Nature Spot

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Located on the so-called "Panorama Route" of the Mpumalanga escarpment, the Blyde River Canyon is one of the deepest gorges worldwide and offers panoramic views as well as a variety of fauna and flora, the latter including some rare and endangered species. Access is via the R532 north of Graskop and information centres are available at Swadini and Bourke's Luck Potholes. A number of hiking trails are available to explore the sandstone ravines and rock formations, whilst local activities inclu [more]Located on the so-called "Panorama Route" of the Mpumalanga escarpment, the Blyde River Canyon is one of the deepest gorges worldwide and offers panoramic views as well as a variety of fauna and flora, the latter including some rare and endangered species. Access is via the R532 north of Graskop and information centres are available at Swadini and Bourke's Luck Potholes. A number of hiking trails are available to explore the sandstone ravines and rock formations, whilst local activities include fishing, horseback-riding, 4x4 game drives, abseiling, boat trips on the Blyde Dam and white water rafting. The reserve covers an area of approximately 29,000-hectares which is the natural habitat for various species of buck, birds, zebras, hippo and crocodile.

Hiking / Mountain Climbing

Wathaba Hiking Trail

Wathaba is a wilderness region near Machadodorp which offers trout fishing, hikes and self-catering cabin accommodation: Bottlebrush Haven and Mountain Creek Cabin. There is a variety of fauna & flora to view and two trails, one being the 4km "Bosbok" route and the other the 11km "Lynx" walk up the Skurweberg Mountain.

Monument

Sudwala Caves

Located in the Mankelekele mountains, these are one of the oldest known caves worldwide and dates from prehistoric times. Adjacent to the entrance is a park which features life-sized sculptures of dinosaurs. There is a display of excavated stone-age tools. A guided tour 600m into the Caves lasts approximately one hour and allows for visitors to view the various rock formations and fossils. The Sudwala Caves are open daily between 08h30 and 16h30. Occasionally concerts such as the one held i [more]Located in the Mankelekele mountains, these are one of the oldest known caves worldwide and dates from prehistoric times. Adjacent to the entrance is a park which features life-sized sculptures of dinosaurs. There is a display of excavated stone-age tools. A guided tour 600m into the Caves lasts approximately one hour and allows for visitors to view the various rock formations and fossils. The Sudwala Caves are open daily between 08h30 and 16h30. Occasionally concerts such as the one held in 1970 by Ivan Rebroff are presented in the Caves due to their acoustics. The monthly "Crystal Tour" lasts five hours and goes 2km into the Caves along a "moderately difficult" route. Times, tariffs and further details are available at the website.