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 Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga Mpumalanga is 'Big Game Country', and the Lowveld is the setting for dozens of private game reserves and luxury lodges that abound in bird and animal life. Nelspruit is the capital and gateway to the province, situated two hundred miles (325km) east of Johannesburg, and is South Africa's fastest growing city with a vibrant Central Business District. Although not much of a tourist attraction in itself, Nelspruit is situated in the heart of a region rich in natural attractions, which makes it a favourite jumping off point for exploring the Lowveld area. The city's train station and airport welcome travellers several times a day, most of whom are en route to the Kruger National Park, whose southern Malelane Gate is about 40 miles (63km) from Nelspruit. It is not only those interested in safaris that come to Mpumalanga, however. Besides wonderful opportunities for bird watching and game viewing, the area is also scenically beautiful with its mountains, valleys, waterfalls, canyons and panoramic passes. Mpumalanga's lack of development means more space for its natural finery, which is particularly evident along its scenic meander known as the Panorama Route that takes in spectacular sights along the eastern slopes of the escarpment such as the Blyde River Canyon and God's Window. The little town of Pilgrim's Rest is a popular attraction for those interested in the history of the 1870s gold rush, while streams that once held the promise of gold are now a Mecca for trout and fly-fishermen, particularly near the town of Dullstroom. The region is also home to the Ndebele people, famous for their beadwork and uniquely painted houses. Attractions  Lowveld Botanical Gardens Lowveld National Botanical Garden Covering 393 acres (159 hectares) on the banks of the Crocodile River at Nelspruit, the Lowveld Botanic Gardens has the largest collection of cycads in the world and the biggest assortment of indigenous trees in South Africa, totalling 650 of the 1,000 known species. The gardens have 600 plant and 245 bird species occurring naturally on its turf, but about 2,000 more plant species have been added to this collection making this haven a feast for botanists. A two-hour trail meanders along the Crocodile River banks and passes three waterfalls.Address: Off White River Road; Website: www.sanbi.org/lowveld/mainpage.htm; Telephone: 013 752 5531; Opening time: Daily 8am to 6pm (September to March)and until 5pm from April to August; Admission: R15 (adults), R5 (children) Excursions Blyde River Canyon The spectacular vista of the Blyde River Canyon, with its sheer cliffs dropping into a bush-covered valley, is part of the scenically breathtaking Panorama Route, worth doing as a self-drive trip from Nelspruit, or on a bus tour. Other sights on the route include the Three Rondavels, a trio of green-clad peaks set in the canyon and the Bourke's Luck Potholes, huge holes in the mountainside formed by grinding sand. The Blyde River Canyon is the biggest 'green' canyon in the world, and the third largest canyon on earth, smaller only than the USA's Grand Canyon and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. The river itself also offers some challenging white water rafting.Pilgrim’s Rest Had it not been for its picturesque setting, Pilgrim’s Rest would probably be a ghost town. It is, however, a popular tourist destination, existing today for little other purpose than to entertain and inform visitors about its colourful heyday. It all began in 1873 when a Scots miner, Alex ‘Wheelbarrow’ Patterson, shouted ‘Eureka’, having discovered gold at Pilgrim’s Creek. Before long fortune seekers had clogged the little valley, and the town of Pilgrim’s Rest was born. Mining continued for decades, but started to dry up in the 1940s and the final mine closed in 1972. The town has now been declared a national monument and many of its corrugated iron buildings have been restored. These now exist as living museums, and some as souvenir shops. There is an Information Centre on the Main Road where visitors can learn the history of the town before exploring it. Pilgrim’s Rest is part of the scenic ‘Panorama Route’ north of Nelspruit.Website: www.pilgrims-rest.co.za; Telephone: 013 768 1060 Events  FIFA © FIFA World Cup 2010 FIFA World Cup (Nelspruit) The much anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup will be held in South Africa, with matches scheduled at 10 stadiums in nine cities. This is the first time Africa will play host to the tournament and while local infrastructure is being upgraded to meet the demands of the estimated 3 million international spectators, tickets, flights and accommodation are best booked well in advance. The Nelspruit 2010 FIFA World Cup matches will take place at Mbombela Stadium, one of the new stadiums being constructed especially for the tournament. This elevated stadium will be able to seat 40 000 spectators and provide sporting and event facilities of an international standard, bound to avert attention from the nearby Kruger National Park, however briefly... With a guaranteed entry to the 2010 FIFA World Cup as the host nation, South Africa is ready to do the 'Diski' dance, blow on those Vuvuzela trumpets and play ball!Venue: Mbombela Stadium; Date: 16, 20, 23 and 25 June 2010; Website: www.fifa.com/worldcup |
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