The provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo are home to the Kruger National Park and many other game reserves, attracting safari seekers from across the globe. Tessa Reed rounds up some of the best ideas for extensions to safaris in the provinces.
Wild Wings Safaris Director, Onne Vegter, is quick to point out that there are plenty of extensions to a safari in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. “The list of activities and attractions is endless,” he says. “You can mention 100 of them and still miss many.”
- Craft Beer in Sabie, Mpumalanga
“In Sabie you can sample some wonderful craft beers at the Sabie Brewing Company,” says Andre van Heerden, owner of Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa. “Try the Long Tom Lager, Shangaan Stout, or Glynn’s Gold, all very original and tasty,” he says, adding that it’s a great lunch spot.
Tours of the microbrewery are offered, as well as tastings of the selection of hand-crafted beers. Guests can enjoy spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the town of Sabie, while sipping their favourite pint.
- Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
“Dullstroom is indeed a great stopover to or from the Lowveld,” says Van Heerden. He points out that the area has a cold and rainy climate and advises guests to get close to a log fire. The little town is teeming with interesting shops and restaurants, he says, adding that Mrs Simpson’s is his top pick. Vegter suggests fly-fishing and “a wee dram of whisky” in Dullstroom.
- The Panorama Route
“The views and waterfalls of the scenic Panorama Route are well known and absolutely worth a visit,” says Vegter. Van Heerden also suggests a visit to this area, which takes visitors through the Blyde River Canyon, highights of which include the Three Rondavels, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. “I am always fascinated by the beauty of these landmarks, and some people make a study of the waterfalls and paths they cut through the rock formations,” says Van Heerden. “The Bridal Veil Falls, Horse Shoe Falls, Berlin Falls and the MacMac pools are all worth a visit,” he says, adding that the sites are clean, safe and well managed by the local authorities. “At Horse Shoe Falls you’ll find the local guide to be Max, a golden retriever, who accompanies you to all the special nooks and crannies.”
- Makapan’s Caves, Limpopo
Contracting Executive at Tourvest Destination Management, Nothando Dube, suggests a visit to Makapan’s Caves. It has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site and Dube points out that it is internationally recognised for its palaeontological significance. The dolomitic caves are home to discoveries about human evolution and also the site of ancient mammal fossils. The site is also where the Taung skull was discovered.
Makapan's Cave is named after the great Ndebele chief Makapan. It is the site of a siege between the tribe and the Voortrekkers, led by Paul Kruger. Several other caves house artefacts from the Earlier Stone Age to the Later Stone Age.
Visits to the caves can be combined with a visit to the nearby the Arend Dieperink Museum, which houses many of the archaeological and palaeontological artefacts discovered at the caves.
- A round of golf in Limpopo
The Signature Course at Legend Golf and Safari Resort, in the Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Waterberg is a championship course. Rina Cilliers, GM Sales, Marketing & Reservations at Legend Lodges, highlight’s the course’s 19th hole. Played from a vertical height of 396m, it is the world’s highest par 3 and is accessible only by helicopter.
Down the escarpment between Lydenburg and Sabie you’ll pass Misty Mountain, which has recently introduced a toboggan run down the mountain – it is fast, furious and adrenalin-pumping fun!
- Hazyview
The gateway to the Southern part of the Kruger National Park, Hazyview, offers adventure activities including hot air ballooning, abseiling, quad biking and river rafting. Visitors can also go on horseback and mountain bike trails.
Summerfields Rose Retreat on the Summerfields Estate is a working macadamia and fruit farm. It offers five-star accommodation in luxury tented suites. Owner Van Heerden highlights that the spa and restaurants are award winning. The spa offers treatments such as coffee exfoliation and signature facials made with papaya, avocado and yoghurt. Dining options include tapas for lazy lunches overlooking the Sabie River and gourmet meals with regular top Cape estate wine tastings.
