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 Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga Mpumalanga, meaning 'land of the rising sun', is a province rich
in wildlife, African culture, pioneer history and natural beauty.
Situated in the east of the country, north of KwaZulu Natal, it
borders Swaziland and Mozambique and encompasses the southern
section of the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
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
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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.
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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.
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Address: Off White River Road;
Telephone: 013 752 5531;
Website: www.sanbi.org/lowveld/mainpage.htm;
Opening time: Daily 8am to 6pm (September to March)and until 5pm from April to August;
Admission: R15 (adults), R5 (children)
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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.
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Telephone: 013 768 1060;
Website: www.pilgrims-rest.co.za
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