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Things to do in the Lowveld
- Abseiling
Abseiling is presented at Ekhukhanyeni Outdoor centre near Nelspruit
and near the Sudwala
caves at Waterfall abseiling is available in the mountains near
Waterval
Boven. Kloofing and abseiling adventures are presented at the Blyde
and Sabie Rivers as well as at the Berlin falls.
- Ballooning in the Lowveld

Most of the flights take place early morning in the Hazyview
and Lydenburg
area and it is normally rounded off with a breakfast. There are two
local companies who provide this service.
- Big Swing
A Big Swing Bunjee is now open in the gorge at Graskop.
This unique experience will allow you to free fall and then swing free
in this spectacular gorge. Foofie slide over the gorge is also available
for the faint hearted. Open every day except Mondays from 08:00 to 17:00.
Contact Lowveld Info for information and bookings.
- Birding
The Birdlife Lowveld is very active and they present regular outings
to surrounding areas. Contact
Lowveld Tourism. You can also go on a birding safari from Nelspruit
to one of the game reserves or the Blyde Canyon.
- Blyde River Canyon
Some of the most dramatic views over the Lowveld are enjoyed from
the viewpoints over the canyon, which is the largest Grand Canyon in
the world. Several hiking trails are also available. Contact the Mpumalanga
Parks Board at Lowveld Tourism.
- Lowveld Hiking trails
The Matumi trail: In the Nelspruit Nature reserve with beautiful river
walks and picnic spots. Half hour walk. Starting at Andries Pretorius road
at the Old Trim Park. There is also another trail leading to the
historical Hindu Temple site in the Reserve. Phone 013-759-2298
Elandshoogte hiking trails: Near Ngodwana on the escarpment - Two day
trails with overnight facilities on the edge of the Escarpment. Book with
Sappi on 082 807 7666 or 013 256-9049.
Lowveld Botanic Gardens: There are several short trails through these
magnificent gardens on the outskirts of Nelspruit, next to the Crocodile
River. Two waterfalls can also be viewed. Phone 013 752-5531 for further
details.
Safcol Hiking trails: Safcol manages several hiking trails in the Lowveld
including the Loerie trail, Fanie Botha near Graskop, Uitsoek trail
near Sudwala, Houtbosloop and the Kaapsehoop
trail near Nelspruit and the Prospectors trail near Pilgrims. For reservations
contact Lowveld Tourism.
Some operators also undertake guided trails on the escarpment and in the
Blyde River Canyon.
- Kruger National Park
This world famous game park and home of the Big Five is just around
the corner. From Nelspruit you can enter the Park through Malelane gate
(60km) or Numbi Gate (50km) while Hazyview and Malelane
is situated next to the Kruger and Malelane gates respectively. Komatipoort
is next the Crocodile Bridge Gate of the Park. Open Vehicle safaris
are undertaken to and from the Park from Nelspruit, Hazyview and Malelane.
For Kruger
Park accommodation or on-line safari bookings contact
Lowveld Tourism
- Lowveld Botanic Gardens
You can explore these magnificent gardens on several hiking trails and
view the extensive indigenous tree collection, one of the largest
collections of cycads, the African Rainforest and two waterfalls. There is
also an abundance of bird life and beautiful picnic spots. There is also a
restaurant and coffee shop in the gardens. Regular Sunday concerts are
held during the winter months. Phone 013 752-5531.
- Paragliding
Contact the Lowveld Slope Soaring Club for packages. Five months training
courses as well as once off tandem flights available any day of the week.
Phone Anton or Rooies on 013 741-2133 or 082 966 2047.
- Phumelani Cultural Experience
Situated at the Numbi Gate to the Kruger
Park. An authentic African cultural performance is presented for
groups by members of the Mdluli Tribe. A buffet meal is also served.
Lowveld Tourism
- Lowveld Safari's
Several local tour operators do full day or half day open vehicle
safaris into the Kruger Park. Night safaris are also undertaken to some
private big five reserves in the Sabi
Sand and Timbavati
areas. For bookings contact Lowveld Tourism
- Shangana Village
Visit an authentic African Village and get to know their fascinating way
of life. During the day there are one-hour tours through the village,
traditional lunches and the picturesque Marula Crafts market. In the
evening a dance, music and drama feast is presented with a traditional
meal.
- Sudwala Dinosaur Park
Next to the Sudwala caves. Life sized, scientifically accurate models of
dinosaurs greet you as you wonder through a lush sub-tropical forest. Tel
013 733-5267.
- Sudwala Cultural Village
See the traditional way of life of several South
African tribes in their original homes. Tribal dancing is presented
on request. There is also a crafters village where a goldsmith and potter
demonstrate their trade to visitors. Tel 013 733-3037.
- Tours of the Lowveld
Several tour operators present tours to the Kruger Park, Escarpment,
Mozambique
and Swaziland
from Nelspruit. For further enquiries contact Lowveld Tourism
- Township Tours
Come experience the fascinating culture of the rural and peri-urban
areas of the Lowveld around Nelspruit, White
River and Hazyview. Day trips and half-day trips are undertaken
by seasoned tour guides into these townships. Tours include visits to
the local tribal chiefs, shebeens and the sangoma (medicine man). Experience
the local cuisine and home made beer, see traditional dancing or visit
one of the schools in the area. Contact Lowveld Tourism.
- Waterfalls
The most spectacular waterfalls occur in the area around Sabie
namely the Bridal Veil falls, Horseshoe falls, Lone Creek falls, the
Mac Mac falls between Sabie
and Graskop and the Lisbon and Berlin falls just outside Graskop.
- White Water rafting
Trips are undertaken on the Blyde, Sabie and Olifants Rivers by qualified
guides.
Accommodation in the Lowveld
- Amakhulu Central Reservations
Merle
offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation
in South Africa. She specializes in the Lowveld region.
- Accommodation
in the Lowveld
This website is the best I have yet come across for accommodation in
South Africa. You communicate directly with the accommodation establishment
and the entire booking is carried out online.
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