Mpumalanga : Escarpment
Overview
Between the Mpumalanga Highveld and the Lowveld, lies the breathtakingly beautiful
escarpment region known for its spectacular scenery, indigenous forests, and many
waterfalls. All of this, as well as its close proximity to Gauteng, makes the Mpumalanga
Escarpment a popular tourist destination
Things to do an see
Central to the escarpment region is the Blyde River Canyon, the worlds third largest
canyon, after the Grand Canyon in the US and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. The
Blyde River canyon is a must see for all visitors with hiking trails in the canyon
as well as guided horseback routes to follow.
Get a feel of what they heyday of the gold rush felt like at Pilgrim’s Rest, a small preserved and restored gold mining town with museums, interesting buildings and
places to eat and drink. The breathtaking scenery of the Panorama Route includes The Pinnacle, a 30m high outcrop rock, Gods Window with its lookout point over the
Lowveld 700m below and Wonder View, with the highest and most spectacular lookout
point.
Discover some of the many waterfalls in the area, including the Mac-Mac Falls, the
Lisbon and Berlin Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Water has also carved one of
the most visited natural phenomena in the area. The Bourke’s Luck Potholes are large
cylindrical potholes carved by the water into the rock and is spanned by a network
of pathways and bridges, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural marvel.
Besides driving around and viewing the magnificent scenery the Escarpment has to
offer, those in search of more gentler pursuits can consider some of the hiking trails, hot air ballooning or even trying your luck with some gold panning or fly
fishing for trout in one of the many cool steams in the area. Adrenaline junkies
can get their next rush by bungee jumping, white river rafting or going on a 4x4
trial.
Climate
Because of the sharp rise from the Lowveld region the hot and moist air is forced
up suddenly and dramatically in the escarpment region, causing condensation. The
area is well watered with a high rainfall and often shrouded in cool wreaths of
mist. Temperatures are moderate and not as extremely hot as in the Lowveld or as
cool as the Highveld low temperatures.
Accommodation
Accommodation ranges from luxury lodges, to B&B venues. Throughout the area
you will find guest houses, self catering chalets and also quite a few hotels. There
is indeed accommodation to fit any budget or taste.
Towns and Cities in the area
Places worth a visit in the Mpumalanga Escarpment area include :
Graskop
Hazyview
Lydenburg
Machadodorp
Ohrigstad
Pilgrim’s Rest
Sabie
Schoemanskloof
Waterval Boven
Waterval Onder
White River