Sangasava is ideally placed for day trips into the park with a selection of alternate routes. You could enter at Phalaborwa and travel north and exit at Phalaborwa or travel south and exit at Orpen, to name two alternatives.
| Open | Close | |
| January - February | 05:30 | 18:30 |
| March | 05:30 | 18:00 |
| April | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| May - July | 06:00 | 17:30 |
| August - September | 06:00 | 18:00 |
| October | 05:30 | 18:00 |
| November - December | 05:30 | 18:30 |
The Lowveld Escarpment is created where the inner Southern African plateau with a mean altitude of 1200m, abruptly plunges down to the Lowveld with sheer drops of up to 1000m. The Panoramic Route to the Blyde River Canyon offers awe-inspiring views of forest clad cliffs, canyons and plains as far as the eye can see.
Of the many viewpoints, God’s Window, 1829m above sea level, must surely be the most exceptional with stunning views across the Lowveld to Mozambique. Paths lead among flowering plants and trees in the Lowveld Panorama and Nature Reserve.
In a land of waterfalls, the 82,5m high Lisbon Falls is one of the loveliest, seen from a view-site reached via a 100m footpath.
An 80m high waterfall plummeting into a deep pool.
This is the dramatic scenic beauty of Lowveld at its best. This unique canyon is considered one of the natural wonders of Southern Africa, and is the 3rd deepest and only green canyon in the world. The Blyde River is dammed in the gorge by a 72m high wall.
Carl Mauch once stood on the mountain now named after him, and looking over the majestic scenery, said “there is gold here.” Visit historic Pilgrim’s Rest and feel the history of an early South African gold mining town that is filled with romantic stories of fortunes made and lost and love and heartbreak. This is a living museum where you can try your hand at panning for gold; gold panning courses every Friday and unsupervised practice panning on Sundays.
This is a wonderful example of how the forces of nature has made its mark where the swirling Blyde (joyful) and Treur (sorrow) rivers meet carving out perfect circular holes in rock. This is a remarkable record of an erosion process that started thousands of years ago. Thomas Bourke discovered gold at the bottom of these holes.
The striking Three Rondavels are named after three of Chief Maripi’s wives. From lowest to highest they are Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Masaroto. The peak at the end of the row is Makjaneng (the chief) named in hour of Chief Maripi.
Situated on the Escarpment above the Strijdom tunnel a short way outside Ohrigstad on the Hoedspruit / Lydenburg road.
The dedicated staff of Kapama has helped bring Cheetah from the brink of extinction. This wonderful educational facility starts with a video and is followed by a full guided tour where you visit the Cheetah and wild dog enclosures. Tel: 015-793-1633.
The Khamai / Swadini Reptile Park is approximately 10 km outside Hoedspruit on the Lydenburg road. Here you can learn more about the reptiles of our area. Tel: 795-5203.
This is a world class venue in Phalaborwa where you can experience playing golf in the heart of the African bushveld. Call 015-781-3931 to book. (9 holes: R85.00; 18 holes: R155.00; Golf Clubs: R25.00 & R50.00: Golf Cart: R100.00; Caddy R50.00 – prices may change from time-to-time)
This course is on SANDF property and the grounds and Club House are maintained by the Air Force, which means passing through an armed military security gate. The course is flat and at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains. Caddy Shop 015-799-3172. +-40 km.
A beautiful undulating course set in the Northern Drakensberg Mountains. Tel: 015-305-3102. +-120 km.
Set in one the largest citrus estates in South Africa, this course is played along the Letaba River and has some of the largest examples of indigenous tree to be seen in the Lowveld. Tel: 015-305-0917. +-70 km.
Another “gold rush” town dating back to the late 1800s. You can see historic buildings, a fascinating cemetery, and a big baobab, used as the site of the local pub during the town’s heydays.
This is a rehabilitation centre & shelter for sick or injured birds and animals. Guided tours are provided around the centre at 09H30 and 15H30. Tel: 015-795-5236.
African Art Gallery as well as numerous amounts of curios and a restaurant: Tel: 015-795-5114.
The largest in the world. Situated on the farm of Mr Willie du Plessis, on Glencoe Farm, 2 km on the Essex Road. Tel: 015-795-5239.
Guided educational, feeding and entertainment tours daily from 09H00 until 16H00. Unique island for feeding the big crocs. Try your hand at feeding the crocs and see who’s quicker. There is also an avocado orchard on the farm. Tel: 015-307-4398.
Home of the famous Amarula Cream Liqueur. Learn how this famous liqueur is made. Tours: Monday to Friday at 10H00 & 14H00, Saturdays at 10H00. Tasting & Sales: Monday to Friday 09H00 – 16H00, Saturdays 09H00 – 12H00. Tel: 015-781-7766. Website: www.amarula.com. Email: amarulalapa@iafrica.com
Hlolwa 4X4 Adventures: 072-242-0345 or 083-282-7388
Mashono 4X4 Trails: Along the Selati River. Tel: 013-737-8344.
Visit Bombyx Mori Silk Estate & enjoy a guided tour of the silk factory, Ivory Room & Gallery. The Cotton Club Café offers great coffee & light meals set in lush gardens, against the backdrop of the Blyde River Canyon. Tel: 015-795-5564 /666/682. Website www.bombyxmori.co.za