Attractions
Place of the Rising Sun
Mpumalanga, which means ‘place of the rising sun’ in Swazi, has to be one of the most beautiful regions in the whole of Southern Africa. It’s rich diversity of wildlife, plant life, history and geography means there is always something to be admired and experienced.
Timamoon is ideally located between the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon, making it possible for one do a self-drive
or guided day tour to either location.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and with the closest Gate (Phabeni gate), a mere 32km from Timamoon visiting the park is an absolute must. Its high density of wild animals includes the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Hundreds of other mammals make their home here, as do diverse bird species such as vultures, eagles and storks. Mountains, bush plains and tropical forests are all part of the landscape.
Spanning nearly 2 million hectares in size, this vast landscape and it’s natural residents can keep guests entertained for days on end and there is a new route to be explored everyday.
Do a self drive trip and have lunch on the viewing deck at the lower Sabie rest camp whilst watching the elephants play and bathe in the Sabie River below you or for a shorter trip perhaps a quick breakfast stop in Skukuza and then back to the lodge for an afternoon massage. On your arrival at Timamoon more info will be provided to you regarding the gate opening and closing times as well at the entrance fees. Either way the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the famous Big 5 is literally at your door step.
There are also various game drives that can be booked through Timamoon – guests are collected and returned directly to the lodge. The guides are all very experienced and passionate and are happy to share their endless knowledge of the natural world with you. Guides are also excellent at spotting and tracking animals, which increases your chance of that incredible sighting. Game drives are done in open safari vehicles which allows one to completely immerse themselves in the smells, sounds and sights of the bush.
The Panorama Route
With spectacular views, impressive mountain waterfalls, endless skies and a rich history it’s no wonder they call it one of South Africa’s most beautifully scenic panorama tours. Pictures simply don’t do this beautiful stretch of the Lowveld any justice. The route climbs up into the Mpumalanga highlands and the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment whilst bordering the Bylde River Canyon which is one of the world’s largest vegetated canyons.
Situated between Sabie and Hazyview, Timamoon makes for an ideal base from which to explore all the famous sights.
The area is renowned for it’s countless forest and mountain waterfalls. Between Graskop and Blyde River Canyon you’ll find the Berlin Falls as well as the Lisbon Falls which are the area’s larger falls. However even before you reach these are other magical waterfalls worth stopping at:
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Lone Creek Falls
- Sabie Falls
- Forest Falls
- Mac Mac Falls
- Mac Mac Pools (If you’re looking for a spot to cool off along the route, then dip into the refreshing cool waters of the Mac Mac pools.)
Perhaps the most well-known section of the route is the part just a few kilometers outside of the town of Graskop. Here one will find what is referred to as the Holy Trinity, which, is comprised of three incredible view points:
- The Pinnacle
- Gods Window
- Wonderview
The God’s Window view point transports you above the clouds where you literally have a view out of God’s own window, this is the zenith of the panorama route and on a clear day one can see all the way to the border of Mozambique.
Towards the Northern end of the canyon, one can view the curious rock formations at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and gaze over the three rondavels and Blydepoort Dam from 1 219 meters above sea level. Stop off for lunch or a cold beer at the rustic and charming Potluck Boskombuis restaurant where food is cooked traditionally on open fires for a true bushveld experience.
This area and route are deeply entrenched in the history of South Africa. Many towns on the route, such as Pilgrim’s Rest, were established during the Transvaal gold rush in the late 1800s. Thousands of fortune seekers crossed the treacherous mountains and rugged terrain in the search of gold. The entire town has been classified as a national monument.
With people travelling from all over the world to experience the sights the area has to offer; it definitely cannot be missed. It is possible to do a self-guided tour of the area and the route and it’s highlights will be explained to your before hand at Timamoon. It is also possible to do a full day or half day guided tour, which can be pre-booked with Timamoon.