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).
Nestled within the lush plains and dense bushveld of the Greater Kruger National Park network, Sabi Sands Reserve offers an unparalleled wildlife experience that will captivate you.
Covering an impressive 65,000 hectares, Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve is renowned as one of Africa's oldest and most prestigious private wildlife reserves. The safari lodges here are globally acclaimed for superb big cat sightings. What sets Sabi Sands apart is its unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, allowing wildlife to roam freely and utilize ancient migration routes unhindered. This unique setup provides exceptional opportunities to observe the majestic Big Five and a variety of other species in their natural habitat.
The rangers and guides who lead safaris are highly trained, possessing deep knowledge of the region's wildlife and flora. With their passion and expertise, they not only take you to spectacular wildlife viewing spots but also impart a deeper understanding of the reserve's fascinating ecosystems.
Another highlight of Sabi Sands Reserve is its strict limit on the number of vehicles allowed during game drives, ensuring authentic and undisturbed wildlife encounters. This exclusivity enables guests to savor the tranquility and beauty of the wilderness in its full glory.
As Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve isn't a national park, guests can enjoy the benefits of a private reserve. Alongside traditional game drives, activities such as guided bush walks, night safaris, and bush breakfasts can be arranged in consultation with your safari lodge. Additionally, the rangers have the flexibility to drive off-road, allowing safari vehicles to approach wildlife carefully and respectfully.
Officially known as the ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’ and still referred to as Swaziland, this tiny landlocked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and is Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems featuring towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife watching, rafting, mountain biking, and hiking along a network of scenic trails which traverse spectacular mountainous landscapes.
The UNESCO-protected Maputaland Marine Protected Area, situated on South Africa's northeast coast, lies within the impressive iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three reserves: Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, and Rocktail Bay. It stretches from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south, encompassing forests, wetlands, lakes, marshes, and coral reefs near magnificent, secluded golden sand beaches.
The MMPA spans an extensive coastline and includes coastal wetlands, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters. These diverse habitats provide an ideal environment for a plethora of marine life, including colorful corals, fish, turtles, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds.
For nature enthusiasts and adventurers, the MMPA offers a wealth of activities to explore. Snorkel along the coral reefs and discover a fascinating underwater world teeming with colors and life. Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of underwater archaeology and explore sunken shipwrecks and historical artifacts. Take boat trips along the coast and observe dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.
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.
Located on the eastern coast of South Africa, just outside of the port city of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks, also referred to as Umhlanga, is a popular seaside resort town. The tropical weather and lush vegetation make this an enticing holiday destination attracting visitors from all over the world. Umhlanga and its surrounds feature golden-sand beaches stretching over 200 kilometres, endless sugarcane fields and the rolling verdant landscape of the Valley of 1000 Hills. It is the perfect location for ocean enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, with great opportunities for diving, swimming, scuba diving, whale watching, dolphin viewing, deep sea fishing and kiteboarding. Don’t miss Umhlanga’s excellent golf courses; they are a real treat for the avid golfer.
