GUIDE TO LOWVELD ATTRACTIONS all within 1 hour drive
Places of interest or natural beauty
Some of the many scenic and other natural wonders that the Lowveld and Escarpment has to offer.
Wear comfortable shoes with no heels!
Whilst there, visit the Dinosaur Park with life-size, realistic sculptures, and the Butterfly Effect. Gift shops and restaurant on the premises.
See https://sudwalacaves.com
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Sudwala Caves
R539Wear comfortable shoes with no heels!
Whilst there, visit the Dinosaur Park with life-size, realistic sculptures, and the Butterfly Effect. Gift shops and restaurant on the premises.
See https://sudwalacaves.com
Take your binoculars in case the endangered blue swallows are around (September to March). Drive slowly to protect the wild horses - descendants of mining ponies from the gold-rush years of yore. Walk to the edge of the escarpment for the interesting geology and amazing views over the Barberton valley. Check out the cemetry with some historic graves and, beyond that, Battery Creek waterfall.
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Kaapschehoop
Take your binoculars in case the endangered blue swallows are around (September to March). Drive slowly to protect the wild horses - descendants of mining ponies from the gold-rush years of yore. Walk to the edge of the escarpment for the interesting geology and amazing views over the Barberton valley. Check out the cemetry with some historic graves and, beyond that, Battery Creek waterfall.
In summer, try to avoid a midday trip.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Take a picnic, or have lunch at the the Red Fig restaurant in the gardens or Tendlovu Restaurant just outside one of the entrances. Its deck overlooks the Cascades and is a lovely spot.
Visit the Braille Trail, which has braille descriptive notices and plants to smell and feel, as well as fun information for the kids. This was set up by the local Lions Club (I am a member).
Besides the Cascades, there is a waterfall, a concert area, a rain forest, and a great playpark.
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Lowveld National Botanical Garden
In summer, try to avoid a midday trip.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Take a picnic, or have lunch at the the Red Fig restaurant in the gardens or Tendlovu Restaurant just outside one of the entrances. Its deck overlooks the Cascades and is a lovely spot.
Visit the Braille Trail, which has braille descriptive notices and plants to smell and feel, as well as fun information for the kids. This was set up by the local Lions Club (I am a member).
Besides the Cascades, there is a waterfall, a concert area, a rain forest, and a great playpark.
In and around the small town of Sabie, you will find many waterfalls and, further on, the delights of the Panorama Route. Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Graskop with its new Gorge lift and Swing and the old gold-mining town of Pilgrims Rest. It takes 2 or 3 day trips to see all the sights, so don't cram in too much on one visit.
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Sabie
In and around the small town of Sabie, you will find many waterfalls and, further on, the delights of the Panorama Route. Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Graskop with its new Gorge lift and Swing and the old gold-mining town of Pilgrims Rest. It takes 2 or 3 day trips to see all the sights, so don't cram in too much on one visit.
Wildlife and birding
While you are staying here, keep a lookout for the many species of birds which frequent our farm. I have counted around 70 separate species. Just sitting in the garden, birdlife will come to you - barbets, sunbirds, flycatchers, etc. Around the rocky outcrops and in the fields, you will see even more, including bee-eaters, widow birds and canaries.
Hawkshead Lodge
N4While you are staying here, keep a lookout for the many species of birds which frequent our farm. I have counted around 70 separate species. Just sitting in the garden, birdlife will come to you - barbets, sunbirds, flycatchers, etc. Around the rocky outcrops and in the fields, you will see even more, including bee-eaters, widow birds and canaries.
City/town information
Nelspruit / Mbombela has a spectacular setting, nestled in hills and with plenty of trees and other greenery within the city. Several rivers flow in and around it, with the biggest being the Crocodile.
It started out as a quiet, agricultural centre - not that long ago! - but has grown exponentially in recent years, largely due to the opening up of the border with Mozambique, as well as its being chosen as the capital of the Mpumalanga province.
There are now several modern shopping malls, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. These include Chinese, Greek, Indian, Portuguese, as well as more local offerings. There is also a sports stadium - Mbombela Stadium, built for the Football World Cup in 2010 - which hosts local, interprovincial and international games of football and rugby.
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Nelspruit
Nelspruit / Mbombela has a spectacular setting, nestled in hills and with plenty of trees and other greenery within the city. Several rivers flow in and around it, with the biggest being the Crocodile.
It started out as a quiet, agricultural centre - not that long ago! - but has grown exponentially in recent years, largely due to the opening up of the border with Mozambique, as well as its being chosen as the capital of the Mpumalanga province.
There are now several modern shopping malls, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. These include Chinese, Greek, Indian, Portuguese, as well as more local offerings. There is also a sports stadium - Mbombela Stadium, built for the Football World Cup in 2010 - which hosts local, interprovincial and international games of football and rugby.