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 Places to see on the Mpumalanga Highlands Meander
A series of self-drives exist to satisfy your particular interest, and touch on all aspects of the Highlands Meander's multiplicity of experiences. Space does not permit the kind of in-depth article required to describe the Meander's infinite variety, so use the following as a spring board, and the concluding site addresses for more detail:
Fly fishing in Mpumalanga
You're talking fly fishing heaven when you talk Meander! Its contrasts of climate and altitude, dam, spruit, or stream conjure a variety of fish species to be caught on the fly, from rainbow and brown trout to indigenous yellowfish and barbel. Bass, carp and kurper provide exciting challenges for the more adventurous fly fisher.
Trout were introduced in the early 1900's to many of the rivers in the area, and today many a keen angler is grateful to the foresight of those early immigrants.
Most towns boast fishing clubs that will accept visitors for day fishing on their waters.
Highlands Meander Historical Drive
History spanning centuries can be traced through these regions, from the Stone and Iron Age man, signs of whom are scattered all across the region, to the hunter-gatherers who were succeeded by agriculturists and pastoralists, whose rock engravings can be dated from the pre-colonial 16th to the 19th century.
....And thence, to 21st Century life as we know it!
There are many exciting and varied historical sites to discover, such as a number of military cemeteries (Anglo-Boer war), the Mapoch Caves, ethnic kraals, and Krugerhof.
Eco tourism in Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga Wildflowers
The first spring rains bring a kaleidoscope of colour to the veldt as the flowers burst into vibrant bloom. In summer, the bright red Scarlet River Lily erupts in profusion along the river banks in brilliant contrast with the blue Agapanthus and white and yellow Arum lillies.
Aloes are at their most spectacular on the high areas of the Meander; during the autumn/winter months, and their bright orange colour radiates a warmth to the otherwise rugged landscape. The bushveld has a magic of its own, all year round.
Birding in Mpumalanga
Birding is one of the fastest growing hobbies, owing to diverse ecozones from montane grassland, rocky outcrops, vleis, marshes, dams, pine plantations, riverine forests, sheer cliffs and bushveld that offer a splendid variety of habitats to the keen birder.
The Highlands Crane Group are to be congratulated for their outstanding work towards preserving the endangered crane species.
Scarce grassland breeds like the Wattled Crane, Stanley's Bustard, Ground Woodpecker, and Rudd's Lark find refuge in the Steenkampsberg Mountains and the Slaaihioek area.
Mpumalanga Highlands Adventure drive
From Belfast to Waterval Boven, adrenalin junkies and Nature Lovers can get an outrageous variety of kicks! The Highlands Meander region features a challenging range of outdoor activities, from leisurely rambles along many streams and rivers to adrenalin pumping activities such as rock climbing and abseiling.
You're hunting the ultimate thrill?
One, Two, Three, let's go: River Swimming, 4x4 Trails, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, Hiking, Game Viewing and Drives, Climbing, Abseiling, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, Touch Farming, Canoeing, and Paragliding are available in or near most of the Meander's towns!
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