In the Grass and Wetlands of Mpumalanga, water dominates, with lakes and rivers brimming with bird life. There are a host of activities on and off the water to suit every taste, some drenched in history from colonial times to literally the dawn of humankind.
Bordered by KwaZulu-Natal to the south and Swaziland to the east, this is the Lake District of South Africa: a network of hundreds of lakes and rivers that draw bird-watchers from all around the world. Four of South Africa's biggest rivers − the Tugela, Vaal, Olifants and Pongola − have their source here.
At the heart of the Mpumalanga wetlands lies the town of Chrissiesmeer, a world within a world, graced by the presence of the greater and lesser flamingo. With some 270 lakes and pans in a twenty kilometre radius and plentiful accommodation within the town itself, Chrissiesmeer is a logical starting point for a wetlands adventure.
If you're an avid bird-watcher, your work's already cut out. Can you log all 82 aquatic and 170 non-aquatic bird species? A picnic on the banks of Lake Chrissie, South Africa's largest freshwater lake, is a good start. The small town of Wakkerstroom near the KwaZulu-Natal border is another birding mecca.
Unsurprisingly, countless outdoor activities are on offer here: both on the water - such as sailing, boating, fishing, water-skiing and off − such as quad-biking, 4x4 trails, horse trails and hiking. Then there are the experiences unique to the region. Ever fancied going on a frogging safari? What about a star-gazing weekend? Keen to explore ancient San rock art? Or measure yourself against Goliath's footprint, embedded in the rock? Heard of the lost Legoya nation and its huts? They're still there waiting for you - 1 000 years after they were built.
Then there's the dilapidated colonial Dumbarton Oaks Hotel now designated for restoration, along with Billiard Cottage, shipped by ox wagon all the way from Bloemfontein to serve as the Officers' Mess for British soldiers in the 2nd South African War, or the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Chrissiesmeer.
This region is easily accessible - approximately two and a half hour's drive from Johannesburg on the N17 highway. Day tours of the Kruger National Park can be easily arranged from here and the best way to get around the region is by car - and then on foot if hiking is your thing.
Source: http://www.southafrica.net
- Birding
- Grand mountain views
- Beautiful lakes
- Culturally rich
Many travellers prefer the cool, dry winter season between May and August - the best time to visit for game-viewing because the vegetation is less dense making sightings more frequent. In summer it is much warmer and afternoons are often punctuated by thunderstorms.