BY Sipho “Alphi” Mkhwanazi
Last week we kicked off a two-part series on leisure travel in mzansi. The idea is to demonstrate that with careful planning, leisure travel is accessible to most South Africans from a shoestring budget to 5-star luxury. A recent road trip with a friend led to the magnificent province of Mpumalanga, here’s what xplored.
The beautiful province of Mpumalanga is a travel delight with sought-after attractions. We spent three days being tourists in our very own backyard, delighted by the spectacular sights and sounds of the province that is home to the rising sun.
We begin our journey in the charming town of White River, where you can xplore quaint shops and eateries before heading to the breath-taking Mac Mac Potholes. These unique rock formations are a marvel to behold, created by centuries of rushing water carving and shaping the landscape. As you proceed, don’t miss the adrenaline rush of The Big Swing in Graskop, where you can take a leap off the edge of a cliff and swing through the air with stunning views of the lush forests below. As you wind your way through the picturesque landscapes, be sure to make a stop at the iconic Three Rondavels, rock formations that resemble traditional African huts. And no visit to Mpumalanga would be complete without a visit to God’s Window, a breathtaking viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the lush forests and rolling hills below.
Next up, head to Dullstroom, a charming town nestled in the rolling hills of Mpumalanga. Here, you can indulge in gourmet dining, explore local craft shops, or try your hand at fly-fishing in one of the town’s many dams. We lodged at the stunning Highlander Hotel which is full of rich heritage and offers you a scenic and soulful lodging experience like none other. It’s at this hotel where our brilliant Chef Benny treated us to a four course menu with various wine pairings and had our tastebuds completely smitten.
Finally, make your way to eMalahleni, a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Visit the Witbank Dam for a relaxing day of boating and fishing, or explore the town’s many museums and galleries to learn more about South Africa’s fascinating past. By the end of your 7-day journey, you will have experienced the best that South Africa has to offer, from its stunning landscapes to its vibrant culture and warm hospitality.
It would be amiss not to talk about the various CSI initiatives that Sasol had arranged throughout the trip. Quite a number of organisations will have bells and whistles about their revenue, but very few take the time to put their money where their mouths are by ploughing back into the communities that surround their filling stations. It was an honour to put smiles on young children’s faces through much needed uniform packs, stationaries, school books, and other necessities that kids need to enjoy a fruitful schooling career.
If I haven’t convinced you to xplore Mzansi already, I don’t think I ever will. What was supposed to be a simple 7-day trip through Limpopo and Mpumalanga, turned into a week of beautiful experiences, new friendships formed, and incredible memories that will live on for years to come.
