The Lowveld is one of South Africa’s top holiday destinations being the gateway to the Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon. Our WOW consultant Sabine recently visited the area for the first time and had an amazing experience. Read her review below of her Lowveld adventure:
Day 1: Travel from Cape Town & Axe Throwing
Starting with an early morning flight from Cape Town we were off to Johannesburg. After landing in Lanseria, we drove to the adventure centre to experience one of the coolest activities, axe throwing! Read more about our Axe Throwing experience here.
After our thrilling axe throwing session, we started our road trip to Hazyview!
Sabine’s Top Tip #1: Prepare an upbeat music playlist for the road, to get you into holiday mode!
We made sure to stop along the way at a few rest stops, including Alzu Petroport on the N4 close to Middelburg. This rest stop has great restaurants, curio shops and beautiful restrooms overlooking amazing wildlife, including eland, zebras, ostriches, and even rhinos!
Sabine’s Top Tip #2: Drive slowly and beware of potholes along the way in Mpumalanga, as roads are currently in repair due to the recent floods.
After arriving in Hazyview, we checked into our accommodation at Bӧhm’s Zeederberg Country House, a quaint family-run lodge in the picturesque Sabie Valley.
Day 2: Aerial Cable Trail & Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park
We started off our week of adventures with a bang! We visited the Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park, and as an avid reptile lover, I was in heaven. The Reptile Park has a wide selection of animals, from lizards and snakes to crocodiles and spiders!
That afternoon we went on the Aerial Cable Trail. This zipline through the forest was easily my favourite of the activities I did in Hazyview! Throughout the activity, you are surrounded by the beautiful indigenous forest landscape and fresh air. The zipline goes quite fast and makes for an exhilarating adrenaline rush with loads of laughs along the way.
Sabine’s Top Tip #3: Pack comfy clothes and walking shoes for your adventures! Bring along a jacket as it can get chilly in the early mornings and evenings.
Day 3: Quad biking, Archery, Paintball, and a visit to the Kruger Park
Our third day in Hazyview was jam-packed with activities! We kicked off our day with a thrilling quad bike ride through the forests and along the Sabie River. Thereafter we enjoyed some paintball target shooting, followed by archery.
That afternoon we departed on a relaxing safari in the Kruger Park. We saw loads of impala and zebra roaming the bushveld, as well as spotting rare sightings such as hyena pups, an African rock python and even a leopard on its hunt. This was a day well spent!
Sabine’s Top Tip #4: Pack a picnic to enjoy at a rest stop on the safari! Nothing beats having a meal in the outdoors, surrounded by nature.
Day 4: Elephant interaction
The adventure we did on our fourth day in Hazyview was one of the most memorable experiences on the trip by far! We visited Elephant Whispers and were introduced to the rescued elephants that live there. I got to interact with their male elephant Thembo, who is 35 years old, and a giant compared to the other elephants. We were able to touch Thembo and feed him treats while listening to the guides as they explained the anatomy and habits of elephants.
Sabine’s Top Tip #5: Bring a power bank (or two) to keep your phone charged at all times so you never miss a photo opportunity!
Day 5: Graskop Gorge Lift & Travel back to Cape Town
This was our last day in the Lowveld, and we made the most of it! Starting off with a delicious breakfast in Graskop at West Lodge, we headed to the Graskop Gorge. We took the Lift that descends 51 metres down into the forest and explored its beautiful wooden walkways. The waterfall was especially beautiful, as it was flowing heavily due to the rainy season. We also took the time to browse the curio shops at the top and enjoyed the breathtaking panoramic views that the Gorge has to offer.
After enjoying our time in Graskop, we departed back to Lanseria, Johannesburg. We made a few rest stops along the way and made sure to stay hydrated and kept the good music pumping!
Sabine’s Top Tip #6: Pack ‘padkos’ and water for the long drive! Leftover braai meat makes delicious meals for the road.
My experience in the Lowveld was one for the books! The towns are stunning and being surrounded by nature constantly, it truly felt like we were on a tropical holiday. We made many memories and friends along the way. I highly recommend paying the Lowveld a visit and guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Are you looking to build the perfect adventure holiday in the Lowveld? Contact us and our friendly consultants will help you put the WOW in your holiday!
