Mpumalanga Travel Guide

  waterfall in Waterval Boven
by n.menton
 
  • waterfall in  Waterval Boven
      waterfall in Waterval Boven
    by n.menton
  • view from the rooms
      view from the rooms
    by n.menton
  • view from the porch
      view from the porch
    by n.menton
  • From the bottom of the garden
      From the bottom of the garden
    by n.menton
  • BLYDE RIVER VALLEY
      BLYDE RIVER VALLEY
    by DAO
 

Explore Mpumalanga

Things to Do  

THE PINNACLE
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THE PINNACLE
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The Pinnacle Rock is a very impressive 30m (98ft) high tower-like "Needle". It is made from a rock called quartzite. Originally sandstone, it has been compressed for thousands of years to form a very durable rock that is resistant to errosion.

It towers over a beautiful fern-covered ravine created by the Ngwaritsane River. To the right and below the viewing area you can see the topmost of eight waterfalls which are in the river as it falls more than 450m (1476 feet) into the valley below.

The Pinnacle is very near God’s Window.

Updated Oct 24, 2011

Address: God's Window (entrance)

Website: http://www.krugerpark-direct.com/activity/visit-pinnacle-rock

Related to:
 Photography
 National/State Park
 Road Trip

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3 RONDAVELS & THE BLYDE RIVER VALLEY
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3 RONDAVELS
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A Rondavel (or Rondawel) is a South African word for a round hut dwelling with a thatched roof. The giant peaks of quartzite and shale that make up the 3 Rondavels have sheer rock walls towering more than 700 meters above the ground. The best time to view these are at sunset when they turn a vivid red colour. Named after the 3 most troublesome wives of Chief Maripi Mashile. From left to right they are: Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.

The same viewing platform also gives you the most spectacular view possible of the Blyde River Valley. You can climb out onto large rocks that hand over the void, just be careful!

Updated Oct 23, 2011

Website: http://www.mpumalanga.com/index.php?att_view+7114

Related to:
 Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
 National/State Park
 Road Trip

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BOURKES’ LUCK POTHOLES
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This natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon, where the Blyde River ("River of Joy") and the Treur River ("River of Sorrow") meet. Over thousands of years the combination of these two rivers created swirling whirlpools. These whirlpools have caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the soft bedrock of the river. The Potholes were named after a gold digger, Tom Burke. He staked a claim nearby that did not produce any gold, but he correctly predicted that large gold deposits would be found in the area.

There is an excellent Visitors Center just inside the entrance where you purchase your tickets. It is a 700m walk to the potholes via specially constructed bridges that give you commanding views of the Potholes. There is also an area of small waterfalls above the Potholes where you can walk in the shallow water. Be Careful! The rocks are slippery and I fell in with my camera.

Updated Oct 11, 2008

Related to:
 National/State Park
 Eco-Tourism
 Photography

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GOD'S WINDOW & WONDER VIEW
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God's Window is a breathtaking viewpoint from a high escarpment looking down over 900 meters to the Lowveld below. The view is of a vast Eden-like area, hence its name. Parts of Kruger National Park and Mozambique can be seen in the distance. From the car park you walk up winding trails that at times look like you might fall off into the distance. The actual view site at the top is a Wild Nature Reserve. You can see waterfalls, rock formations, sheer cliffs and canyons. I watched a thunderstorm in one corner of the sky and brilliant sunshine over the rest of the area at the same time. The area seems impossibly large. You can even scramble onto rocks sticking out into space for an even more incredible view. Just be careful.

Wonder View is nearby (2 km up the road), It offers the highest viewpoint of the area at 1730 meters. No climbing needed as the viewpoint is right next to the road.

Written Oct 15, 2006

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Road Trip
 National/State Park

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THE PANORAMA ROUTE
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Bourkes Luck Potholes
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The Panorama is a route that will take a driver through some of the most stunning views of the natural wonders of South Africa. It stretches from Sabie, through Graskop on to the Blyde River Canyon. Along the way you can see some of the hidden gems of Mpumalanga including: The Pinnacle, Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, 3 Rondavels and plenty of waterfalls along your drive. Many South Africans and many Tourists never visit these extraordinary sites for different reasons. If you do come to South Africa, make sure you include the Panorama.

The Official Route is:


TOWNS

Blydepoort
Graskop
Hazyview
Hoedspruit
Lydenburg
Ohrigstad
Pilgrim's Rest
Sabie
White River

ACTIVITIES

Fly Fishing
Hiking
Adventure Sport
Gold Panning
Rafting Sightseeing
Game Viewing
Hot Air Ballooning

Amazingly this can all be seen in 1 day, if you get up early!

Updated Oct 14, 2006

Related to:
 Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
 Road Trip
 Backpacking

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Hotels  

Ermelo Inn Hotel

 9 Opinions

Hotels  

Acra Retreat - Mountain View Lodge: South Africa's Best B & B

Acra Retreat - Mountain View Lodge: South Africa's Best B & B, Mpumalanga

 n.menton Says:  Acra Retreat is on the edge of a cliff facing the Elands Valley. Only 2,5 hours from Johannesburg it is the perfect stop over after a long flight. The views are SPECTACULAR ! The food is delicious and the hospitality warm and welcoming. Acra Retreat has a pool, a kiddies... 

Restaurants  

THE BILTONG HUT: BEST BILTONG - IN THE WORLD
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Not exactly a restaurant, but you definitely want to eat their Biltong. If you like Biltong, you will love this place. Biltong is so much more than Beef Jerky. It is more tender and flavourful. No plastic tubes here! Every purchase is placed in a brown paper bag that is easy to open. They have traditional beef varieties and game, like Eland, as well. If you are not sure what you like - just ask for free samples! From mild to so hot you won't believe it. Spicy to savoury, they have it all. Some are pre-cut and the rest they will chop up for you. This seems to be a family run business and they know how to take care of the customer. You will definitely leave with a few bags.

Favorite Dish:
The Love Bites were too hot for me. The stick (traditional) Biltong was so good, I did not buy enough!

Updated Oct 23, 2011

Address: Louis Trichardt Street – Graskop

Website: http://www.graskop.co.za/eat/

Related to:
 Road Trip
 Backpacking
 Budget Travel

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HARRIE'S PANCAKES: PANCAKES - AFRIKANER STYLE
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Just to set the record straight Pancakes = Crepe's in South Africa. They have quite a few fillings and you can sit outside in the sunshine. Service is at best indifferent, but the food is very good. 4 of us ate here for $15. Next door is a huge gift shop. If you need souvenirs from South Africa, you can do all your shopping here. After your meal, pop over the road to the Biltong Hut for the best Biltong in the known world. You won't be hungry after eating at Harries, but you would not want to miss it!

Favorite Dish: I had the Dutch Bacon and Cheese! Tastes as good as it sounds!

Updated Jul 18, 2009

Address: Louis Trichardt Street – Graskop

Phone: (013) 767-1273

Website: http://www.graskop.co.za/eat/

Related to:
 Backpacking
 Road Trip
 Romantic Travel and Honeymoons

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