Located in the northern province of Limpopo, the Soutpansberg, meaning ‘Salt Pan Mountain’ is South Africa’s most northern mountain range, which forms part of the UNESCO-designated Vhembe Biosphere Reserve. Known as the gateway to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, the spectacular Soutpansberg mountain range stretches from east to west covering over 130 kilometres. These mountains boast a rich cultural heritage, diverse fauna and flora, and unspoilt wilderness featuring rugged peaks rising from the baobab-dotted plains. Take a guided tour to a nearby Venda village, explore the sacred valleys and lakes, and discover the ancient historical rock art of this beautiful area.
Set at the heart of South Africa’s largest and most famous game reserve, Central Kruger is home to large numbers of lions, hyenas, cheetah, leopards, buffalo, wildebeest, elephants, zebra, and birds of prey. The Olifants River flows through the region, a popular bathing and drinking site for hippos, elephants, and other mammals. Visitors can explore the area by way of guided game drives, bush walks, bird walks, and night drives. The area is also conveniently close to the Masorini archaeological site, an excavated ruin that dates back to the late Iron Age known to be a trading post for iron products by the Ba-Phalaborwa people. Other popular attractions easily accessible from the region include the spectacular Mac Mac Falls and the quaint historic town, Pilgrim’s Rest.
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.
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’.
Located in the Mpumalanga Province, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve shares a fenceless border with the world-renowned Kruger National Park. This magnificent 60 000 hectare reserve is best known for its two very rare white lions discovered here in the 1970s, which gave this destination its name. Meaning 'the place where something sacred came down to earth from the heavens', the park lives up to the hype with its enthralling African savannah, abundant wildlife, and friendly people. Visitors have the opportunity to see 40 mammal species, 360 bird species and the famous Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). Enjoy a wide array of activities including daytime safaris, guided night game drives, bush walks, and excellent bird watching.
