What to do, Where to go…Let’s travel!

Graskop Gorge Lift Co, which is centrally located on Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route, just outside Graskop, is an ideal stopover point en route to the Kruger National Park, and an end destination in its own right, with something for the entire family to enjoy.

The viewing lift takes visitors 51m down the face of the Graskop Gorge, into the indigenous forest below, where wooden walkways and suspension bridges make up a 600m circular trail. In the forest, interactive exhibits and interpretation boards enable visitors to explore the diverse life that thrives under the dense canopy of trees, and visitors can enjoy the waterfall and meandering stream too.

The Big Swing, one of the world’s highest cable gorge swings, launches off the top of the waterfall. The experience is very different to a bungee-jump, as participants freefall for 70m before the jump rope pulls them into a high-speed arch and they swing from one side of the gorge to the other. When falling, they reach a speed of 140km/h in three seconds. Visitors who want to get their hearts racing, but think the Big Swing is too extreme for them, can choose to fly across the gorge on a high-wire zipline. The course starts from the top of a 5m tower, with 360-degree views.

Participants ride a 120m-long zipline to the northern side of the gorge, before walking a short distance along a scenic platform and zipping back along a second zipline of equal length.

The spectacular 52m-long suspension bridge, which spans the northern and southern sides of the Graskop Gorge, enables visitors to enjoy spectacular views while standing 70m above the ground.

You can also relax and unwind at one of the two restaurants on-site, while the kids have some fun in the children’s playground. The Lift Café is an inviting restaurant and bar, with spectacular views; while the Swing Café is a laid-back chill zone that offers flame-grilled chicken, a choice of sides and an array of beverages.

For those who enjoy their retail therapy, there are a variety of shops and a community craft centre to enjoy.

Graskop Gorge Lift Co is a cashless facility.

For more information, visit: www.gglc.co.za.

Don’t know what to do or where to go?

Enjoy the best destinations the Lowveld and Highveld regions have to offer. Page through our online E-Paper.

The whole of the Kruger Lowveld region is actually one continuous scenic drive.

Here we have broken it down into 10 excellent choices., take your pick or do them all…

Each contains enough viewpoints to see, significant sites of interest to visit and more than enough eateries, pubs, little shops, vendors and farm stalls to fill your day. So grab your GPS or unfold your map.

A few of these routes contain some stretches of gravel road, but all are suitable for any type of vehicle.

Array of amazing road adventures for tourists

Bourke’s Luck Potholes to Pilgrim’s  Rest via Vaalhoek Road

Perhaps one of the most scenic gravel road routes in the region, the Vaalhoek Road is steeped in history as it takes the traveller from Bourke’s Luck Potholes to Pilgrim’s Rest and follows the Belvedere power line.

From a hydro-electric power station situated at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers, electricity was supplied via the Belvedere power line to Pilgrim’s Rest and surrounding communities from 1911 to 1992.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes are a very popular tourist attraction situated on the Panorama Route (R532), and the beginning of the Vaalhoek Road is signposted just opposite the potholes’ entrance.

Besides the old power line, the Vaalhoek Road also follows the course of the Blyde River, along which are several trout fishing spots and agricultural operations.

The road ends at the historical town of Pilgrim’s Rest, an ideal place to spend some time after your spectacular drive.

Ngodwana to Mbombela via Kaapsehoop Pass

This 45km long pass is one of the hidden gems of the Lowveld and provides an alternative route to Mbombela off the N4.

Leaving the N4 at the massive Ngodwana paper mill, the road climbs roughly 15km through timber plantations to the quaint village of Kaapsehoop, before descending again through more timber plantations and farmland for a further 30km until it rejoins the N4 in Mbombela.

Stop at Kaapsehoop and explore the peaceful charm of the wild horses, history, quaint architecture, quirky restaurants and the nature reserve.

Part of the route is frequently shrouded in cloud and mist, which can be dangerous for motorists. Drive slowly and be aware of horses on the road.

Machadodorp/eNtokozweni to  Barberton via Skurweberg Pass and Nelshoogte

The Skurweberg Pass is an excellent alternative route from Machadodorp/eNtokozweni into the Lowveld.

Leave the busy N4 and turn south at Machadodorp/eNtokozweni onto the R541 to Barberton. The road is modern and well engineered, and you will not miss the creature comforts of the highway.

About 20km from Machadodorp/eNtokozweni, the Skurweberg Pass climbs 444m in altitude to a summit of 1 719m above sea level, as it traverses the spectacular Skurweberg Mountains.

It continues through a wide kloof carved out by the Komati River, which flows into the Vygeboom Dam, visible shortly after turning northeast on the R38 to Barberton.

The R38 offers breathtaking views into the Nkomazi Game Reserve and world-renowned Makhonjwa Mountains to the south.

Drive along the Nelshoogte Pass before turning north towards Mbombela or south east to the picturesque historical village of Barberton.

Want to explore more?

Go on one of the two excellent hiking trails, the Num-Num or the Wathaba, leading to numerous waterfalls not visible from the road, unforgettable scenery and interesting wildlife.

Genesis Route

The Genesis Route is a 220km figure-of-eight loop that takes you through some of Mpumalanga’s most incredible scenery and heritage sites. The route also provides a scenic alternative to the busy N4 highway.

Diverse landscapes, spectacular scenery and a wide variety of wildlife along the Genesis Route are what sets it apart. Explore it by car, on foot, by bike or even from the air.

The centre of the route is the historical mining town of Barberton, where you can choose to either follow the R38 to the holiday town of Badplaas/eManzana via the scenic Nelshoogte Pass, or take the R40 up towards the eSwatini border into one of the Earth’s oldest mountain ranges, the Makhonjwa, stopping to appreciate the geology and natural beauty of one or more of the informative geosites.

Other points worth visiting on the Genesis Route are Peddlars Bush, which offers some of the best birding opportunities in the region, the Msauli ‘Ghost Town’ and the Songimvelo Nature Reserve.

Graskop to Bushbuckridge via Kowyn’s Pass and Injaka Dam

The R533 from Graskop to Bushbuckridge takes the traveller through sweeping bends and an altitude drop of over 500m from the escarpment down into the Lowveld.

When leaving the very popular town of Graskop, this 37km tarred road goes down Kowyn’s Pass, a windy but very scenic road named after a Sotho chief (Koveni) who once controlled all the land along the road. Now, the roadside areas along this pass are covered with indigenous forests and timber plantations.

About 15km before Bushbuckridge, the road goes over the wall of Injaka Dam. This earth-fill dam, located on the Marite River, was built in 2001 for the purposes of water storage for irrigation and domestic use.

On reaching Bushbuckridge, you will feel the hustle and bustle of the busy market and shopping areas of this Lowveld town.

Although originally developed as a trade node, Bushbuckridge was a major relocation site of African people under the apartheid policy of forced removals.

Karino to Kaapmuiden via Boulders / Mara Road

Before the construction of the N4 route through the Crocodile Gorge in 1966, the old road between Nelspruit and Kaapmuiden took travellers on a scenic, winding route through the granite outcrops south of the Crocodile River.

The road, which today is known as the Mara Road by locals, is a wonderful alternative for those with no desire to rush to their destination.

As the road is situated inside the Krokodilpoort Conservancy, access is controlled and no heavy vehicles are permitted to travel along it. In fact, very little traffic is encountered on the road.

The 25km detour, with its sharp bends and narrow road, is a slow drive, but offers breathtaking scenery. From Mbombela (N4), turn right onto the Mara turnoff 14km from the R538 airport turnoff (GPS co-ordinates: -25.497271, 31.164139). From Kaapmuiden (N4), turn left onto the R38 to Barberton, continue 300m and turn right onto Boulders Road (GPS co-ordinates: -25.539513, 31.328429).

  Graskop to Echo Caves via Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is one of South Africa’s most visited and most loved tourist routes. It’s jam-packed with incredible natural wonders and sights. Starting at Graskop and travelling along the R532, you will pass many natural attractions, beginning with the Pinnacle – a massive, tower-like quartzite rock that stands at over 30m high.

Then take the loop road off the R532 to God’s Window and Wonder View for some spectacular, not-to-be-missed viewing sites overlooking the Lowveld. On the other side of the road you will find Lisbon and Berlin falls.

Further on is Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a natural sculpture created by the swirling water of the Blyde and Treur rivers and named after a famous but luckless gold prospector, Thomas Bourke.

Then it’s onto Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world with key viewing sites of the canyon – Lowveld View and the Three Rondavels. Continue along the R532 to the junction with the R36 and complete this 50km route with a visit to Echo Caves.

Lower Sabie to Tshokwane via H10 in the Kruger National Park

One of Kruger National Park’s most delightful drives for scenery and wildlife viewing is the H10 road heading north from Lower Sabie to Tshokwane. The road passes over the Sabie River and winds gently through knob thorn and marula savannah.

The open grassland enables you to see game several kilometres away.

Large herds of grazers are attracted to the area, which in turn attract predators, and the chance of seeing lion is particularly good along the route. The H10 offers some of the best scenery in the Kruger National Park.

The Mlondozi Dam picnic site combines stunning vistas over both plains and the Lebombo Mountains, with a good mixture of bird and animal life.

One of the best view points in the entire park is Nkumbe, where the road climbs onto the Lebombo Mountains from where you can look out over the Mlondozi River at what seems to be a limitless expanse of savannah.

Sabie to Lydenburg/Mashishing via Long Tom Pass

The 56km tarred road between Sabie and Lydenburg/Mashishing on the R37 is renowned for its spectacular views across mountains, valleys and waterfalls. It encompasses the Long Tom Pass, arguably one of South Africa’s most famous mountain passes.

The pass is named after the Long Tom Cannon (a replica of which can be seen at Devil’s Knuckles, 22km from Sabie and 34km from Lydenburg/Mashishing), a huge field gun operated by the Boers in the South African War and feared by the British generals and their brigades.

The gun was used to great effect during the war and the pass was so named 50 years after the end of the war.

The road is also significant as it follows the old trade route of waggoneers of the 1800s who travelled to and from Lourenço Marques (now Maputo).

Tarred in the 1960s, the scenic route offers travellers many view points and laybys from which to enjoy exceptional views.

The highest point of the pass sits at 2 150m above sea level.

Lydenburg/Mashishing to Roossenekal via Steenkampsberg Pass

The R577, linking the town of Lydenburg/Mashishing and the village of Roossenekal, is a 71km tarred route through beautifully rugged scenery that culminates at a summit on top of De Berg, 2 331m above sea level. From the summit, look to the northwest towards Verlorenvallei, a popular nature reserve in the area.

This is a wonderful road trip to take, although it is a bit off the beaten track.

For travellers who have some time and like exploring alternative routes, take the R577 into or out of the Kruger Lowveld region. Look out for the Steenkampsberg Plateau, an unspoilt environment that is home to a wide diversity of animals, birds and plants and a wetland region, and to three endangered crane species (blue, crowned and wattled).

Known to experience occasional snow falls and very cold temperatures in winter, the Steenkampsberg Pass is the highest mountain pass in Mpumalanga.

Founded in 1933, nestled in the eManzana Nature Reserve, overlooking the majestic Hlumuhlumu Mountain Range, the award-winning Badplaas, a Forever Resort, offers guests a safe and tranquil holiday destination to come and recharge.

It is only one hour’s drive from Mbombela (using the R40 and R38), offers a variety of recreational and entertainment facilities, ranging from an exciting family water park, hydro and spa, to a variety of eco-adventure activities.

Guests are allowed to explore the Badplaas Nature Reserve, with or without a guide. The reserve stretches across a pristine 1 600ha of protected land that is home to various antelope, giraffe and a variety of bird species.

Forever Badplaas offers a variety of accommodation choices according to the unique needs of guests.

Choose a three-star hotel room or select from the self-catering accommodation options such as log cabins, chalets, rondavels or guest houses.

It also offers 300, powered, shaded camp and caravan sites for those who want to get closer to nature.

The family will be well entertained with a variety of available attractions and facilities.

Forever Badplaas is much more than a holiday destination – think business. It also boasts some of the most beautiful function venues available for conferences, weddings, birthday parties, executive breaks, strategy sessions, family reunions and much more.

The conference venues cater for groups from as small as 10 to as many as 300 people.

A dedicated conference co-ordinating team is also available to provide support and assist where needed.

Op 25 Oktober 1859 het die Volksraad van die Zuid-Afrikaanse Republiek (ZAR) besluit om ’n dorp halfpad tussen Pretoria en Lydenburg tot stand te bring. Die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk van Lydenburg het dié standpunt onderskryf.

Op 28 Januarie 1864 het die NG Kerk van Lydenburg die plaas Sterkfontein van Lodewyk de Jager gekoop om ’n kerksentrum te stig.Met die koop van die plaas, is daar dadelik gespesifiseer dat die naam van die sentrum, Nazareth, sou wees.

Die voorstel van die naam Nazareth het van die konsulent-leraar van Utrecht en Lydenburg, ds. F. Lion-Cachet gekom.

Die naam “Nazareth” beteken “wortel uit die dorre aarde”. Dit was simbolies van die feit dat die NG Kerk hier moes groei soos ’n wortel uit die dorre aarde. Nazareth is op 24 Februarie 1872 deur die staatspresident van die ZAR as nuwe distrik geproklameer.

Die dorp is aanvanklik as ’n kerkdorp gestig, omdat die gebied wat deur die gemeente Lydenburg versorg is, te moeilik was om vandaar te bedien.

Op 11 Maart 1876 is die hoeksteen van die eerste kerkgebou gelê. Hierdie eerste kerkgebou of “noodkerk” is op 5 Oktober 1867 ingewy. Ds. John McCarter, die opvolger van ds. Lion-Cachet, het die inwyding waargeneem.

Die kerk het spoedig te klein geword en ’n nuwe een moes gebou word. Proponent D.E. Bosman is op 14 November 1874 georden en tot leraar bevestig. Hy het dadelik aan die werk gespring om probleme op te los.

Op 17 Maart 1875 is daar besluit om ’n kerk te bou van 27.4 m by 10.6 m. Dit sou aansienlik groter wees as die bestaande een. Na twee jaar is daar steeds nie met bouwerk aan die nuwe kerk begin nie.

Op 25 Januarie 1885 is daar ’n algemene kerkvergadering gehou om die vereniging tussen die Hervormde Kerk en die NG Kerk in die ZAR te bespreek.

Die samesmelting is goedgekeur en op 26 Oktober 1885 kon ds. Burger en sy kerkraad vir ds. DP Ackermann, konsulent van die Hervormde Kerk in Middelburg verwelkom.

Ackermann het voorgestel dat die naam van die gemeente verander word van Nazareth na Middelburg en die voorstel is goedgekeur.

Die gevolg van die samesmelting was dat die kerkgebou weer eens te klein geword het om die lidmate te huisves. Die Volksraad van die ZAR het op 23 Oktober 1874 besluit om die naam van die dorp amptelik na Middelburg te verander.

Die naam is 12 jaar later eers goedgekeur toe die sinode besluit het om die amptelike kerknaam, Nazareth, na Middelburg te verander. Daar word genoem dat daar in 1887 of selfs vroeër met die bouwerk begin is. Die hoeksteen is op 2 April 1887 deur ds. AP Burger gelê. Later is die bouwerk voorgesit.

Die sierlike kerkgebou is teen ’n boukoste van £11 617 opgerig en is op 18 Januarie 1890 ingewy.  Die argitek was na alle waarskynlikheid CO Hager en sy seun was die boumeester.

Na die besetting van Middelburg in Julie 1900 is ’n Britse garnisoen van sowat 30 000 soldate op die dorp gestasioneer.

Daar was ’n groot konsentrasiekamp op die dorp. In die kerkhof van die konsentrasiekamp is ’n gedenkteken opgerig ter nagedagtenis aan die 1 381 mense, meestal vroue en kinders, wat daar gesterf het.

Die eerste vredesonderhandelinge tussen genl. Louis Botha en Lord Kitchener het in Februarie 1902 op Middelburg plaasgevind.

Tot omstreeks die middel van die vorige eeu was dit die vaste gebruik van die nagmaalgangers, veral met April se groot nagmaal, om per ossewa in te kom dorp toe en dan op die plein voor die kerk vir drie of vier dae te kampeer.

Omdat die pragtige kerkgebou baie jare lank ’n aluminiumkleurige dak gehad het, het dit in die volksmond die naam: “Witkerk” gekry.

• Op 20 September 1969 is die herstelde kerkgebou weer ingewy.
• Die twee Minnaar-broer, Henning en Krige, het in 1989 die Witkerk se horlosie reggemaak.
• Die antieke traporrel is destyds gereeld tydens eredienste gebruik. Met die restourasie van die kerkgebou, is daar aan die eiendomskommissie opdrag gegee om die traporrel te herstel.

Ouderling DJ Labuschagné het die restourasie sonder vergoeding waargeneeem. Op 4 Maart 1990 is die restourasie voltooi en is die orrel soms deur ds. PG von Wielligh bespeel.

• As gevolg van sy besondere boustyl, is die Witkerk al jare gelede tot historiese gedenkwaardigheid verklaar.

Bronne: Uit ’n Witkerk-pamflet tydens die 150ste bestaansjaar-vieringe, asook artikels oor historiese gebeurtenisse uit die Witkerk-albums.

For 120 years Middelburg Country Club has stood tall, serving as the greatest example of having a storied history with an even more promising future.

The beauty of the 18-hole course is unrivalled, with legendary golfer Gary Player having designed the back nine in the 1970s.

For an unparalleled experience of biodiversity, from the birdlife wandering on the fairway, to the fish swimming in the ponds, there is no better choice than Middelburg Country Club.

For those that just can’t say goodbye to the course, there is the Middelburg Country Club Lodge, offering 40 standard rooms, two standard suites and one executive suite.

The Country Inn, the club’s restaurant, serves scrumptious à la carte lunches and dinners, with outstanding catering services available for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and any other type of function imaginable.

Founded in 1903, the club has expanded its offerings, featuring six tennis courts, three squash courts, and two bowls greens.

Middelburg Country Club is a must-see destination for residents and visitors alike.

Against the backdrop of the majestic Waterberg Mountain Range on the banks of the Loskop Dam, less than two hours’ drive from Johannesburg and amid pristine nature reserve that is home to leopards, crocodilesa, hippos and giraffes lays Loskopdam, a Forever Resort. Game viewing by boat, reminiscent of the great lakes of Africa, makes this resort unique.

Relax in accommodation comprising of 39 charming two- to four-sleeper log cabins, 23 two-sleeper chalets, eight six-sleeper family houses or a three-bedroomed six-sleeper guest house.

The caravan and camping park which stretches to the water’s edge has 236 stands and are serviced by six neat ablution blocks. Cold and heated swimming pools, excellent angling opportunities, game drives, tennis courts, volleyball, restaurant and conference facilities combine to make this one of the most popular resorts in the portfolio.

On-site professional conference staff and up-to-date equipment will ensure that your conference runs smoothly.

Matombu Wild

Step into paradise; immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the African bush and take in the rich spoils of nature. Matombu, a Forever Lodge is perched on the summit of a koppie in the famous Kranspoort Mountain Pass, approximately 40km north of Middelburg.

The five-star self-catering lodge provides panoramic views over miles. Sip on a sundowner as you watch from the lodge’s deck how a variety of wildlife such as giraffes, zebras and various buck species drink from the nearby waterhole. Four bedrooms overlook the undulating hills and a fifth room is furnished with three bunk beds for the children.

A lounge with fireplace and leather couches complements the natural environment and architecture. Sliding doors open onto a private terrace overlooking spectacular cliffs, gorges and wildlife. Relax at the crystal-clear swimming pool and watch the glowing sunset while sipping on a cocktail.

A relaxed atmosphere of sheer contentment and unity makes Matombu an unforgettable experience.

Leopard’s Trail

This ideal getaway embraces the beauty and captures the spirit of the mountains at Leopard’s Trail Guest Farm, situated a mere 30km north of Middelburg en route to Loskop Dam.

Loskopdam, a Forever Resort is located 48km north of Middelburg within the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, next to the well-known fisherman’s paradise, Loskop Dam.

The reserve, situated against the Waterberg Mountain range, overlooks
the dam and is host to a large variety of fish species.

The resort’s lush subtropical and bushveld environment enhances the unique atmosphere of Forever Loskopdam.

It offers a range of activities, namely warm and cold swimming pools, tennis courts, mini golf, kiddies’ play area, stylish restaurant, convenience store and scenic boat cruises.

The resort also offers conference facilities for groups of up to 300 delegates.

Whether you are having a management workshop, social gathering, family reunion or wedding with stylish decor requirements, our helpful conference co-ordinators will take care of your conferencing needs.

The facilities includes an assortment of self-catering units, such as 39 charming log cabins, 23 chalets, eight family houses and one guest house, all serviced daily.

The caravan/camping park stretches to the water’s edge and offers 236 stands (210 powered and 26 non-powered), serviced by seven neat ablution facilities.

When planning your next breakaway, remember, Forever Loskopdam is a doorstep away to experience the tranquillity of nature and scenic beauty.

Goldrush Middelburg is the premier destination for high-quality entertainment.

Situated at the Middelburg Mall, 134 slot machines are available to fulfil your needs, with iconic games such as Sirens and Black Widow on offer, there is simply no other choice than Goldrush Middelburg.

From Sunday to Wednesday, the operating hours are from 09:00 to 02:00, but the fun really begins from Thursday to Saturday, with Goldrush staying open until 04:00.

Expertly trained staff providing exemplary service awaits you, whether it be on the game room floor or at the bar, where you and others can relax, sit back and even watch the Springboks play in the World Cup.

Goldrush has become an iconic establishment in Middelburg, as there is no better place to unwind, especially after spending your day shopping at the Middelburg Mall. Enjoy a live performance every Friday, with Goldrush making use of local talent to benefit customers and the Middelburg community.

Led by the general manager, Maggie Bapela, the casino has created long-standing relationships with its customers. Having begun her career at Goldrush as a cashier, she worked up the ranks to earn her esteemed title as general manager, and now, with over a decade of experience, she can confidently say, “There is something special about Middelburg.”

Bapela and her staff put customers first, ensuring a supreme experience for any new or old visitor.

To further entice you, there is currently a nationwide Goldrush competition extravaganza, where winners will be chosen at random every Friday.

To enter, visit Goldrush Middelburg i to find out how, as the giveaway continues until January 2024, which gives you more than enough time to become a winner.