Perched on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment, the little forestry town of Graskop, meaning ‘Grassy Hill’ is set in the heart of Mpumulanga’s Panorama Tourist Route in northern South Africa. Once a gold mining camp, today it serves as a thriving tourist stopover and base from which to explore the countless natural wonders in the surrounding area. Highlights include: the famous Kruger National Park, the world-renowned Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims Rest, the unique formations of Bourkes Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels. Some spectacular waterfalls to view are: Mac Mac Falls, Motitsi Waterfall, Lisbon Falls and the Berlyn Falls. Other popular activities include: descending into the Graskop Gorge on the Graskop Gorge Lift and enjoying a delicious pancake at the ‘Pancake capital of South Africa’.
Situated along the southern border of the world-famous Kruger National Park, on the banks of the Crocodile River, Marloth Park is a tranquil holiday town and wildlife sanctuary in the beautiful province of Mpumalanga. This 3000-hectare park is inhabited by abundant wildlife and is home to four of the Big Five. The rhino, lion, and buffalo are kept in Marloth Park’s Lionspruit Game Reserve, while the kudu, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, ostrich, impala, and warthog roam freely between holiday houses, lodges and hotels. Visitors can watch elephants play in the river, catch a glimpse of some magnificent wildlife from the lookout points and watch the spectacular sunset over the African bushveld. This park offers a string of wonderful activities including: guided game walks, game drives, night safaris, mountain biking, fishing, quad biking, horse riding, bird watching and even golfing inside the Kruger Park at Skukuza.
Set in what is arguably Swaziland’s most spectacularly beautiful region – the aptly named ‘Valley of Heaven’ – Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural wonderland of grassy plains, granitic mountains, cascading waterfalls and abundant wildlife. The southern section can be explored on foot, mountain bike, horseback or in vehicles, while access to the more remote northern half is restricted to guided hiking groups. Located relatively close to the reserve are the towns of Malkerns and Ezulwini, famous for their many craft shops and other attractions. Visitors can also look forward to staying in traditional beehive-shaped huts and enjoying a breakfast overlooking hippo and crocodiles wading in the water and resting on the banks.
The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is the jewel in the crown of the KwaZulu Natal game reserves. Proclaimed in 1895, it is also the oldest game reserve in Africa. Initially two separate reserves, they were joined to create a single 94 000 hectare reserve which is home to one-fifth of the world's black and white rhino population. It was here that the internationally acclaimed Operation Rhino started in the 1960s, successfully capturing and relocating white rhino to havens within South Africa and abroad. The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park was the first reserve to introduce walking safaris and its Wilderness Trails are internationally renowned. Visitors can also look forward to visiting a traditional Zulu village, enjoying a horse riding safari, and spotting the world-renowned Big Five as well as a wide variety of bird species.
Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to thrilling night drive safaris, hippo and crocodile cruises, and many comfortable accommodation options.
Idyllically set on the exquisite North Coast of South Africa, just 40 kilometres from the vibrant city of Durban, Ballito is a quiet seaside resort town known for its spectacular beaches and laidback atmosphere. The town features an attractive blue flag accredited main beach which offers safe swimming conditions as well as lifeguards and protective shark nets. There are also some lovely tidal pools which are ideal for families with young children. The area is famous for its large school of dolphins which can be spotted on a leisurely boat cruise or while relaxing on the shore. Whales are also frequently seen on their annual migration to Mozambique for the summer. Other popular activities on offer include: golf, tennis, squash, scuba diving, and a variety of other watersports.
Situated in northeastern South Africa, the Northern Drakensberg rises up to 3000 metres in height creating spectacularly scenic views from every direction. Featuring cascading waterfalls, sandstone caves and countless San rock art paintings, the Northern Drakensberg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which also boasts a network of scenic hiking trails. Falling within the Royal Natal National Park, the ‘Amphitheatre’, comprised of over 5 kilometres of sheer cliff, is regarded as one of the most impressive cliff faces on earth with the Tugela Falls, the world's second tallest falls, plunging almost a kilometre from its clifftops. Nature lovers will delight in this unspoilt landscape and enjoy a wide variety of outdoor adventures.
