MUSE Retreat

retreat

your get-out-and-go guide to the lowveld

Dulini speaks of a deeply personal wildlife adventure: the classic safari experience for the sophisticated traveller. Three beautiful lodges of bespoke character in idyllic riverbank settings grace the portfolio of The Dulini Collection.

The exclusivity, exclusivity, hospitality hospitality and and sincerity sincerity that that is is Dulini, Dulini, epitomizes epitomizes The the intimacy intimacy of of each each boutique boutique lodge; lodge; accommodating accommodating the the safari safari the dreams of of individual individual adventurers, adventurers, exclusive exclusive parties parties celebrating celebrating dreams special occasions occasions together, together, and and romancing romancing honeymooners. honeymooners. special For rates, availability, and more information visit www.dulini.com, call +27 (0)11 792 4927 or email moyares@dulini.com.

You can also follow us on Instagram @DuliniLodge and Facebook/DuliniLodge.

Mbombela/Nelspruit retreat THE TASTE OF ESCAPE

NELSPRUIT Shop 6, De Hallen, 104 Ferreira St, Mbombela, 1201 www.mozambik.co.za 087 057 3383

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retreat Mbombela/Nelspruit Chimp Eden

The Jane Goodall Institute SA is a nonprofit that rescues chimpanzees from the bushmeat trade, orphaned, traded in illegal pet markets, or traumatised for entertainment. These chimpanzees are the lucky ones, living out their lives in a risk-free environment and being provided with the necessary attention to recover from the trauma they have experienced. We bring the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity through education and eco-tourism.

Daily tours. 10am,12pm,14pm.

079 777 1514, tours@chimpeden.com, chimpeden.com

Lowveld National Botanical Gardens

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Birding

Let me join you on a bird-watching trip into the Kruger or at some of our local birding spots. I will hop into your car or meet you at the local spot and guide you, helping you to enjoy the spectacular birding the Lowveld and Kruger has to offer. Great bird sighting sites we can visit include Lowveld Botanical Gardens, Kaapsehoop, Barberton Mountains, private bush farms, Steilties Nature Reserve and Northern Kruger. I can help you compile a bird list for your property or guesthouse too. Marc Cronje 083 705 6436, Marc.cronje1991@gmail.com 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 8am5.45pm. R40, Madiba Drive, Mbombela. sanbi.org.za

Mbombela/Nelspruit retreat

Orchid Farmstall

The Orchid Farmstall is situated on the N4 highway (17km west of Mbombela) and stocks a large variety of beautiful flowering orchid species, shrubs, succulents, water wise plants and indigenous trees. The Farmstall is also home to a wide range of ceramics, gifts, decor and garden accessories, and sells fresh produce like homemade jams and preserves. There is a little coffee shop, which serves light refreshments, cake, coffee and teas. Pop in for a visit. Open Monday to Sunday 8am to 3.30pm.

Free Wi-Fi.

Mafunyane Riverside Water Park

More than seven rip-roaring water attractions, super slides, sparkling pools and fun filled activities for all ages. These include body slides, speed slides, kiddies slides as well as a kid’s party venue, two food outlets and a braai facility. Great for school groups or 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, mafunyane.co.za

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retreat Mbombela/Nelspruit La Roca Guest House

This owner-managed 4-star boutique guest house is spread amongst 6000m² of sub-tropical garden; several rooms, the breakfast lapa and pool deck enjoy stunning uninterrupted views over the Nelspruit Nature Reserve and escarpment beyond. Standard, superior, luxury, family and executive accommodation, all ensuite rooms offer a private entrance and balcony or patio. Conveniently situated only 2km from the city centre, La Roca is a peaceful oasis to unwind in or a base for exploring. 013 752 6628, info@laroca.co.za, laroca.co.za

Clay & Coffee

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Sudwala Caves

Guides are on hand throughout the caves. Informative and entertaining, learn about the cave’s geology & human history. Open daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Pop into the Butterfly Effect Nature Garden, which aims to increase the local butterfly and bee populations.

Enjoy the Unity Labyrinth, gift shop, nature walk, and free-roaming nyala.

Entrance is free, so come and picnic and reconnect with nature. 083 446 0228, 072 497 8268, info@sudwalacaves.com, sudwalacaves.com Clay & Coffee is a coffee shop and restaurant with a creative spin. While dining on light lunches (plus all day breakfasts) or a decadent slice of chocolate cake, why not get painting? Clay & Coffee offers a variety of premade pottery items just dying to be decorated. Choose from plates and bowls, coffee cups and teapots and for kids – soccer ball money boxes, dinosaurs, fairies, cats and pigs. Select your colours and start painting. Located at Elmswood Estate, on Brondal Road. Playground for younger kids.

072 413 8162.

WhiteRiver retreat UNISWIM UPLANDS is based at Uplands College, White River, and offers a heated learn-to-swim (LTS) Button Pool based at the Pre-Prep and a 25-metre heated College Pool for seniors. We offer: Baby classes, Au pair/Nanny lessons, Learn to Swim (LTS), Advanced Learn to Swim, Stroke correction, Adult learn to swim, Junior & Senior squad training, Triathlons and Iron Man event training and Adults training for fitness. We promote swimming for everyone whether for fitness or competitive swimming. We have qualified swimming coaches with Sam Howard as the passionate head coach.

Gin & Co

Visit Gin & Co Distillery, Shop and Tasting Room set amidst the most beautiful gardens in the Lowveld.

Offering gin tastings, craft beer, boutique wine/bubbly and a wide range of craft gin. Book the venue for your next private function. Sleek and stylish setting inside and out! Open 7 days a week at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, White River. 013 750 1696, gincompany.co.za, @gincompany

Africa Joy

Africa Joy delights customers with a curated selection of inspiring and original South African products.

Wherever possible they support highend community upliftment projects and individual local crafters who strive a little harder. Find your gifts, homeware, decor items, fashion, jewellery, greeting cards and fun things for children in-store.

Located at the tranquil Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, White River.

083 675 8833, shopping@africajoy.co.za @africajoywr, @AfricaJoyshop

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retreat WhiteRiver Food Forest Nursery

The Food Forest Nursery specialise in encouraging permaculture practices, and offer a large selection of edible and indigenous plants. The team give training on soil health, natural and organic gardening and basic permaculture principles. This will help you as the home gardener to become an ecologically responsible steward of your patch of valuable earth whilst enjoying the fruits of your labour. Learn to garden with nature and not against it. thefoodforestgardencentre@gmail.com, @thefoodforestnursery, 084 666 2043.

umSisi

umSisi Cottage offers upmarket selfcatering accommodation close to White River for small groups looking to explore the Kruger Lowveld region. The cottage provides unbeatable access to the Kruger via Numbi Gate, the Panorama Route and all the adventure activities in the area. The luxury cottage is private with its own entrance, covered veranda, 2 bedrooms, double shower room, DSTV, functional kitchen, braai and covered parking with daily servicing included. 013 750 1520, reservations@umsisihouse.co.za, umsisihouse.com, @umsisihouse

rates from *****

R750

per room per night

website: www.thymeinn.co.za email: res@thymeinn.co.za

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BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION

IN WHITE RIVER

WhiteRiver retreat MTO Trails

Lyttle Irving

Situated on the outskirts of the quaint little town of White River, Lyttle Irving boasts four self-catering suites converted from original horse stables. Decorated in French Provençal style, the rooms are spacious and boast antique furniture and Persians. Each unit leads out into a private manicured courtyard while a magical pathway leads to a dam teeming with Koi and wild ducks, as well as a swimming pool and fire pit area. All suites fully equipped with everything you need including a private braai. In the Family Suites children are accommodated in bunk beds.

083 252 7270, info@lyttleirving.co.za, lyttleirving.co.za

If you love sports and recreation in the outdoors, the MTO Trails are for mountain bikers, trail runners, birders, hikers or horse riders. Enjoy meandering single trails and jeep tracks through their forested farms to get your fix of outdoor action and scenery in the beautiful White River area. Visit the MTO Trail Centre afterwards for coffee, refreshments and a cool-off swim.

Buy day or annual permits on the myMTOApp or call 083 310 7272.

White River Gallery

One of the few dedicated visual art platforms in the Lowveld, White River Gallery specialises in contemporary fine art from the Lowveld and beyond.

Serving as a curated exhibition space, the gallery’s services include sourcing art, framing advice, and workshops.

Shop G9, Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, White River.

Dana MacFarlane, 082 784 6695, dana@whiterivergallery.co.za

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retreat WhiteRiver Branch

Branch is an upmarket boutique located at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre.

Stocking a range of homeware, jewellery and accessories from designers such as Ardmore, Isobel Sippel, Ngwenya Glass and more. Looking for something unique and stylish for your home?

Branch is your first stop. A special gift or something beautiful to treat yourself?

Branch is the place to visit.

Open Mon to Sun. Kim Springorum, 083 574 6279. @Branch Lifestyle & Gifts. @branch_lifestyle_gifts

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Casterbridge Cinema

Casterbridge Cinema is a boutique 96- seater movie house at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre. Open Tues to Sat, it offers great movies and a selection of drinks, wine, beer, popcorn and snacks from the cinema bar and lounge area.

Pre-order your favourite pizza and have it delivered to your seat. Evening shows at 6pm, afternoon shows on Tuesdays at 2.30. The cinema is available for private screenings and events. Movie dates and shows @casterbridgecinema, 073 091 3293, casterbridgecinema@zannas.co.za

Graskop/Barberton/Pilgrims Rest retreat Woodsluck Distillery & Scott’s Café

Woodsluck is a family-run distillery with a passion for distilling and a passion for Pilgrims Rest. And with every bottle of handcrafted gin, you take a bit of hope, perseverance, hard work and good luck home with you.

Visit the distillery and stock up, then pop into Scott’s Café on Main Street for an excellent meal. Woodsluck: Mon – Fri 9am to 5pm. Sat & Sun 9am to 6pm. 013 767 1066, 083 955 8616, info@woodsluckdistillery.co.za, woodsluckdistillery.co.za

Barberton Geo Trail

Graskop Gorge Lift Co.

Tucked away against the north-west border of Eswatini, lie the Makhonjwa Mountains, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here lies a spectacular wilderness with ancient rock strata essential to our understanding of the early evolution of our planet. These mountains are threaded by the paved R40 road from Barberton to the Josefsdal border post with Eswatini. Along this scenic road are a series of well-designed laybys, many at sites with spectacular views, illustrating the significance of these unique mountains. Colourful panels explain the deep-time stories of these rocks in plain language.

Bring the family for a fantastic day out! Panorama Route – Graskop – Mpumalanga. We have a viewing lift and Afromontane forest trail, a Big Swing, Zipline, Suspension Bridge, Lift Café, Swing Café, Community Craft Centre and Retail Therapy. Fun for the whole family.

013 767 1144, 066 305 1572/3, info@gglc.co.za, gglc.co.za

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retreat Hazyview Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park

Snakes, crocodiles, lizards, tortoises, frogs and spiders all on show. Shows held throughout the day from 11am4pm and include venomous snakes, bearded dragon feedings, lizard talks and interaction and understanding snakes and constrictors. Open daily from 10am-5pm. Closed on Fridays.

Perry’s Bridge Trading Post and Tourism Centre, Hazyview.

013 737 7680, perrysbridgereptilepark.com.

Mpumalanga Helicopter Co.

Breath-taking helicopter adventures over the scenic Lowveld: simply the best way to experience the beauty of this area. Departing from Hazyview, local airfields and lodges, 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, mhelicopter.co.za

Flights - Expert Advice Visa Assistance - Car Hire Accommodation - 24/7 Assistance Excursions - Adventure Activities Financial Protection Exclusive Deals & Packages

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Anna Dalrymple +27 82 781 3919

anna.dalrymple@travelcounsellors.co.za

Hazyview retreat

Elephant Whispers

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 one-hour Elephant Interactions, to walking with the elephant or spending a full day with them; the Elephant Whispers team look forward to sharing the magic of these rescued African elephants with you.

082 498 4683, info@elephantwhispers. co.za, elephantwhispers.co.za

Sabie River Bush Lodge

Located on the banks of the mighty Sabie River lies this award-winning lodge; a raised pool deck allows uninterrupted views of the Kruger National Park. Enjoy sundowners whilst observing the resident hippos & elephants quenching their daily thirst. Enjoy great homecooked meals and excellent service. Experience the Kruger waking up with an early morning or full-day Open Vehicle Safari with our experienced and qualified guides.

073 140 8742, 082 467 5771, sabieriverbushlodge.co.za

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retreat Hazyview/Hoedspruit Skyway Trails

Experience the thrill of Skyway Trails, located on the scenic Panorama Route in Hazyview. We offer two fun-packed, exciting outdoor adventures for all – the Aerial Cable Trail and the Tree-Top Challenge. The 1.2km Aerial Cable Trail is made up of eight ziplines that take visitors over one of the last remaining natural forested valleys along the Sabie River, adjacent to the Kruger National Park; while the Tree-Top Challenge is an elevated obstacle course, with 35 exciting obstacles. Both activities offer tons of family fun and are ideal for group outings.

013 737 6747, 082 825 0209, info@skywaytrails.com, skywaytrails.com

Aerotel

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Plumbago Guest House

Set on an avocado and banana farm above a plantation looking out over the Kruger National Park in the distance, Plumbago offers 3 luxurious suites in a nostalgic colonial-inspired setting.

Charming, air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms with sitting areas boast mahogany beds, fine linen, Jacobean prints and an abundance of fresh flowers.

The elegant pool in the beautifully tended bird-filled garden allows for relaxation. Pet-friendly & event venue.

082 954 0467, plumbagoguesthouse@ mweb.co.za, plumbagoguesthouse.co.za A South African and an African first and only Aviator Boutique Hotel set in a luxury Boeing 737-200. A one-of-a-kindexperience, situated in the Kruger to Canyon Biosphere overlooking the Northern Drakensberg Mountains. The Boeing has been converted into a 12-bed boutique hotel offering the best views in Hoedspruit. Join for tapas and cocktails, breakfast and lunch by reservation only.

087 6556 737, reservations@aerotel.co.za, aerotel.co.za

Hoedspruit retreat

Hoedspruit Reptile Centre

Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is a unique facility dedicated to “conservation through education and research”.

We offer a wide variety of accredited educational and training programmes and conduct a variety of self-funded conservation programmes. We do not buy nor sell animals. We are destination for learning and excitement for all ages.

We are open every day of the year, including all holidays from 8am to 5pm and are on call 24/7 for any reptile related emergencies. 015 795 5203, reptile@yebo.co.za, kinyonga.net

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

The Centre at Moholoholo 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 Mon to Sat, 9.30am and 3pm. R531 near Kampersrus, Hoedspruit. 015 795 5236, 082 907 5984, moholorehab@ wol.co.za, moholoholo.co.za.

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retreat Hoedspruit Natural Earth Safaris

Echo Caves

Creators of Natural Earth Safaris, David and Troy, were born and raised in the bush. After years of running safari operations and game ranging, they combined their experience and friendship to give guests a once in a lifetime safari experience. Stay at the exclusive use 10-sleeper Tuskers Safari Camp in the pristine wilderness of the Klaserie Reserve in the Greater Kruger.

Enjoy personalised game drives and bush walks. Self catering or private chef.

071 220 0466, 071 030 2676, naturalearthsafaris@gmail.com, naturalearthsafaris.com

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 stonewall called flowstone with the appearance of a frozen waterfall.

Find natural formations like the statue of Madonna, formed by the combination of stalagmite and stalactites. Declared a national monument and one of SA’s longest caves. Open daily. Off the R36 en-route to Hoedspruit, Ohrigstad.

Anneke 013 238 0015, 072 805 5023. info@echocaves.co.za, @echocaves1

An Authentic

T H ESouth African Safari Experience Award winning Phelwana Game Lodge is situated near Hoedspruit, the gateway to the Kruger National Park as well as the second largest canyon in the world, The Blyde River Canyon. Treat yourself to a luxury Bushveld escape, to be welcomed and hosted by our hospitable Phelwana Team. Partake in Bush walks, Big 5 Game drives and other funfilled activities. Enjoy our acclaimed fine dining experience and revel in some downtime in our luxury accommodation. Soak up the views while you unwind in your private watching o r v i l l eswimming h o u s e c pool ream e r y . c nature o m slowly pass by.

ORVILLE HOUSE CREAMERY

Tel: 015 793 2475 | Cel: 071 659 9555 Email: book@phelwana.co.za Web: www.phewlana.co.za Address: P.O Box 11 Hoedspruit, 1380, Limpopo, South Africa

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Barberton retreat

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retreat Barberton

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Barberton retreat

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retreat Barberton

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Machadodorp/Dullstroom retreat

Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre

We are an education facility teaching the public about raptors, and a rehabilitation centre for injured wildlife.

Open Fri to Mon 9am to 4pm for a selfguided walks to visit our resident birds & animals. Flying demonstrations (with educational talk) are weather permitting at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Entrance fees R70/adult, R60/pensioners and R40/ kids under 12. Tuck shop and curios on premises. Fishing available at our catch and keep dam. 082 899 4108, info@wildlifesos.co.za, birdsofprey.co.za

Walkersons Hotel & Spa

The 27-year old Walkersons near Dullstroom is a blend of elegance and charm with historic-looking buildings boasting modern amenities. Located on 800 hectares of peaceful countryside, offering great fly-fishing, Walkersons has 27 hotel rooms including two family suites and five self-catering family cottages. Available to guests and day visitors, it offers country cuisine, unspoiled scenery, and a luxurious spa. Ideal for weekends, weddings & conferences. 013 253 7000, reservations@walkersons.co.za, walkersons.co.za. @Walkersons Hotel & Spa

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retreat listings Activities & Destinations Sabie & Long Tom Kestell Adventures, Sabie, kestelladventures.com Long Tom Toboggan & Scoutours, Long Tom Pass, longtomtoboggan.co.za Hazyview Sky Dive Kruger, skydivekruger.co.za GZ Adventures Paintball, groundzeroadventures.com Horse Whispers, horsewhispers.co.za God’s Window, godswindow.info Skukuza Nursery, Kruger Skukuza swimming pool, Kruger Perrys Bridge Trading Post, perrysbridge.co.za Echo Africa Transfers & Tours, echoafrica.co.za GAP Tours & Transfers, gaptours.co.za

White River White River Golf Course, wrcc.co.za Sakkies Farmyard, Casterbridge Ingwenyama Driving range, ingwenyama.co.za Longmere fishing & boating, tsogosun. com/pine-lake-resort Esra Bosch & Anton Bosch ceramic studios, esrabosch.co.za, boschstudio.co.za Simply Slowveld, simplyslowveld.com Hanya House Wellness, hanya.house The Motor Museum at Casterbridge, @casterbridgemuseum Safaria Kruger Tours, safaria.co.za Langa Langa Kruger Tours, langalangasafaris.co.za

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Kaapsehoop Kaapsehoop Scoutours, scootours.co.za Boulder hopping Kaapsehoop Horse Trails, horsebacktrails.co.za Dullstroom Field & Stream fishing, fieldandstreamsa.com Highland Golf Estate, highlandgate.co.za Mavunga Flyfishing, flyfishing.co.za Verlorenvlei Estuary, verlorenvlei.co.za Hoedspruit Akabeko golf course, akabekohotel.com Leading Edge Flight School, lefssa.com Hoedspruit Helicopters, hoedspruithelicopters.co.za Suncatchers hot air balloons, suncatchers.co.za Africology Spa, africologyspa.com Warren Carey Wildlife Gallery, warrencarywildlifegallery.com Blyde River Boat Tours, blydecanyonsafaris.com Mbombela Emnotweni Casino, emnotweni.co.za Ilanga Fun Company, thefuncompany.co.za Ilanga Ice skating, theicerink.co.za Ilanga Ster Kinekor Movies, sterkinekor.com Riverside Mall Movies, emnotweni.co.za Mankele, mankele.co.za Matumi Golf Club, nelspruitgolfclub.co.za Montana Nursery, montanagp.co.za Halls Farm stall, thefarmstall.net Waterval Boven Roc ’n Rope Adventures, rocrope.com

listings retreat Sleep & Eat Sabie & Long Tom Sabie Brewing Co, sabiebrewery.com Merry Pebbles, merrypebbles.co.za Hops Hollow Brewery, Long Tom Pass, hopshollow.co.za Hazyview Shiloh Coffee Estate, @ShilohCoffeeEstate The Reserve Restaurant, @TheReserveR Afsaal picnic spot, Kruger Kruger Station, Skukuza Africamps Hazyview & Mackers, africamps.com Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa, summerfields.co.za Hazyview Cabanas, hazyviewcabanas.co.za White River Sabie Valley Coffee, sabievalleycoffee.com Zannas Café, @zannascafe Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria, @picassoismexican Kitchen Co. Restaurant & Bar, @kitchencorestaurant GumTreez Pub & Grill, @gumtreezpubandgrill Yoons Eatery, @yoonseatery Phat Boys Beer House White River @phatboys SIP Coffee Cafe & Deli, @SIPcoffeecafeWhiteRiver Waffle & Co, Casterbridge, @wafflecowr

Graskop Harries Pancakes, harriespancakes.co.za Graskop Hotel, graskophotel.co.za Mbombela Tindlovu In The Gardens, tindlovu.co.za Cicada, @cicadanelspruit Urban House, @Urbanhousembombela Jock Pub & Grill, @JockPubandGrill Dullstroom Anvil Ale House & Brewery, anvilbrewery.com Udderlicious Milkshake Bar, udderlicious.co.za Wild About Whiskey, wildaboutwhisky.com Verlorenkloof, verlorenkloof.co.za Hoedspruit Farmhouse Restaurant, Zandspruit, thefarmhouse.africa Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa, @unembeza

Kaapsehoop Bohemian Groove Café, bohemiangroovecafe.co.za

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