Blyde River Canyon - one of the great natural wonders of Africa. The canyon was shaped over millions of years by the erosive action of water, sand particles and boulders carried by the Blyde River to the sea.
Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this area of nearly two million hectares has been the flagship of South Africa’s parks ever since. Having recently incorporated Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique to form the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, it's now larger than Lesotho. The Park has a greater number of species than any other game sanctuary in Africa. The world-renowned Kruger Park is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Among them are more than 8 000 elephants and around 600 white rhinos. A real plus is the excellent accommodation both within Kruger and along its boundary in the many private concession areas. The Kruger National Park is mainly a self drive destination with the infrastructure of roads, water holes, hides, picnic sites, and rest camps spread through the Kruger National park to ensure the visitor maximum exposure to the fauna and flora this remarkable reserve offers. Take wildlife viewing trips to photograph the impressive number of species present in the Kruger National Park. Although most people will have seen African animals in zoos, it is impossible to exaggerate how extraordinary and completely different it is to see these animals in their natural environment. That said, Kruger National Park is not quite a wilderness experience: it is highly developed, organized, accessible and popular. Game viewing at Kruger National Park has been described as a "spine-tingling experience". Watch in absolute awe and wonder as the lion stalks its prey, or at the cheetah chasing fleeing antelope at breathtaking speed. You might come across the Kruger National Park’s big and tall, the gigantic and stately elephant, and gaze at the dizzying height of Africa’s tallest creature, the giraffe.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Set in the Drakensberg Mountains of Mpumalanga, this nature reserve contains some of the most dramatic scenery in South Africa. The canyon is the third largest in the world, while Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God's Window are unique geographical features that are easily reached on tarred roads from the village of Graskop. Visitors can stay in two recreational resorts in the reserve.
Nelspruit
The capital of Mpumalanga is a convenient stop-off for those heading for the Kruger National Park or wishing to drive along the scenic routes of the escarpment. The National Lowveld Botanic Gardens, on the banks of the Crocodile River and the nearby Crocriver Enviro Park, Africa’s largest reptile park, are both worth visiting. About 18 km from Nelspruit are the spectacular Sudwala caves.
Pilgrim’s RestGold-rush fever attracted swarms of prospectors here in 1873. The whole village is now a living museum. To see how the alluvial gold was panned visit the Pilgrim’s Hut and Diggings at the edge of the town on the Graskop Road. With it may come the ghost of Wheelbarrow Alec Patterson, who discovered alluvial gold there in 1873. His discovery prompted an industry that lasted until 1972 when the last reef was finally mined out. Just to the west of the village is Mount Sheba Nature Reserve, known for its indigenous forest and prolific bird life.
Sabi Sabi is South Africa’s Premier Game Private Reserve and Winner of ASATA/Diner's Club Award for Best Game Lodge in Southern Africa There are three lodges at Sabi Sabi, all of which are completely unfenced. To enhance its old-world authentic African ambience, Selati uses alternative energy. Lighting is provided by oil lamps and lanterns. Each suite has an alfresco outside shower. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is an unspoilt part of Africa ecologically and geographically integrated with the adjacent Kruger National Park. It lies on the banks of the Sabie River within one of the oldest and largest proclaimed private reserves - the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Safaris at Sabi Sabi are a UNIQUE African experience. Guided by your knowledgeable and experienced ranger and skilled Shangaan tracker, (FGASA accredited), guests begin an adventure to spot a myriad of wild animals including, but not limited to, the big 5, leopard, lion, rhino, elephant and buffalo. The graceful impala, dazzling zebra and other unique African game will be encountered. Our rangers and skilled Shangaan trackers, are accredited by FGASA, (The Field Guides Association of South Africa) and trained to understand the needs of our guests. They will go to great lengths to ensure that Safaris at Sabi Sabi are an unforgettable experience and that you leave our game reserve with a wonderful knowledge of the flora and fauna, as well as having taken award-winning photographs of our creatures and had close, unlimited encounters with our wildlife.
