Hi, I’m Shahrzad Hone from Magoebaskloof, Limpopo
MAGOEBASKLOOF IS BEST KNOWN FOR its mountains, streams, forests and exotic birds.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Debengeni Falls, a beautiful wide waterfall flowing into the Magoebaskloof Dam. The falls which are found at the foot of the Magoebaskloof Mountains are an ideal place to relax and recharge. Swimming is possible in the fresh water pool during the summer months. The area boasts a wonderful bird population, including the rare grey Wagtail which is a regular visitor during summer.
THE BEST family PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT Kuhestan Farm Cottages in the garden of the main residence.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Haenertsburg and surrounding venues. Haenertsburg is a village found on Route 71, between Polokwane and Tzaneen. It’s home to about 350 families and is a well-known and popular place for cycling, biking and hiking. The area is known for its misty days and high rainfall.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO hike in the forests. The high rainfall in the area ensures green vegetation; a welcome change from the Bushveld that covers a lot of this region.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO curl up in front of the log fire with a good book.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS September, BECAUSE the azaleas and cherry blossoms are flowering then.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Sandford Heights Nursery and Tea Garden. The tea garden serves the most delicious breakfasts and teas. The waffles and light lunches are also worth a try and the service is very friendly. They are open daily, except for Thursdays. Why not have a wander around the nursery and pick up a few plants and shrubs for your garden at the same time?
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST The Iron Crown Pub and Grill. The local clientele will definitely recommend the steaks which are renowned in this area. If you need somewhere to watch sport The Iron Grill should be first on the list.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Picassos, TRY THE schnitzel. Picassos is located on the R71 and also offers a delicious selection of sweet and savoury pancakes.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM the Pot ‘n Plow Pub and Grill. They are also out on the R71, approximately 8kms from the village. As well as having very tasty pizzas they do a fabulous Sunday buffet. Wednesday evenings are Potluck Night so pop in and … try your luck!
MY FAVOURITE hiking SPOT IS The Komatiland Trail.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Yum Yum, on Saturday nights. The upmarket restaurant serves contemporary cuisine. The address is 61C Boundary Street.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the Pot ‘n Plow or the Iron Crown.
Magoebaskloof’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the forest hikes and Debengeni Falls.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS forest hikes. This area has an abundance of beautiful walks through spectacular scenery.
FOR SOME CULTURE, I LIKE TO GO TO go to War Memorial in Haenertsburg. The memorial is found in the town square of the village, on the corner of Kerk and Maré Streets and commemorates the wars that the people of the area have been involved in. This includes the Magoeba War (1894 – 1895) and the recent Border Wars.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO walk with my husband and my best friend by the streams and mini waterfalls all around Magoebaskloof. We are so lucky to live in this picturesque place.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour. The tour will take you through indigenous forest and along mountain cliffs; all overlooking the Groot Letaba River gorge. There are viewing platforms to admire the three giant waterfalls which tumble 20 metres into the sparkling river below.
MY FAVOURITE HIKE IS the Komatiland Trail.
MY FAVOURITE food SHOP IS Foodzone in Haenertsburg.
MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge or Kuhestan Farm Cottages.
IF YOU’RE HERE IN spring, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Magoebaskloof Spring Festival.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS a braai at Debengi Falls. The children can enjoy exploring the forest and swimming in the pool.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a hike and a picnic in the forest. Pack a basket of yummy treats and enjoy a day in the great outdoors.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO do a canopy tour and a lunch at Picasso’s.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS exotic birds and Samango monkeys.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Kuhestan Farm Cottages.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I work with a youth group in Lenyenye.
I Love Magoebaskloof Because it’s South Africa’s best kept secret.
Useful Magoebaskloof Links:
Desirable Digits
Sandford Heights Nursery and Tea Garden – +27 (0)82 808 2450
The Iron Crown Pub and Grill – +27 (0)15 276 4755
Pot ‘n Plow Pub and Grill – +27 (0)82 691 5790
Yum Yum Restaurant – +27 (0)15 307 3984
Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours – +27 (0)83 866-1546
