Mpumalanga and Limpopo


Click Picture for higher quality version
 

South Africa is fortunate in having so many fine national parks, the Kruger National Park being the best known. This vast tract of land is about the size of Wales and contains a tremendous variety of wildlife; at the last count 137species of mammals and 493 of birds. Rest Camps provide simple, comfortable accommodation in rondavels and cottages. As with all national parks there are certain rules – when game viewing, you must remain in your enclosed vehicle; stay on the roads and tracks; you are only allowed to travel during daylight hours; and can only leave your vehicle at designated sites.

On the western border of the park are a number of private game reserves. Game viewing drives are undertaken by open safari vehicle with an experienced ranger/tracker and as you are traversing private land vehicles you are not restricted to marked trails. A highlight will be a nocturnal drive to see the animals at night time. Generally, game viewing is excellent due to the high concentration of animals in the reserves. We highly recommend private lodges so that you can maximize the time available and enjoy a true safari experience.

Mpumalanga (formerly Eastern Transvaal) has spectacular scenery, including the awe inspiring Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest in the world). Nearby are the fascinating Bourke’s Luck Potholes and viewing points such as God’s Window. The area is also full of history and Pilgrims Rest is a living museum, the village being an early gold mining town.

Limpopo (formerly Northern Province) stretches right up to the Zimbabwean border. Around Tzaneen there is beautiful scenery with winding passes, lush vegetation and abundant flora (especially azaleas and cherry trees that flower in September and October).

RISSINGTON INN
Close to the bustling village of Hazyview, this small privately owned thatched homestead oozes friendliness and hospitality and maintains its position as one of our favourite places. It combines personal service and comfort with superb food at remarkably low prices. In the dining room and on the open terrace, the menus offer a wide variety of dishes from local to international flavours. As befits such cuisine there is an excellent wine list. There is an open plan lounge and bar overlooking the swimming pool and patio. There are 17 bedrooms and suites ranging from compact standard rooms in the house to the recently built spacious garden suites with views over the surrounding countryside

TANAMERA
Hidden deep in the bushveld between Hazyview and Sabie, the lodge commands a fantastic position with stunning views down into the forested valley and the Sabie River. The spacious thatched chalets are attractively furnished and each has a fireplace, waterfall shower, stone bath and private deck with awe-inspiring views. In the main lodge you can relax by the rim-flow pool, enjoy fine food in the dining room, enjoy a drink in the bar and just relax in the lounge. From the lounge, doors open onto the main deck with more stunning views over the cascading river and valley below. The lodge makes a good base from which to explore the ‘Panorama Route’.

COACH HOUSE
Close to Tzaneen and set on a plateau with views towards the magnificent purple mountains, the hotel has 39 superbly appointed bedrooms. Each room has a private patio, mountain view and a fireplace for the occasional chilly evening. The public rooms are beautifully appointed and in the extensive gardens is a swimming pool. The restaurant is noted for its fine food and makes extensive use of local produce. The Agatha Spa is an extensive health hydro and wellness centre offering a wide range of treatments and therapies. There is also a gym, steam rooms, saunas and indoor swimming pool. The hotel is a good base from which to tour the stunning scenery of the Magoebaskloof area.

CYBELE FOREST LODGE & HEALTH SPA
Surrounding the lodge, just off the main road between Hazyview and White River, are 300 acres of magnificent gardens and timberland. All bedrooms and suites have private walled gardens, many with wonderful views over the mountains, and 6 have their own generously proportioned heated pools for exclusive use. Dinner is served in the candlelit dining room and features the finest and freshest local ingredients. Meals are complemented by an award-winning wine list. Activities include way-marked trails through the forest, trout fishing and horse riding. ‘The Spa in the Forest’ offers a wide range of treatments and therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and restore the soul.