock strata essential to understand the evolution of planet Earth. A UNESCO World Heritage site. The range is crossed by the scenic paved R40 road from Barberton to the Josefsdal border post with Swaziland. Along it, a series of well-designed roadside laybys, many at sites with sweeping views, illustrate the significance of the “Barberton Greenstone Belt”. astrid@barberton.co.za, www.barberton.co.za 23
LOWVELD LIVING – ACTIVITY GUIDE Renowned for its spectacular Cascade Waterfalls, majestic viewpoints overlooking the Crocodile and Nels River that runs through the Garden, this is one of the Lowveld’s gems. There’s an African rain forest, aerial boardwalk, kiddies play area, restaurants, walking trails, picnics and wedding venues. Open daily from 8am-5.45pm. R40, Madiba Drive, Mbombela.
LOWVELD BOTANICAL GARDENS
013 752 5531, LNBGinfo@sanbi.org.za, www.sanbi.org.za Sabie Valley Coffee is the ultimate coffee lover’s destination for an intimate coffee experience. The roastery and coffee shop offer a place to meet friends, relax and enjoy Kim’s homebaked confectionary treats with the Lowveld’s finest range of their single origin speciality Arabica coffees. The shop is unique, as it is a working factory where the public are welcome to browse around and find out about the humble coffee bean and how it all makes our lives a better place! 082 751 3400, 013 737 8169, riverbend@mweb.co.za, www.sabievalleycoffee.com
SABIE VALLEY COFFEE
See the world from above on an hour-long hot air balloon ride over the scenic Blyde River, 15km west of Hoedspruit. The terrain is a mixture of farmland, private nature reserves and wildlife estates. Open daily (weather permitting) and flights at sunset (times change according to season). Otters Den, Hoedspruit, Limpopo.
SUN CATCHERS
087 806 2079, 082 572 2223, info@suncatchers.co.za, www.suncatchers.co.za 24
MOUTH R U O Y T A H W IT’S R! WAS MADE FO
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