Many travellers are looking for more than a daily game drive to fill their Mpumalanga and Limpopo itineraries. Tourism Update rounds up some of the best activity options in these two provinces. 

 

1. A night in a treehouse (Sabi Sand Game Reserve)

At Lion Sands Game Reserve guests can spend a night in the Kingston Treehouse. Constructed entirely from wood and glass, it is completely open to the elements, while still offering protection under the shade of a roof and raised above the ground. It is equipped with a four-poster bed, as well as a full bathroom with shower facilities.

For more information, visit www.lionsands.com/our-treehouses/kingston

2. Pafuri Walking Trails (Kruger National Park)

Pafuri Walking Trails in northern Kruger National Park is now operated by Return Africa. This three-night, four-day guided experience offers participants the opportunity to explore the various landscapes of the Makuleke Concession on foot, ranging from woodlands, riverine forests and floodplains and encountering various wildlife along the way. Highlights include Crooks Corner, where the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers meet, as well as Lanner Gorge.

For more information, visit www.returnafrica.com.

3. A microlight flight over the Big Five (Hoedspruit)

Travellers can take to the skies and enjoy a 30-minute microlight flight that will see them soaring above a number of Big Five areas surrounding Hoedspruit, such as Klaserie Nature Reserve, with trained pilots from Leading Edge Flight School. There are also a number of flying safaris in light aircraft, ranging from 20 minutes to an hour, taking guests over landmarks such as the Blyde River Canyon or the Olifants River.

For more information, visit www.lefssa.com.

4. Tutored whisky tasting (Dullstroom)

Claiming to be one of the smallest bars in the world, with the largest whisky menu in the Southern Hemisphere, Wild About Whisky is an iconic and cosy bar on Dullstroom’s main road, Naledi Drive. It specialises in tutored whisky tastings, during which guests are able to learn more about whisky production, as well as the various flavours they may pick up during the tasting. Tastings comprise six half tots placed on a tasting mat, with information on each respective whisky, and visitors can go with pre-selected options, or taste any of the hundreds of bottles that line the walls of the bar.

For more information, visit www.wildaboutwhisky.co.za.

5. Listen to Nature’s Orchestra (Sabi Sand Game Reserve)

MalaMala offers guests the opportunity to join wildlife sound recordist and animal behaviour specialist, Derek Solomon, to listen to nature as they have never heard it before. A special sound system featuring microphones and headsets will enable guests to hear extremely subtle vocalisations, including birds, frogs, and even fish and insects. Up to 12 people can be connected into the system at any time and guests will be given their own set of headphones.

6. Explore forests on horseback (Kaapsehoop)

Located on the Drakensberg escarpment, 35km from Nelspruit, the Kaapsehoop Horse Trails was established in 1994 on a 17 000ha private concession on the Berlin forestry plantation of Komatiland. Experienced riders can go on three-day horseback trails through forest, grassland and escarpment areas, perhaps even encountering some of the area’s renowned wild horses along the way. Accommodation is in rustic accommodation and tents, with warm showers but no electricity. Beginners have the option of going on short scenic rides lasting about one hour.

For more information, visit www.horsebacktrails.co.za.

7. Zipline through the treetops (Magoebaskloof)

Located in Limpopo, Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours gives participants the opportunity to slide through the forest from platform to platform on a cable slide. The two-and-a-half-hour adventure allows guests to enjoy views of the local flora and fauna and the Groot Letaba River, while expert guides ensure their safety and teach them more about the ecology of the surrounding environment.

For more information, visit www.magoebaskloofcanopytour.co.za.

8. An underground adventure (Sudwala Caves)

Located in Mpumalanga, the Sudwala Caves are a popular tourist attraction for visitors to the area. However, more intrepid travellers can go on a Crystal Tour, which will take them 2 000m down in the heart of the caves to the crystal chamber with its array of aragonite crystals. This excursion involves wading through water, scrambling up and down rocks and crawling so it is best suited to those with a reasonable level of fitness. The duration of the tour is about four hours. 

For more information, visit www.sudwalacaves.com.

9. Cycle through a World Heritage Site (Mapungubwe)

Bike4Beasts takes participants on a three-day cycle tour across the beautiful scenery that surrounds Mapungubwe National Park. Cycling is mostly on dirt roads and single-track trails, with a few steep climbs and challenging sections. Cyclists will ride about 35km per day on each of the three mornings, while the afternoons are spent enjoying the scenery and wildlife. Guests will be accommodated at Mopane Bush Lodge.

For more information, visit www.mopanebushlodge.co.za.