Here in this rural backwood lies a genuine hidden gem: Highover Wildlife Sanctuary. The fast-flowing vein gains traction as it jostles down the foothills of the Drakensberg escarpment, eventually lurching past Hella Hella Gorge near Richmond in a fury of white water. The uMkomazi River first trickles out of the earth near Thaba Ntlenyana, the highest peak in Southern Africa. On a houseboat, which sleeps up to five people. 7 Houseboat Charters also offers day charters for R995. And your binoculars for top-drawer birding, an ideal late-afternoon activity once you’ve anchored in a secluded spot. No special licence is required, just a keen sense of adventure and a fishing rod.
Dock at restaurants, spas and golf courses along the way, but with braai facilities on board you might not want to set foot on land. With 55 kilometres of inland waterway to traverse, there’s plenty to explore along the shoreline. Less than 50 kilometres from Parys (just an hour’s drive from Joburg), you can charter a houseboat and be the captain of your own adventure. Try a SUP yoga class, explore the surrounding bushveld on a mountain bike (hire one for R200) or blow your Christmas bonus on a hot-air balloon ride over the lake (R2 500 per person, .za).įeel far away from the city at Cradle Moon Lakeside Game Lodge. The relaxed boat cruises are also highly recommended (R190 per person). The more sedate are welcome to judge the athletes from the comfort of sun-loungers at the water’s edge, or from the vantage point of the chic cafe and bar, Current, with cocktail in hand. Built along the Crocodile River, the 32-hectare lake is well equipped for open-water swimmers, paddlers and rowers, and stocked for avid fly fishers. With its clean, safe water and white sand banks, and only 30 minutes from Sandton, Cradle Moon Lake is a literal beach within reach. There’s no official website for booking, just arrive at the gate with cash (R70 per tent). Sites are equipped with braais, concrete tables and benches, but no electricity. If you’re feeling energetic, pull yourself up the rope swing and plunge into the river. It’s just a short descent from the campsite to the river’s edge, with plenty of space on the smooth rocks to sunbathe.īring a lilo or tube as the river is calm enough to float along without being rushed downstream.
The campsite is very popular and it’s a first-come, first-served affair (day visitors R30 per person). The road is rather tricky, particularly in summer when it’s muddy low-clearance vehicles (even a purple Volksie) have been known to make it to this spot, though seldom unscathed. It’s a 26-kilometre drive from Hoedspruit on the R40 to Klaserie 1-Stop, then 27 kilometres on dirt up the canyon to the water. The Blyde River Canyon Picnic Spot is an ideal place to cool off in the Lowveld heat.
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