Hazyview, a picturesque town in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, is a popular destination for nature and adventure enthusiasts. With its proximity to the world-famous Kruger National Park and its stunning natural beauty, Hazyview offers a wealth of experiences for visitors of all ages. Immerse yourself in the wilderness, explore fascinating sights, and enjoy the warm, subtropical climate.
Hazyview gets its name from the haze that envelops the area during the hot summer months. This unique atmosphere gives the town its name, "Hazyview," which translates to "veiled view" in English.
THINGS TO DO
- Visit Shangana Cultural Village: Experience the rich cultural heritage of the Shangaan people (https://mpumalanga.online/shangana-cultural-village/).
- Hazyview Skyway Trails: Enjoy zip-lining and high rope courses (www.skywaytrails.com).
- Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre: Learn about conservation efforts for endangered species (www.hesc.co.za).
RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS
- G’s Bistro & Bar: Enjoy delicious meals in a relaxed setting (www.tripadvisor.co.za/Restaurant_Review-g312630-d8722515-Reviews-G_s_Bistro_Bar-Hazyview_Mpumalanga).
- Pioneer’s Grill: Savor a variety of grilled dishes (www.pioneersgrill.co.za).
OUR TIPS
Elephant Whispers Tour: In Hazyview, South Africa, this tour offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with elephants during a 1- to 2-hour tour. You can feed, touch, and learn about their behaviors and conservation efforts (www.elephantwhispers.co.za).
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.
Mozambique's capital, Maputo, is known for its well-preserved Portuguese colonial architecture. With its beautiful art deco architecture and its exceptional setting on a hill overlooking the glittering Maputo Bay, the city of Maputo once sparkled as the 'Riviera' of Southern Africa. Previously called Lourenco Marques, Maputo is Mozambique's largest city and home to the country's most famous harbour. It is well-equipped with a wide selection of hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, a vibrant cultural scene and open-air sidewalk cafes lining the streets. Visitors can stroll down the jacaranda-lined streets of the Baixa neighbourhood in the Old Town, explore the Praca da Independencia square, discover the Neoclassical City Hall and view the unique bronze-domed Maputo Railway Station. Other popular activities include visiting Catembe and Ponta d'Oura's beautiful beaches as well as snorkelling and scuba diving in the warm Mozambican waters.
The Imhambane Province is known for its wide, almost land-locked bay and its beautiful but crumbling Portuguese architecture. Points of interest include the vibrant local market, intriguing heritage museums, charming mosques and the 200-year-old Cathedral of our Lady of Concepti. Located within close proximity are the popular beach destinations of Barra, Tofo and Guinjata Bay, which offer excellent snorkelling, diving, fishing and watersports; and the tiny, remote Ilha dos porcos which is home to traditional villages and a few of the remaining namesake wild pigs. Tofo is also an ideal destination for animal lovers, as it is home to manta rays and whale sharks, while Barra features an incredible bird estuary. It is possible to take traditional dhow boats across the bay, allowing visitors to experience it in the same way it was hundreds of years ago.
The second-biggest island in the idyllic Bazaruto archipelago, Benguerra is a tropical paradise of long, palm-lined white beaches, verdant rainforest and temperate turquoise seas permeated with coral reefs. Benguerra was designated a national park in 1971 and wildlife thrives in this unspoilt environment, including freshwater crocodiles, turtles, monkeys, buck and over 150 avian species. The surrounding ocean is permeated with exquisite coral reefs, home to a kaleidoscopic variety of vividly coloured tropical fish and offering some of the most spectacular snorkelling and diving on the planet. These pristine waters are even frequented by the rare dugong, an ancient sea creature that currently exists in only a few locations in the world.
Set on the scenic Ponta da Barra peninsula in southeastern Mozambique, Tofo is a small fishing village and an exceptionally popular tourist destination. The curved Tofo Beach is perfect for swimming and is lined with a number of lively beach bars, restaurants, and a small local market. The smaller Tofinho Beach is quieter and provides a great spot for surfing and fly fishing. Just beyond the shores lie some pristine coral reefs inhabited by an impressive array of marine life - this is one of the world's premier dive destinations, and visitors often spot dolphins, manta rays, and whale sharks. Try your hand at deep-sea fishing, go horse riding through the dunes, explore the surrounding villages, or take a trip to the nearby historic town of Inhambane for incredible local food and an idyllic dhow ride around the harbour.
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