Go Bos at Innibos Kunstefees

Innibos Kunstefees

Every year for the past nine years, the Innibos Arts Festival has welcomed an influx of people to Nelspruit, in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Recently, these people have exceeded 100 000 in number. In the annual Fiesta Awards in Cape Town, Innibos was voted the country’s most popular festival and, watching the attendance numbers escalate every year, this is not surprising. Innibos began in 2003 and will, therefore, be celebrating its tenth consecutive year in 2013. So, the next festival is likely to be an even greater success as locals and tourists flock from all over to share in the fun and celebrations.

Being an arts festival, Innibos focuses on theatre and children’s theatre, cabaret, literature, dancing, drama, and so on. More than 200 artists, actors and musicians attend it each year, eager to showcase their talents and creative ingenuity, and to receive feedback, inspiration and comments from their valued spectators. Continued

The Panorama Route

The Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is situated in Mpumalanga Province at stretches from the town of Graskop (the official gateway) and then includes famous South African attractions like the Echo Caves, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. As the home of these popular tourist favourites, the Panorama Route certainly is frequented by visitors from all over the world.

The province of Mpumalanga is a particularly lush, fertile one, with tropical and subtropical vegetation. This means that vistas of the landscape are peppered with green mountains, densely vegetated valleys, deep canyons and pristine clear waterfalls that thunder down in an impressive display of the power of nature. These verdant surrounds are, naturally, home to a number of awesome animal species, which combine with the flora to make the Panorama Route a very memorable must-see for locals and international visitors alike. Continued

Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Lowveld Botanical Gardens

The Mpumalanga Province is known around the world for its natural beauty and vibrant abundance in terms of the trees, flowers and general vegetation that flourishes here. The Lowveld National Botanical Gardens are the perfect place in which to immerse yourself in this beauty and to appreciate the natural wonders of real South African flora. These gardens are situated just off White River Road in the province’s capital city, Nelspruit.

The gardens are intercepted by the Crocodile River and the Nels River, which converge right in the heart of the gardens, creating stunning waterfalls that thunder down with majestic power. There are two viewing points (Nels and Cascades) from which these spectacular falls are best enjoyed. Continued

Explore Marloth Park

Wildlife Sanctuary

The wildlife sanctuary of Marloth Park is a stunning holiday hotspot on the southern border of the world-famous Kruger National Park. This part of South Africa is acclaimed for its richness and diversity in terms of the fauna and flora that have made this their home. Some of the animals include four out of the Big 5; namely rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion. The boundary between Marloth Park and the Kruger National Park is formed by the magnificent Crocodile River, and the African Elephants of Kruger (the fifth member of the Big 5) are frequently spotted drinking from its cool waters.

Lion’s Spruit is the game reserve at Marloth Park and homes the predators as well as an array of antelope (including the Blue Wildebeest, Nyala, Impala and Kudu), zebra, giraffe and warthog. These herbivorous animals roam freely, giving guests and visitors the unrivalled experience of living amongst them. Of course, the more dangerous species are kept in large enclosures for their own safety as well as that of the visitors. The abundance of bird species that soar overhead guarantees excellent sightings for those that are keen bird-watchers. Continued

Luxury Health Resorts In Mpumalanga

Amani Spa

Nothing compares to the sheer indulgence of a health resort, where your body, mind and soul are treated to refreshing and ultimately relaxing treatments. Some resorts are more medically-oriented in their approach, which results in more stringent eating programmes and fitness regimes. Others are more about beauty and relaxation, pampering guests during their stay. Be sure that you are completely aware of which option you require and that the resort you choose caters to your needs.

Here are some of Mpumalanga’s most luxurious health and beauty resorts: Continued

The Sudwala Caves

Oldest Caves Around

At 240 million years old, the Sudwala Caves are believed to be the oldest caves in the world. They were opened as a tourist attraction in 1965 after being used for decades as a hideaway and even a home to some of Africa’s early indigenous folk.

The Sudwala Caves are part of the Malmani Dolomite Ridge of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. This cave was formed by natural gases in the groundwater. This water, with gas as a solution in it, seeps through the cracks and dissolves the rock. There are a number of structures formed by the millennia of dissolution of rock and other natural processes. These structures include Samson’s Pillar, the Rocket and the Screaming Monster. Continued

A Little Taste of Nelspruit

Nelspruit at Night

Now known as Mbombela, Nelspruit is the capital of the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. This town, known for its prime positioning within the fertile valley of the Crocodile River, is 330 kilometres from the commercial, cultural and tourist hotspot of Johannesburg. It is also only 100 kilometres from Mozambique. Its subtropical climate and plentiful sunshine makes for a stunning vacation and even more breath-taking views.

The climate and lush conditions make for ideal farming conditions. Therefore, Nelspruit is known for its agriculture industry, particularly in terms of tropical fruits (such as bananas, mangos and avocado pears).

A major draw card to Nelspruit is that it is perfectly situated for tourists wanting to visit the world-famous Kruger National Park. This park, which is simply enormous, is home to some of the planet’s most beautiful and interesting species, including rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and more. Every year, hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors travel the expanses of this park to experience the splendour of the South African landscape and the fauna and flora that make this their home. Continued

Sabie Named Town of the Year 2012

Sabie Town of the Year

Ute from Villa Ticino in Sabie, Mpumalanga was ecstatic when she told us that her town had won Dorp van die Jaar 2012 (Town of the Year)! We thought it was really cool too!

On Saturday 25 August 2012 the Sabie Chamber of Commerce and Tourism held a Makietie in celebration of this title. Plenty of fun was had with an early morning mountain bike fun ride, music and entertainment and a parade.

Ute shares some of her excitement with us …

“When Sabie was announced as the winner for the Dorp van die Jaar 2012 from Kwêla & Rapport everybody was extremely excited. Once it was confirmed some businesses started  to decorate and paint their shop windows to proudly proclaim this status. Continued

I ♥ Ohrigstad Because …

I ♥ Ohrigstad

Hi, I’m Hennielene Botha from Iketla Lodge in Ohrigstad on the Panorama Route, Mpumalanga.

Ohrigstad is a small village with a large agricultural community surrounding it and IS BEST KNOWN FOR its stunning scenery and tranquillity. Its location close to the Blyde River Canyon, makes it an ideal base from which to explore this diverse and spectacular area.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT The Three Rondavels late in the afternoon when the sun paints the cliffs red.

THE BEST dramatic PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Bourke’s Luck Potholes due to the strange rock formations and cascading water.  Other happy snaps at God’s Window and the Pinnacle. Continued

I ♥ Marloth Park Because …

I ♥ Marloth Park

Hi, I’m Pat Ross from Marloth Kruger Lodges in Marloth Park in the Wild Frontier Region of Mpumalanga.

Marloth Park IS BEST KNOWN FOR its free roaming animals.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Kruger National Park.

THE BEST PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT sunrise or sunset, enjoy all of the beautiful colours.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the Crocodile River.

WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO swim at the watergat pool. Continued

I Wanna Go Camping – 6 Great Campsites in Mpumalanga

I Wanna Go Camping!

With the Kruger National Park on your doorstep how can anything possibly compete, when it comes to camping? Popular campsites like Berg-en-Dal, Maroela, Satara, Balule and Letaba tend to place other camping experiences in the shade, when it comes to bush camping holidays.

But Mpumalanga is not the Kruger alone. Mpumalanga also embraces forests, mountains, gushing rivers and waterfalls, mountain passes that make you gasp and some of the most magnificent scenery in the country.

The province is not dubbed ‘paradise country’ for nothing and big game is not the only draw card, albeit a major one. Towns like Dullstroom, Barberton, Sabie, Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest, and landmarks like Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes provide plenty of other opportunities for experiencing the outdoor lifestyle. Continued

I ♥ Dullstroom Because …

I ♥ Dullstroom

Hi, I’m Atjie Bekker from The Troll House in Dullstroom.

Dullstroom IS BEST KNOWN FOR top of the range fly fishing, the wonderful mist and priceless snowfalls! We are on the Eastern escarpment; two hours drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg and at 2053m above sea level are the highest town in South Africa! Dullstroom is a tourist destination and also an ideal stopover fro tourists on the Panorama Route; halfway between Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park.

GET YOUR PORTRAIT SKETCHED AT Dimitrov Art Gallery.

THE BEST Fauna and Flora PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Verloren Vallei, only 12km from town.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the top of the highest point in the area … heads in the clouds and your feet on the ground! Or if you’re very lucky you can get a few snaps if you are here during a winter snowfall. Continued

I ♥ Hectorspruit Because …

I ♥ Hectorspruit

Hi, I’m Bianka from LeoLapa in Hectorspruit.

Hectorspruit IS BEST KNOWN FOR Mjejane Game Reserve.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT The Buffalo Hotel, kissing the buffalo!

THE BEST animal PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Mjejane Reserve.

WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO spend the day in the pool at LeoLapa.

WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO drive through the Kruger National Park.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS April and May, BECAUSE the weather is a bit cooler. Continued

I ♥ White River Because …

I ♥ White River

Hi, I’m Amanda from umSisi House and umSisi Cottage just outside White River on the way to the Kruger National Park and just minutes away from the Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre.

White River IS BEST KNOWN FOR its proximity to the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN IN the Blyde River Canyon and show your friends what it looks like to be ‘[on top of the world’.
THE BEST PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Three Rondavels where the sign says ‘Do not go any further’.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT God’s Window and Wonder View. Continued

Sabie Valley Coffee – Spilling the Beans

Sabie Valley Coffee

Let me start by dispelling a few coffee myths: you shouldn’t store ground coffee in the fridge but in an airtight container, decaf coffee is punted by the industry because it retails at a higher price not because it’s healthier for you, instant coffee is usually chicory and Robusta coffee (cheaper to produce, inferior taste, higher in caffeine) not Arabica, and there is no money to be made in growing coffee crops in South Africa.

Today coffee crops cost more than any other agricultural crop in the country. South Africa used to grow lots of coffee during the ’70s and ’80s, but today, remarkably, the Sabie farm runs at a loss, something Tim freely admits. It is the roastery, the retail and distribution of coffee around the country to enthusiastic local coffee supporters that keep Sabie afloat.

All this, and more, I learn in a relatively short space of time from a remarkably personable Tim Buckland (no relation to famous mime artist, Andrew, I checked), the owner of Sabie Valley Coffee who does weekly coffee tours of his roastery in the Lowveld. Continued