Grass & Wetlands
White-crowned Lapwing © Grass & Wetlands
Bordered in the South by KwaZulu-Natal and in the East by Swaziland, lies the Grass and Wetlands region of Mpumalanga. This whole region is one of extreme natural beauty, dotted with its hundreds of lakes and rivers. The Grass and Wetlands region is a magnet for bird watchers from all over the world. Numerous horse and hiking trails are available starting from Carolina and Volksrust – most of these are day trails, though there are several two-day trails where trailers stay overnight in a trail hut.
Perhaps the two most popular venues in the Grass and Wetlands region of Mpumalanga for birding enthusiasts are Chrissiesmeer or Lake Chrissie, the largest freshwater lake in South Africa, and Wakkerstroom, a small town near to the KwaZulu-Natal border. Near to Chrissiesmeer you can also find a giant footprint embedded in rock – this matches a similar footprint to be found in Canada. Locals also re-enact an Anglo-Boer battle that was fought near to Lake Chrissie. There are a number of sites of historic interest in the vicinity of Chrissiesmeer, notably the Dumbarton Oaks Hotel built in the late 1800s, and Billiard Cottage, which was transported by ox wagon all the way from Bloemfontein and served as a recreation mess for British soldiers in the 2nd Anglo-Boer War.
Wakkerstroom attracts birding enthusiasts from all over the world, and there are lakes and pans in the Mpumalanga wetlands where hundreds of flamingo can be seen. Primarily though the whole of the Grass and Wetlands region is an important farming and forestry region. Much of the area abounded with indigenous hardwoods like yellowwood and kiaat, and where this has become depleted large plantations of pine and wattle have been planted. The South East around Piet Retief developed into a very important center for the timber industry, with woodworking developing as a secondary industry.
The whole of the wetlands region is host to any number of outdoor pastimes – fishing, sailing, boating, water-skiing are some of the more obvious pastimes associated with the water of the region, but there are other activities, some quite unusual, that one can indulge. Examples of these are the “frogging” expeditions and stargazing weekends. There are numerous venues for 4x4s, quads, horse trails and hiking, and for exploring the sites of ancient pictures drawn on rocks by the San people. You can also visit the lost Legoya nation’s huts, still standing 1000 years after they were constructed.
Unknown to many, the Barberton area has four 'secret' nature reserves, each of which is dedicated to the conservation of a single rare species of flora. Locations are kept secret n an effort to protect plant samples from would-be plant thieves. Three species of aloe and one of cycad are given special protection in these reserves.
Unit 88A Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Carolina
Grass & Wetlands
Everything is provided own pool towels are required. There is a hot and cold swimming pool at reception as well as a restaurant and shop. There are 8 trout fishing dams with catch and release options. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Welgekozen Country Lodge
Sleeps 10 or More Accommodation in Piet Retief
Grass & Wetlands
11 individually decorated double bed rooms with either showers or baths. Tea & coffee facilities in every room. TV with M-Net and DStv in every room. Superb English or continental breakfast. Evening meals. Laundry facilities available. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Spring Day B&B
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Piet Retief
Grass & Wetlands
Vredenhoff Bed & Breakfast is situated in the historical town of Piet Retief on the Rainbow Route and approximately 30km from the Kingdom of Swaziland. This stop-over between Johannesburg and Durban is ideal for both business people and tourists. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Unit 102 Doornkop Trout Fishing and Wildlife Estate
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Carolina
Grass & Wetlands
Intaba lodge is situated between Carolina and Machadadorp in the picturesque Mpumalanga Province in the Doornkop Wildlife and Fish Resort. At Intaba Lodge, six luxurious, spacious en-suit bedrooms await you. It is an African experience in comfort, style …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hummingbird Self-Catering
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Ermelo
Grass & Wetlands
Self catering units (fully equipped) in separate building, each with own entrance. Three double/triple and one family unit. Tastefully and comfortably decorated. Deposit will secure booking. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Forellenhof
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Wakkerstroom
Grass & Wetlands
You will be overwhelmed by a calm, comfortable, luxurious, tranquil, peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, beautifully and warmly decorated. Rooms with a view - sunrise over the mountain is inspiring and majestic! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
