Blog - Sabie Gypsy's Backpackers

Safe traveling tips for South Africa

2019-12-13T00:00:00+02:00

Keen to self-drive South Africa? You should! South Africa is an excellent country for road tripping, and many tourists opt to hire a car and embark on a self-drive.

This is a fun option for getting around – allowing you greater flexibility in your itinerary and opening up several experiences that would otherwise be missed. Explore the buzzy Garden Route, the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast, or the lush and aptly named Panorama Route in Mpumalanga. You can even do a self-drive safari in many of the game reserves including Kruger.

If you are planning a long road trip in South Africa, careful planning and ample time are required as the distances are vast and there are long stretches of isolated road. Inform someone (a friend, your travel agent or accommodation) of your plans and estimated times of arrival – someone who will raise the alarm if you do not show up where and when you are expected. And likewise, carry the contact numbers of your destination accommodation establishments so you can phone ahead should you be delayed for any reason. Keep your tank full, follow road signs, and never offer a lift to strangers. These are the basics.

What many visitors to South Africa may not have much knowledge of from back home, are incidents of carjacking, robbery, or other crimes on the road. While incidences of carjacking, robbery and service delivery protests along the roads in South Africa does occur, you can take the right precautions to avoid being affected and enjoy a wonderful self-drive holiday like most visitors travelling around the country do.

You are more of a target if you are in an unmoving vehicle in an isolated area, perhaps with your focus intentionally directed elsewhere. And criminals have devised several ways to orchestrate just this scenario, targeting cars at stop streets, constructing roadblocks, and even impersonating police officers.

Be aware of your surroundings
It is extremely important always to be alert and aware of your directions. Enquire at your accommodation or with a local travel professional before driving into an unknown area or suburb. And avoid driving after dark if possible.

Keep the car doors locked and windows up when waiting at traffic lights or stop streets. Contrary to some misinformation out there, it is not legal to drive through a red light, even if you cite safety concerns.

However, you may come across flashing red lights, often at night in areas deemed more ‘high-risk’. You may proceed with caution through these intersections.

Follow your intuition
If a vehicle, police or unmarked, indicates for you to pull over or you find yourself at a roadblock and something doesn’t seem right, rely on your intuition. If you feel uncomfortable stopping for a valid reason – either you are alone, it is late at night, or you question whether these are genuine police officers – there is a certain protocol you must follow.

Immediately slow and turn on your hazard lights. Keep driving, but over 40k/h.
Indicate your intention by extending your arm out of the window and gesturing for the car to follow you.
Phone 10111 and explain the situation, providing as much information as you can (e.g. your location as well as the location of the roadblock or the vehicle in question’s registration number) to the operator. They will direct you to the nearest police station.
Drive directly to the police station and stay in your vehicle with the engine running, hoot continuously to attract attention until someone from the station comes out.
You can alternatively drive to the nearest public place, such as a service station.
Remain calm as you explain to the police personnel or officers that you felt unsafe and cooperate with them fully.
Follow these steps, and you will not only ensure your safety but also avoid your actions being misconstrued as police evasion (which can quickly escalate a situation for the worse).

Similar steps can be taken if someone pulls up alongside you or flashes their lights signalling that something is wrong with your car (e.g. pointing at your tyres). Do not stop in this situation. Rather drive to the nearest police station or service station. If your intuition was right and this person meant you harm, they are sure to be deterred in the presence of onlookers and CCTV.

Service Delivery Protests
From time to time, you may come across service delivery protests by the community. These are generally not violent, but they can be disruptive.

The best rule of action is to avoid these whenever you can by asking your accommodation provider where they usually take place, keeping an eye out for road signs indicating areas where frequent community protests occur and listening to the traffic reports on radio stations such as SAFM (104 to 107 FM).

Plan your route beforehand and ask your accommodation provider, tour operator or local authorities (such as the police or local tourism authorities) if they know of any issues along the way and can advise alternative routings.

If you do happen to come across a service delivery protest, remain calm and polite. If you are able to remove yourself from the situation before getting into the thick of it, do so slowly and with caution. There is every likelihood you will see the protest action quite far ahead and be able to reverse or perform a U-turn safely (switch on your hazard lights).

Contact your tour operator, tourism office or accommodation establishment you are staying at and advise them of the location of the service delivery protest so that they can notify the authorities. You could also drive to the nearest police station to report it.

Personal belongings
It goes without saying. Keeping your personal belongings on the seat alongside you, or your mobile phone in your lap while driving with your windows wide open, is an open invitation for would-be thieves to target you.

Keep your personal belongings locked in your boot or out of sight while driving. You should not be using your mobile phone anyway and if it is not visible it cannot be snatched from your vehicle at the traffic light or when you are parked somewhere.

Use your common sense and don’t place personal belongings in the boot of your locked car when you have an audience. If at all possible, carry your personal belongings with you. Take with you only what you really need for the day to ensure you don’t need to lock items in your boot.

Don’t leave any GPSs, cables or money in your car, whether you’re stopping for a few minutes or overnight. It’s a sign that you may have something of value in the vehicle and that makes you an easy target. Ensure your vehicle is locked, including your boot if the vehicle does not have central locking.

Driving in a National Park
THE MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT – is 50 km/h on tar and 40km/h on gravel roads. Speed checks are done throughout the park. All speeding culprits will be heavily fined.

DO NOT DRINK & DRIVE – general rules of the road apply within the KNP. It is an offence to drive on South African roads under the influence of alcohol.

DRIVING AREAS RESTRICTED – Vehicles must remain on the designated roads at all times, Driving on closed or no-entry roads or off the paved surface is a serious offence.

GAME SIGHTING – CONGESTION – In case there is sighting with many cars causing congestion, the lane opposite (further away) the side of the game or object/s being viewed may not be blocked by stationary vehicles. This lane must be kept open for those that wish to pass the sighting. Please do not [ark diagonally, especially in the lane.

GAME SIGHTING – GENERAL – For game viewing, please park on the side of the road from which object is located on as this will prevent cars from passing between the viewing vehicles and the object you are watching. Be careful when passing animals or birds close to the road – they could be alarmed by your approach and run onto the road.

STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE – unless in a designated area, visitors must remain inside their vehicles. No part of your body may protrude from a window or sunroof and doors should remain closed at all times.

What if a police officer asks for a bribe?
It is important to be aware of your rights if you do get pulled over. First, know that it is strictly illegal for a traffic official or police officer to ask you for cash on the spot. This is entering ‘bribe territory’ – remain respectful while refusing to pay. Also, know that it is not necessary to be taken to a police station by a traffic officer to pay the fine.

In the event of a legitimate traffic transgression, an officer must issue an official “ticket”, which will contain all details of the offence, the fine payable (in South African Rand only), where it occurred and the officer’s name. Fines can be paid within a certain period of days after the ticket was issued either at a police station, via online banking or can be paid by the vehicle rental company. If paying at a police station, an official receipt of payment must be issued.

You also have the right to ask a police officer to identify him or herself by showing their appointment card, which must be carried at all times. If you feel you are being or have been harassed, you are entitled to report misconduct to the nearest police station. If you still feel you have not been properly assisted, you can contact the Independent Police Investigative Directorate to look into the matter further.

Take note of the badge number and name of the police officer in question, as well as the vehicle registration number and, if applicable, the location of the roadblock. Provide as much identifying information as you can in your report.

Safe parking
Enquire at your accommodation about safe, secure parking, avoiding poorly lit areas or street parking if possible. Do not leave anything, especially of value, in your car. However, if you must leave an item, ensure that it is well-hidden in either the glove box, under a seat, or in the boot of the car. Stow the item(s) discreetly or before you are parked to avoid piquing the interest of opportunistic onlookers. Otherwise, you may be coming back to a smashed window despite your efforts. Lastly, double-check that all of the doors are locked before you walk away.

If you are driving in South Africa, you will undoubtedly come across more than one car guard – whistling you into a spot, offering some form of parking assistance, and requesting money as you prepare to leave.

They claim to keep an eye on your car while you’re away but remember that this is not a guarantee and you should still take the same precautions, leaving nothing in your car. Use your discretion when interacting with car guards. If you wish to give them a tip as you leave, some spare coins will suffice.

Always carry a working cell phone
Whether checking directions or phoning help in the case of an emergency, make sure that you have a working cell phone on you at all times during your self-drive. Using a local SIM card is also highly recommended.

Keep these important numbers on hand:
Nationwide emergency response: 10111

Cell phone emergency: 112

[Note the difference between these two numbers: dialling 10111 from your mobile will incur standard phone charges and will connect you with an operator who will direct your call; 112 is free to dial from any mobile, even if you do not have airtime, but you will need to patiently go through an automated menu. Both are nationwide.]

Ambulance response: 10177

National traffic call centre: 0861 400 800 to report traffic offences or misconduct by a traffic official

South African Police Service (SAPS) national service complaints centre: 0800 333 177 to lodge a complaint of poor service, misconduct or corruption by a member of law-enforcement

Independent Police Investigative Directorate: 012 399 0000 to escalate a complaint if necessary

The Sabie Waterfall route.

2019-12-06T00:00:00+02:00

THE SABIE WATERFALL ROUTE IS AN INSIDER SECRET IN THE LOWVELD.

Few people have written about it, despite it being just 60 km west of the famous Kruger National Park.

And even fewer visitors know of the route as it is often cast in the shadow of the Grandeur the Blyde River Canyon offers.

Yet the Sabie Waterfall Route connects eight of the most spectacular waterfalls of Mpumalanga ( to mention but a few) , the province with the most waterfalls in the country.

Waterfalls are an irresistible draw for travellers. And you will journey miles before managing to combine the effortless beauty of so many falls within such a short distance.
Starting in Sabie, the 50 km Sabie Waterfall Route follows the Main Road out of Sabie – R532 – both north and south west of town, connecting one waterfall with the next, the countryside a rich canvas of forested ravines, rivers, passes and valleys.

The scenery on its own is spectacular, but the six waterfalls it connects are even more so.
Nowhere else in the country is it possible to combine such views, and picnic spots, with so many waterfalls.

THE 8 FALLS MENTIONED ON THE SABIE WATERFALL ROUTE,
SOUTH WEST OF SABIE ALONG THE R532
The three falls south west of Sabie are grouped close together, so that if you are pressed for time, these three are a good bet:

Bridal Veil Falls
The delicate spray of this fall does remind one of the gossamer veil of a bride, despite its impressive drop. You’ll find Bridal Veil Falls just 6 km outside of Sabie, making it one of the most accessible falls. There is a bit of a steep climb to reach the falls, but the view is worth it.

Lone Creek Falls
If there is one waterfall you make time for, then Lone Creek Falls is it. Not only because it has one of the shortest walks from the parking area – only 200 metres shrouded in trees – but also because its long, narrow drop makes it one of the most interesting and beautiful falls close to Sabie. A particularly pretty viewpoint lies at the base of the falls.

Horseshoe Falls
Exactly as its name suggests, these falls drop in the shape of a horseshoe – cascading on either side of a solid rock. The last stretch of road before you reach the falls is gravel, manageable in an ordinary sedan, but you will have to take it slow until you reach the ample parking area. There are two paths, which can get slippery in the rain, to view the falls; the second to a lookout below the falls.

NORTH OF SABIE ALONG THE R532
Mac Mac Falls
Mac Mac are the first falls you’ll reach if you leave by the R532 north of Sabie. It’s a short walk from the parking area before you reach a ‘platform’ that overlooks the falls, but most tourists find the platform a little disappointing. The falls are pretty impressive.

Maria Shires Falls
Less-well known than the bigger falls, Maria Shires is pretty and private – perfect for a picnic. Like Forest Falls, not far from here, the setting is forested and tranquil. A little path to the top will take you to the graves of Maria Shires and her family. The falls are across the road from the parking.

Forest Falls
A lovely forest walk to the falls, although not clearly marked, and not everyone manages to find it. Those who do rave about the views and the gentleness of the walk.

Lisbon Falls
Lisbon and Berlin Falls are closer to Graskop and God’s Window, on the Panorama Route (this drive from Sabie north to Graskop and on to the Blyde River Canyon is exceptionally scenic). When in full flow, these falls are nothing short of spectacular.

Berlin Falls
Almost as beautiful as the Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls are a must, even if the road leading up to the view point needs upgrading. If you’re on your way to Kruger, these are one of the easiest waterfalls to add to the drive.

Doing the Sabie Waterfall Route as a circular route instead
View the falls as a longer, circular route – taking the R532 north of Sabie, and then connecting via the R36, and the R37, rejoining the R532 again south east of Sabie. In this way, one can do it over two days, including other scenic highlights.

Other highlights to include with the circular Sabie Waterfall Route:
Rock bridge, just outside Graskop
Pinnacle Rock
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
God’s Window
Three Rondavels View Point
Echo Caves
Blyde River Canyon
You’ll need at least 2 days to do the circular route justice. But you won’t regret it!

A brief description on Sabie and it's history as written by Mpumalnga Happenings.

2019-11-19T00:00:00+02:00

Sabie is a beautifully situated little town, and is one of the towns along the renowned Panorama Route. it is ideally situated as a base from which to explore the rich history of the area. Sabie is a small country town in a deep valley on the escarpment of the Drakensberg mountain range in the Mpumalanga (" place of the rising sun ") province of South Africa. The town is located 360 km (220 miles) east of the Johannesburg International Airport and 64 km (40 miles) west of Kruger National Park.

The area has always been malaria-free because of its high altitude. Because of this, pioneers in the early days used the area as their base camps when hunting and exploring down into the Lowveld. The local Shangaan people called the river " uluSaba" - "the river of fear" because the river was often in flood and teemed with crocodiles.It is from this Shangaan word that the town's name - Sabie - was derived.

Sabie was originally a farm named Grootfontein (meaning Big fountain). In 1880, Henry Thomas Glynn bought it for 600 British pounds and he and his son farmed and became celebrated big-game hunters. The Glynn's were renowned for their hospitality and in the year 1895, they were entertaining a group of friends at a picnic at the Klein Sabie Falls. After lunch they lined up the left over bottles to use as target practice. The bullets shipped the rock and exposed the gold bearing reef. They crushed and panned samples and the results revealed good gold. This started a gold-rush into the area and this started the town of Sabie.

Soon many indigenous forests were destroyed to supply firewood and later mine props. The mining was the actually the start of the huge timber industry in the area around Sabie.Joseph Brook Shires realised that man-made forests would be necessary. He planted the first commercial trees in 1876 and today Sabie is surrounded by one of the world's largest man-made forests. the Government launched vast afforestation schemes in the area with a view to providing employment to thousands of farmers who had succumbed under the 14 years drought and the depression years (1929 to 1932).

There are many lovely views around Sabie, and spectacular waterfalls, such as the Sabie Falls, the Bridal Falls, Lone Creek Falls, the Horseshoe Falls and Cathedral Falls to name but a few. Trout fishing is good, the hiking trails are exciting and the cycling trials are full of adrenaline pumping moments.

11 kms from Sabie are the Mac Mac Pools with attractive picnic areas. Sabie has an altitude of 1 000 metres above sea level, with summer rain.The average rainfall is more than 1 200mm per annum with even higher rainfall figures on the mountain slopes above Sabie. Most of the rain falls between October and April with the highest rainfall in January and February (170 - 190mm per month). Thunderstorms, with occasional hail, occur often but most of the rainfall is soft rain, often lasting several days.

-WRITTEN BY MPUMALANGA HAPPENINGS

Sabie Hiking & Cycling Trails

2019-11-19T00:00:00+02:00

Walks & Hikes
The numerous hiking trails around Sabie cater for everyone - whether you are a bird watcher, a fauna and flora enthusiast, or merely want to experience the delight of relaxing within sight of sparkling waterfalls or meandering streams.The hiking trails around Sabie range from easy walks of a few hours to gruelling hikes over several days.

Permits for Day Walks

Permits for day walks costs R20/person/walk and are available from:
Forestry Museum
Merry Pebbles Holiday Resort

Day Walks
Forest Falls Walk
Loerie Trail
Secretary Bird Walk
Misty Mountain Trails
Graskop Day Trail

Over-night Hikes on the Fanie Botha Hiking Trail
Bonnet/Mac Mac Pools 2-Day
Hartebeesvlakte 2-Night
Bridal Veil 2-Night
Maritzbos Circular 3-Night
Fanie Botha 3-Day & 2-Night
Mount Moody 4-Night
Fanie Botha 5-Night

FOR MORE IN DEPTH INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE LINK BELOW

https://www.sabie.co.za/about/hiking/index.html

The Panorama Route- Mpumalanga

2019-11-19T00:00:00+02:00

The Panorama Route
From Wikipedia.

Points of interest along the Panorama Route
The Panorama Route is a scenic road in South Africa connecting several cultural and natural points of interest. This route, steeped in the history of South Africa, is situated in the Mpumalanga province. The route is centred around the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third largest canyon, and features numerous waterfalls, one of the largest afforested areas in South Africa, and several natural landmarks. The route starts at the foot of the Long Tom Pass just outside Lydenburg, following the natural descent from the Great Escarpment to the Lowveld, and ending at the border of the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces near the Echo Caves.

History
This route is deeply entrenched in the history of South Africa. From 1871, parts of the route were used as a transport road between Lydenburg and Delagoa Bay. It is also on this route that General Louis Botha fled from the English during the Anglo Boer War, and houses one of the most famous Victorian age canons in the world, “The Long Tom”.

Many towns on the route, such as Pilgrim’s Rest, were established during the Transvaal gold rush in the late 1800s. Thousands of fortune seekers crossed the treacherous mountains and rugged terrain in the search of gold. One of these was a former storekeeper from Pilgrim’s Rest, Percy Fitzpatrick. He wrote the popular book Jock of the Bushveld, recounting some of the adventures he shared with his faithful bull terrier Jock, whilst traversing this famous route.

Route

From
To
Road codes, Distance
-Lydenburg to Sabie R37,58 kilometres (36 mi)
-Sabie to Graskop R532, 30 kilometres (19 mi)
-Graskop to Pilgrim's Rest R532/R533, 16 kilometres (9.9 mi)
-Pilgrim's Rest to Kiepersol, R533/R535, 68 kilometres (42 mi)
-Kiepersol to Hazyview R533/R535, 16 kilometres (9.9 mi)
-Hazyview to Ohrigstad R532/R36, 198 kilometres (123 mi)

Towns
Lydenburg
Main article: Lydenburg
This historic town was founded in 1850 by Voortrekker leader Andries Potgieter. For a brief period it served as the capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.

Long before this, a mysterious civilization occupied the region. The Lydenburg Heads are hollow terracotta sculptures dating back to 500AD. These sculptures are believed to have been used in religious ceremonies by these people. The Lydenburg museum showcases some of these finds.

Alluvial gold was discovered in 1873, and the town experienced a brief gold rush. The town also featured prominently on the route from the Transvaal Republic to Delagoa Bay. Today Lydenburg is known for farming, trout fishing and mining. The Panorama Route starts just outside Lydenburg at the foot of the Long Tom Pass.

Sabie
Main article: Sabie
Sabie is known as a forestry and tourist town. The town was inhabited by the Sesotho in the early 1800s. Europeans settled in Sabie from 1873, when gold was discovered in the area. Since it is a high altitude town, it was used as a base for early big game hunters, as it was malaria free. The river (also known as the Sabie river) often flooded and was infested with crocodiles; hence the local people called it uluSaba - the river of fear.

Blyde River Canyon
The natural forests were cleared to supply wood for the mining industry. Through the foresight of Joseph Brook Shires, commercial trees were planted in 1876, leading to Sabie being surrounded by one of the largest man-made forests in the world today.

Graskop
Main article: Graskop
Graskop's history can be traced back to 1837, when the Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius and his followers were looking for greener pastures. He wrote in his memoirs of leaving women behind in Graskop (translated as "grassy hill") whilst looking for an ox wagon route to Delagoa Bay.

Today Graskop mainly serves as a tourist town in close proximity to many natural landmarks such as God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes.

Pilgrim's Rest
Main article: Pilgrim's Rest, Mpumalanga

The Royal Hotel, Pilgrim's Rest
Pilgrim's Rest is approximately 35 km north of Sabie. The whole town has been classified as a national monument. It is a restored gold-mining town with several curio shops and Victorian buildings. Its history can be traced back to 1873 when Alex Patterson discovered alluvial gold. It soon became known as a fortune seeker's town, with close to 1500 "diggers" joining Patterson within a year. Later a mine, Transvaal Gold Mining Estates, was established as the first listed gold mining company in South Africa. National Gold Panning Championships are held annually in the village and visitors can also book a panning experience.

Hazyview
Main article: Hazyview
Hazyview is a town situated close to the Kruger National Park. The town is frequented by visitors due to the fact that it is the gateway to the Phabeni Gate of the Kruger National Park. Hazyview is renowned for its various animal sanctuaries, including a world-famous elephant sanctuary.

Legend has it that a French-Canadian, only known as Perry, settled in the area whilst fleeing from an alleged murder charge. He started a trading store, but after his death the farm was sold, and one of the first private game reserves in South Africa was proclaimed on the land.

The economy of this town is driven by tourism, agriculture (specifically banana farming), and retail.

Ohrigstad
Main article: Ohrigstad

A view of the Echo Caves
Ohrigstad is a small town on the border of Mpumalanga and the Limpopo province. The town was established by Voortrekkers in 1845, and is named after Voortrekker leader Andries Hendrik Potgieter, and G.G. Ohrig, an Amsterdam trader who wanted to cultivate trade between the Netherlands and the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.

The town is now home to some game farms and commercial agriculture. The famous Echo Caves are situated about 28 km north of the town. These caves were discovered in 1923 when the owner of the farm Klipfonteinhoek observed his cattle disappear into the cave, drawn to the fresh, cold water.

Kiepersol
Main article: Kiepersol
Kiepersol is a small village close to Hazyview. It is predominantly an agricultural community with large banana plantations, as well as other fruit farming activities

Points of interest
Waterfalls
There are several waterfalls on the route. Most of these waterfalls fall under the jurisdiction of the provincial parks boards. They are open to the public, and many are associated with hiking trails.

Name of falls
River
Nearest town
Height of falls

-Berlin Falls, Lisbon River, Graskop, 80 metres (260 ft)
-Bridal Veil Falls, Sabie River, Sabie, 146 metres (479 ft)
-Lisbon Falls, Lisbon River, Graskop, 92 metres (302 ft)
-Lone Creek Falls, Sabie River, Sabie, 68 metres (223 ft)
-Mac-Mac Falls, Mac-Mac River, Graskop, 65 metres (213 ft)
-Sabie Falls, Sabie River, Sabie, 35 metres (115 ft)

Mountain passes
The Panorama Route is home to several scenic mountain passes.

Name of mountain pass
Connecting towns
Length
Elevation of summit

-Bergvliet Pass
Sabie-Hazyview
9 kilometres (5.6 mi)
997 metres (3,271 ft)

-Blyderiver Poort Pass
Graskop-Ohrigstad
23 kilometres (14 mi)
1,379 metres (4,524 ft)

-Bonnet Pass
Graskop-Pilgrim's Rest
5 kilometres (3.1 mi)
1,667 metres (5,469 ft)

-Kiepersol Pass
Sabie-Kiepersol
5 kilometres (3.1 mi)
912 metres (2,992 ft)

-Koffiehoogte
Lydenburg-Sabie
6 kilometres (3.7 mi)
1,672 metres (5,486 ft)

-Long Tom Pass
Lydenburg-Sabie
22 kilometres (14 mi)
2,138 metres (7,014 ft)

-Masjiennek
Lydenburg-Sabie
11 kilometres (6.8 mi)
2,090 metres (6,860 ft)

-Robber's Pass
Pilgrim's Rest-Ohrigstad
26 kilometres (16 mi)
1,789 metres (5,869 ft)

-Sudwala Pass
Lydenburg-Sudwala Caves
9 kilometres (5.6 mi)
1,223 metres (4,012 ft)

Historical and cultural sites
Due to the rich history of the area, the Panorama Route is home to several important cultural and historical sites. These include the following:

Shangana Cultural Village - a traditional village that celebrates the Shangana people
Lydenburg Museum - This museum showcases exhibits of early human settlers in the area, the most famous of which are the Lydenburg Heads. It also gives visitors a view of the ethnographic history of the Pedi people.
Joubert Bridge - one of the oldest bridges in the area. It was built to cross the Blyde River, and provide a passage between Pilgrim's Rest and Lydenburg. Italian engineer, Giovan B Gilletti was commissioned and the bridge was officially opened in 1897 by Jacobus Stephanus Joubert, the mine commissioner of Pilgrim's Rest. The bridge was named after him, and can still be used today.

Landmarks
The Mpumalanga area is rich in natural phenomenons, and the majority of these can be found on the Panorama Route.

God's Window - This is a vantage point on the Drakensberg escarpment. The cliffs drop 700m from the vantage point. Frequented by tourists, on a clear day one can see up until the Mozambican border.
Bourke's Luck Potholes - Bourke’s Luck Potholes are a series of natural geological formations that were formed by centuries of water flowing through the landscape. The potholes occur where the Treur River joins the Blyde River at the start of the Blyde River Canyon. In a continuous manner, the force of the water in these two rivers, combined with the particles of sand and rock that the rivers' transport, wears cylindrical potholes into the sandstone bedrock.
Three Rondavels - This phenomenon is named after small, grass huts called rondavels due to its remarkable resemblance. The shapes are due to erosion of softer limestone, leaving harder quartzite behind. The Bapedi knew these formations as the Chief and his three wives. The flat-topped peak was named Mapjaneng ('the chief') after a legendary Bapedi chief, Maripi Mashile, who defeated invading Swazis in a great battle near here. The three peaks are named after his three wives – Magabolie, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.
Echo Caves - The name Echo was given to the cave, as a certain stalactite formation produces a distinctive echoing sound when tapped on. This echo can still be heard on the outside of the cave today.
Blyde River Canyon - It is part of the 29 000ha Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is carved out of nearly 2,5 km of red sandstone. Also known as the Motlatse Canyon, it is the third largest canyon on Earth and is situated below the confluence of the Blyde ('joy') and Treur ('sorrow') rivers. The 29 000ha Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is carved out of nearly 2,5 km of red sandstone and is one of South Africa's most remarkable geological features. Also known as the Motlatse Canyon, it is the third largest canyon on Earth and is situated below the confluence of the Blyde ('joy') and Treur ('sorrow') rivers.
The Pinnacle - A large quartzite column rising from a deep gorge.
Sudwala Caves - Sudwala Caves are known as the oldest caves in the world. Although the caves were formed over a period of some 3 000-million years, they have only been accessible to the public since the 1960s.The caves were used as shelter by prehistoric man in the form of Homo habilis, a predecessor of Homo erectus, approximately 1,8 million years ago. The caves play an important role in the history of the Swazi people, being used as a fortress by Somquba during a power struggle for the Swazi throne.

References
^ http://www.sabie.co.za/about/forestry/
^ Hilton-Barber, Bridget (2001). Weekends with Legends. The Spearhead Press.
^ Hall et all, Darrel (1999). The Hall Handbook of the Anglo Boer War. University of Natal Press.
^ Meredith, Martin (2008). Diamonds, Gold, and War: The British, the Boers, and the Making of South Africa. PublicAffair. ISBN 9781586486778.
^ Jump up to:a b "Mpumalange Happenings Lydenburg". Retrieved 23 July2016.
^ "Sabie Town Page". Sabie History 1.
^ "Sabie Town".
^ "Graskop Town Info". Graskop Town Info.
^ "National Monuments". SA Places. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
^ Jump up to:a b McCrea, Barbara (2012). Rough guide to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland (7 ed.). London: Penguin. ISBN 9781405386500.
^ Bornman, Hans (2006). Pioneers of the Lowveld (1 ed.). ISBN 0958478236.
^ "Ohrigstad Name". South African History Online. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
^ Jump up to:a b "Echo Caves History". Echo Caves Info. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
^ "Mountain Passes - Panorama Route". Mountain Passes of South Africa. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
^ "Lydenburg Museum". Museums Online South Africa. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
^ Paton, Frieda. "Historical Icon in Pilgrims Rest". gpsnews. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
^ Jump up to:a b c d e f "Blyde Canyon Landmarks". southafrica.net. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
^ "History of the Sudwala Caves". Sudwalacaves.com. Retrieved 9 August 2016.