Venture out and discover simple pleasures of Mpumalanga – an area of dramatic beauty!  The spectacular Mpumalanga province shelters some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. It is rich and varied as it includes the Kruger National Park, the mountains of the Klein Drakensberg escarpment and the scenic Blyde River canyon.  Jaw-dropping features that one can venture out on include the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the spectacular view from God’s Window, the Sudwala Caves and the historic and quaint mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest.

This province is one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations and it is often known as the “Paradise Country” From mild to wild, for young and old, Mpumalanga offers it all.  It has game reserve which has made the area one of Africa’s prime wildlife destinations.  The Mpumalanga province is also known for its cultural heritage, from the Ndebele beadwork, house painting to the crafts of the Lowveld. Enjoy a spectacular getaway in the heart of Mpumalanga’s beauty and nature.

 The Kruger National Park: 

Lying in the heart of the Lowveld is a wildlife sanctuary like no other.  The Kruger National Park is the largest game reserve in South Africa that offers you an almost indescribable wildlife experience.  Its atmosphere is so unique that it allows those who enter its vastness to immerse themselves in the unpredictability and endless wilderness that is the true quality of Africa.  It is situated twenty minutes from the new Mpumalanga Kruger International Airport on the outskirts of Nelspruit.  Within the Kruger National park is also a Crocodile and reptile park.  Other facilities around include a variety of attractions amongst which are Turtle pond and the Fish pond all linked by a cascading waterway.  There are riverside trails with picnic and braai areas in the undisturbed natural vegetation of the lowveld.  You will also find a children’s playground with party and picnic area and animal Touch farm.

Blyde River canyon (river of joy):

The fresh mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment are quite spectacular and give the area its name Panorama Route.  Blyde River Canyon can be best viewed from the lookout point called the God’s Window.  Other 3 prominent features are the Three Rondavels (also known as the three sisters) are the huge spirals of dolomite rock rising out of the far wall of the Blyde River canyon.  Their domed heads are iced in green and their sides are stained with fiery orange lichen) and the Pinnacle (a single quartzite column rising out of the deep wooded canyon).  Within the canyon itself, white water rafting is a favorite for the adrenalin junkies. The curious Bourke’s Luck Pothole is well worth exploring for those going down into the canyon.  From the Three Rondavels you can see the extensive Swadini Dam in the far distance which marks the end of the reserve.

 The Three Rondawels:

Across the Blyde Canyon and at the end of the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga are the triplet rock spirals or three round stone shapes rising out of the far wall of the canyon.  These rocks look like the round traditional African huts which are called rondavels. 

Bourke’s Luck Potholes:

These are impressive rock formations that were named after a miner called Tom Bourke who found a bit of gold here ‘but never got rich as the gold seam was located as short distance to the south of his claim.  The potholes and rock formations carved by pebbles swirling in pools from the rocky water action at the confluence of the Blyde and Treue rivers.  Bourke’s Luck had nothing to do with the potholes but rather a lucky strike in this gold-rich area.  Not far off the Bourke’s Luck Potholes are the Three Rondawels.

God’s Window:

Imagine peeking down at an expansive view of nature – towering trees, thriving bushes, meandering streams, the glistening mists that softens the vibrant colors of the valley and so much more.  Here you will witness a breathtakingly, stunning beauty of Africa.  God’s Window is situated on the southern side of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. It is a popular vantage point along the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga.  God’s window- so called for the panoramic views of the Lowveld is a viewpoint at an altitude of 1,829m/6,000ft extending northward over Blyde River Canyon, eastward over the Lowveld 1,000m/3,300ft below and the Kruger National Park to the Mozambique border.

Sudwala Caves : 

These caves are the oldest known caves to mankind and were formed over 300 million years ago.  Prehistoric man discovered these caves.  At the beginning of the 19^th century they were used as refuges by sections of the Swazi people.  One of their kings, Sobhuza 1, is said to have hidden in the caves to escape Zulu raiders.  He owned a farm and discovered these caves after his cattle mysteriously disappeared and he had been attempting to recover the stolen cattle.  He even created defensive leads all the way under the mountains to the town of Lydenburg in the early 20^th century.

 Pilgrim’s Rest:

This is a small town in the Mpumalanga province which had been declared a national monument as it was where gold was first found.  It is situated on the magnificent Panorama Route on the eastern escarpment region of the Mpumalanga province.  The area is richly imbued with a diversity of natural, cultural, and historic gems.  The uniqueness of this historic village is vividly evident in its museums and historic sites.  It offers the visitor a fascination window into the past and captures the spirit of a bygone era and its people in their quest for gold.  Visitors can truly relive the day of old Transvaal Gold Rush here.

Soothe your mind in tranquil surroundings and discover the mysteries and wonders of this amazing continent while staying at Sanbonani Hotel & Spa, one of Optima Holidays luxury resorts.  The Sanbonani Hotel & Spa offers a homely, relaxed atmosphere among tall trees. It is close to lakes and game parks as it is nestled between the fork of the Sabie and North Sand rivers.  It is situated 4kms from the Mpumalanga town of Hazyview.  It is also easy to drive to the world renowned Kruger National Park, the Blyde Rive Canyon and to other spectacular attractions such as God’s Window, Pilgrim’s Rest and Sudwala Caves. 

The units are luxurious and spacious with either a two or three bedroom thatched lodge tucked away under indigenous trees.  Onsite you can also enjoy bowls, tennis, squash, and gym while the less energetic take advantage of the warm natural waters of the swimming pool. The hotel’s wellness spa can also be visited for that relaxing and rejuvenating experience. This resort truly is family friendly and is the ideal place for you to relax and unwind.

Accommodation in Mpumalanga available from Optima Holidays:

•   Burchells Bush Lodge
•  Crystal Springs Resort
•  Lowveld Lodge Resort
•   Millstream Resort
•  Mount Sheba Resort
•  Ngwenya Lodge
•   Pine Lake Country Estate Resort
•  Sabie River Sun Hotel
•   Sudwala Lodge Resort

To book your holiday accommodation in Mpumalanga contact Optima Holidays on 031 701 9999 or log onto the website www.optimabreaks.com to find out more about what is on offer.

Lowest Prices Guaranteed!!!

 

Tags: Family Holiday, holiday accommodation, Honeymoon accommodation, luxury accommodation, Mpumalanga, Romantic Accommodation, Spa, Specials

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at 10:50 am and is filed under General, Golf, Packages, Resorts, Spa, Specials. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.