Imagine…a spectacular mountain landscape with isolated buttresses, sheer cliffs and unusual geological features; imagine spectacular gorges, fairy-tale waterfalls and thick lush forests. I present to you ‘The Scenic Route’ in the magical province of Mpumalanga in South Africa. Mpumalanga meaning ‘The place where the sun rises’.

The scenic route offers the traveler a number of spectacular vantage points to experience this wonderland and includes views of the Blyde River Canyon (the third largest canyon in the world) and its Three Rondavels, God’s Window, Pinnacle Rock, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and several of beautiful waterfalls like Mac Mac, Lone Creek and Lisbon Falls. The region also has a historical influence and a visit to the historic gold mining town of Pilgrims Rest is a must. Stroll down its quaint little main street to see restored historic buildings and miners’ huts, visit the museum to see old mining relics, stop at the tourist office and join a guided tour to experience life in the gold days of mining and try your hand at panning for gold.

Most of the scenic route is situated in the Highveld. Views from God’s Window and Pinnacle Rock look out over the Lowveld. These 2 areas experience comparatively different climates. The Lowveld is subtropical, due to its proximity to the warm Indian Ocean and latitude. The Highveld is comparatively much cooler, due to its altitude of 2,300 to 1,700 m above sea level. The Drakensberg Escarpment receives the most rainfall, and all other areas are moderately well watered by mostly summer thunderstorms. The Highveld often experiences severe frosts, while the Lowveld is mostly frost-free. Winter rains are rare, except for a few drizzles on the cliff.

My suggestion to you when traveling to South Africa is to combine a 2 night stay on or near The Panorama Route, with your African safari experience in the world famous Kruger National Park or the private reserves west of Kruger. Three of my absolute favorite luxury hunting lodges are Londolozi Private Game Reserve, Savanna Private Game Reserve, and Lion Sands Private Game Reserve. All of these are situated in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, known for its excellent game viewing and in particular brilliant leopard sightings.

Now, to get back to your Panorama Route experience, my suggestion here would be to stay at the award-winning Oliver’s Restaurant and Lodge. This hostel has built a big name for itself. It is run by the owner and offers a nice home away from home experience. Situated on a peaceful and tranquil golf course estate with easy access to the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park and Nelspruit, the nearest international airport.

Rooms at Oliver’s Restaurant and Lodge are luxurious, spacious and beautifully decorated. Attention to detail is excellent. The personal service is first class. The kitchen is to die for. These combined attributes make it an absolute pleasure to stay here.

Spend the day lounging by the pool or pamper yourself in the wellness spa. A game of golf is right around the corner at the White River Golf Club. Outdoor activities in the region are plentiful and include quad biking, swings, rafting, hot air balloon rides, scenic helicopter flights, hiking, and horseback riding. Obviously, with the Kruger National Park just 25km away, you can also enjoy day game in your own vehicle. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day wandering the park observing our fascinating African wildlife.

So one sees the abundance of options available to you in this area. It is worth spending a couple of nights here to get to know it and its friendly people. Just another magnificent part of our Rainbow Nation!