The beauty of the rising sun

I’ve been putting off writing this piece for a little while, no idea why but I finally finished it. I want to once more share my favourite things to do.   Often people travel the world admiring the different cultures and beauty from all over but they neglect to see the beauty in their backyards. I lived in Mpumalanga Province for a long while and I never really appreciated the beauty of it until I ventured further east…   If you find yourself having time on your hands and looking to vacation, something different from the typical going to the coast ( for us non-coastal people) maybe try a tour of Mpumalanga Province, visit some of my favourite places.

 

The richness in nature, culture and history is just amazing. There is so much to do considering how big the province is, one would need a very long time to be able to see it all. The adventures cater for everyone, from the outdoorsy activity, dining in traditional purely South African food or cuisines from all over the globe or simply satisfying curiosities about our country. The further towards the rising sun you go, the more exploring there is to do! Alot of people have yet to see any wild animals( besides the zoo, tehehe ) , If that is of any interest to you, then you should visit the Kruger National Park. Bordering 4 countries, the Kruger is one of the largest nature reserves in the world. The park gives you an opportunity to explore nature without completely feeling like a total tourist. There are opportunities to have a camp, live in self catering chalets or if like me you become in total holiday mode you could live in a hotel. With several camps within the park, you have the chance to see all sorts of animals. Get a map with all the animals to look out for on a self drive or if you are a scaredy cat (points and laughs) then you can go on a proper safari drive.

Elephant on the Olifant Loop towards Letaba camp, Kruger National Park

 

If you are interested in exploring the history of South Africa,a great place to visit is Pilgrim’s rest, a small town, that hosted a mining community in its time,  that is now is purely for tourism. The town has a whole street of eateries from sweet shops, to pancake shops with the most out there fillings,  little souvinir shops, biltong shops ( doesn’t get more South African than that) and all sorts… You get to have a purely South African meal in little bits

Street names of eateries, Pilgrim’s rest

 

While you are out and about you get the opportunity to tour the old mines which have been turned into museums and see all the mining equipment used before modern technology and explore the lives of mine workers and pilgrims who lived in the town.   Before you leave the town make sure to visit the old mine manager’s house, where you get to see clothing and utensils from decades ago,  as far back as 1910. It almost feels like going back in time. Rather a comical and enlightening experience.

Mine manager’s wife’s clothes-1910

The most beautiful thing about Mpumalanga is the nature in it’s purest form. Take a drive on the lowveld Panorama route and experience the Three rondavels, The pinaccle, several water falls and God’s window. God’s window is an amazing view of over 500 meters of land from over 1700 Meters above sea level . When you stand at the very top, you get to understand the reason for its name. It truly is a spiritual experience.

Mac Mac falls

 

Hike up God’s window

God’s Window view

Sea level

A great place to stay while exploring the sights is Mount Sheba Forever resorts. A very secluded hotel 10km off the road into a mountanous thicket, gives you a feeling of being away from it all and allows you to have the most relaxed time while away from the hustle of the city. The down side to the resort is how cold it gets as the sun sets(shivers at the thought).   So do yourseolf a good one by giving yourself time to experience the beauty of the rising sun.

Sun set, road to Mount Sheba