The Lowveld of South Africa
The Lowveld is a popular tourist and
holiday destination in South Africa. The Lowveld
is that region of South
Africa where the Kruger
National Park is located. This is a warm region with a healthy climate and
tourists will find there is lots to do.
Things to do in the Lowveld
- Abseiling
Abseiling is presented at Ekhukhanyeni Outdoor centre near Nelspruit
and near the Sudwala
caves at Waterfall abseiling is available in the mountains near Waterval
Boven. Kloofing and abseiling adventures are presented at the Blyde and
Sabie Rivers as well as at the Berlin falls.
- Ballooning in the Lowveld

Most of the flights take place early morning in the Hazyview
and Lydenburg area
and it is normally rounded off with a breakfast. There are two local companies
who provide this service.
- Big Swing
A Big Swing Bunjee is now open in the gorge at Graskop.
This unique experience will allow you to free fall and then swing free in
this spectacular gorge. Foofie slide over the gorge is also available for
the faint hearted. Open every day except Mondays from 08:00 to 17:00. Contact
Lowveld Info for information and bookings.
- Birding
The Birdlife Lowveld is very active and they present regular outings to
surrounding areas. Contact Lowveld Tourism. You can also go on a
birding safari from Nelspruit to one of the game reserves or the Blyde
Canyon.
- Blyde
River Canyon
Some of the most dramatic views over the Lowveld are enjoyed from the
viewpoints over the canyon, which is the largest Grand Canyon in the world.
Several hiking trails are also available. Contact the Mpumalanga
Parks Board at
Lowveld Tourism.
- Lowveld Hiking trails
The Matumi trail: In the Nelspruit Nature reserve with beautiful river
walks and picnic spots. Half hour walk. Starting at Andries Pretorius road
at the Old Trim Park. There is also another trail leading to the
historical Hindu Temple site in the Reserve. Phone 013-759-2298
Elandshoogte hiking trails: Near Ngodwana on the escarpment - Two day
trails with overnight facilities on the edge of the Escarpment. Book with
Sappi on 082 807 7666 or 013 256-9049.
Lowveld Botanic Gardens: There are several short trails through these
magnificent gardens on the outskirts of Nelspruit, next to the Crocodile
River. Two waterfalls can also be viewed. Phone 013 752-5531 for further
details.
Safcol Hiking trails: Safcol manages several hiking trails in the Lowveld
including the Loerie trail, Fanie Botha near Graskop, Uitsoek trail near
Sudwala, Houtbosloop and the Kaapsehoop trail near Nelspruit and the
Prospectors trail near Pilgrims. For reservations contact Lowveld Tourism.
Some operators also undertake guided trails on the escarpment and in the
Blyde River Canyon.
- Kruger National Park
This world famous game park and home of the Big Five is just around the
corner. From Nelspruit you can enter the Park through Malelane gate (60km)
or Numbi Gate (50km) while Hazyview and Malelane is situated next to the Kruger
and Malelane gates respectively. Komatipoort is next the
Crocodile Bridge Gate of the Park. Open Vehicle safaris are undertaken to
and from the Park from Nelspruit, Hazyview and Malelane. For Kruger Park accommodation
or on-line safari bookings contact
Lowveld Tourism
- Lowveld Botanic Gardens
You can explore these magnificent gardens on several hiking trails and
view the extensive indigenous tree collection, one of the largest
collections of cycads, the African Rainforest and two waterfalls. There is
also an abundance of bird life and beautiful picnic spots. There is also a
restaurant and coffee shop in the gardens. Regular Sunday concerts are
held during the winter months. Phone 013 752-5531.
- Paragliding
Contact the Lowveld Slope Soaring Club for packages. Five months training
courses as well as once off tandem flights available any day of the week.
Phone Anton or Rooies on 013 741-2133 or 082 966 2047.
- Phumelani Cultural Experience
Situated at the Numbi Gate to the Kruger Park. An authentic African
cultural performance is presented for groups by members of the Mdluli
Tribe. A buffet meal is also served. Lowveld Tourism
- Lowveld Safari's
Several local tour operators do full day or half day open vehicle safaris
into the Kruger Park. Night safaris are also undertaken to some private big
five reserves in the Sabi
Sand and Timbavati
areas. For bookings contact Lowveld
Tourism
- Shangana Village
Visit an authentic African Village and get to know their fascinating way
of life. During the day there are one-hour tours through the village,
traditional lunches and the picturesque Marula Crafts market. In the
evening a dance, music and drama feast is presented with a traditional
meal.
- Sudwala Dinosaur Park
Next to the Sudwala caves. Life sized, scientifically accurate models of
dinosaurs greet you as you wonder through a lush sub-tropical forest. Tel
013 733-5267.
- Sudwala Cultural Village
See the traditional way of life of several South African tribes in their
original homes. Tribal dancing is presented on request. There is also a
crafters village where a goldsmith and potter demonstrate their trade to
visitors. Tel 013 733-3037.
- Tours of the Lowveld
Several tour operators present tours to the Kruger Park, Escarpment,
Mozambique and
Swaziland from
Nelspruit. For further enquiries contact
Lowveld Tourism
- Township Tours
Come experience the fascinating culture of the rural and peri-urban areas
of the Lowveld around Nelspruit,
White River and Hazyview. Day trips and half-day trips are undertaken
by seasoned tour guides into these townships. Tours include visits to the
local tribal chiefs, shebeens and the sangoma (medicine man). Experience the
local cuisine and home made beer, see traditional dancing or visit one of
the schools in the area. Contact
Lowveld Tourism.
- Waterfalls
The most spectacular waterfalls occur in the area around Sabie namely the
Bridal Veil falls, Horseshoe falls, Lone Creek falls, the Mac Mac falls
between Sabie and Graskop and the Lisbon and Berlin falls just outside
Graskop.
- White Water rafting
Trips are undertaken on the Blyde, Sabie and Olifants Rivers by qualified
guides.
Accommodation in the Lowveld
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