The Mpumalanga Highlands Meander is situated only two to three hours from Gauteng in South Africa. The Highlands Meander has evolved into a 'must-visit' tourist destination in Mpumalanga, luring and enchanting nature lovers, fly-fishers, and adventure addicts to a multiplicity of Meander attractions. The Mpumalanga Highlands Meander is set pacifically among majestic mountains that plummet to the famed bushveld, the rolling hills, pristine rivers, and spectacular kloofs of the Meander are the towns and areas of Belfast, Dullstroom, Lydenburg, Machadodorp, Waterval-Boven and the Kwena Basin.
Lydenburg is situated at the foothills of the Long Tom Pass on the Highveld Escarpment of Mpumalanga. Founded in 1849 by a party of Voortrekkers, Lydenburg offers fine examples of early Transvaal architecture, the oldest being the Voortrekker School completed in 1851. Must-sees in Lydenburg include the Mashishing Township, the Lydenburg Museum, the Lydenburg freshwater aquarium which offers a hands-on experience in the Waterfocus Centre, as well as the beautiful Klingbiel Nature Reserve.
Dutch immigrants began settling on the farm Grootsuikerboskop and Elandslaagte in 1884 and 1887. Dullstroom, as the town became known, was named after the Chairman of the group, Wolterus Dull. In Dullstroom nature lovers can revel in the Velorenvallei Nature Reserve where all three crane species (Blue Crane, Wattled Crane and Crowned Crane) cohabit; there are also some 50 species of ground orchid flourishing here!
Richard O'Neill settled on the farm Tweefontein in 1890 and called the new town Belfast, after his ancestral home in Ireland. Garrisoned by the British during the South African war 1899-1902, it was also the location of a concentration camp.
Belfast is the Gateway to our Meander, and is well known not only for its fishing but for its brilliant fanfare of hues when the daffodils and tulips bloom each September - that's the time to join in the fun at the annual Trout/Tulip festival! Mining constitutes a large part of the industry in the region, specifically, top quality black granite, coal, iron and granite. The famed Berg-en-dal Monument (Anglo Boer War) is a short drive from the town.
The railway line built from Delagoa Bay (Maputo) to Pretoria reached the beautiful Elands River Valley in 1893/4. This ushered in the town of Waterval Onder, where President Paul Kruger stayed during the South African War 1899-1902. Today his house, Krugerhof, is a national monument and museum, and well worth a visit. 'Above the waterfall' was attained later in 1894 and the depot established there grew into the town of Waterval Boven. Today, you can enjoy a stimulating trip back in time on the Oosterlijn Steam train.
The next railway station was Machadodorp, and the town was named after the Portuguese surveyor of the line, Joachim Machado. During the South African war of 1899-1902, Paul Kruger declared it the last capital of the free Boer republics. Today, besides wonderful fishing, you can delight in the idyllic atmosphere of the town, and benefit from the healing powers of its natural sulphur hot springs.
Kwena Basin is the name given to the area between Chomse se Hoogte Pass and Witklip Pass on the R36 between Machadodorp and Lydenburg in Mpumalanga. The Kwena Dam is the focal point of this area, which extends right up to the surrounding mountains that form a natural and majestic boundary. Kwena is the Sotho name for crocodile and derives from the Crocodile River, which flows into the Dam.
The Kwena Basin Conservancy was formed in 2000 by a small group of dedicated and innovative landowners. The Fishing Challenge, in particular, has become a prestigious annual event.
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:
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
Adventure information in Mpumalanga (Accommodation and activities)
Within three hours of Johannesburg tucked in amongst the Steenkampsberg is a little village best known for its pristine pools well stocked with large trout. It is little known that Dullstroom is the home of some of South Africa's greatest talent. Whether it be artisans who produce magnificent works of art in metal or wood, or the talented musicians who seek inspiration from the surrounding rolling grasslands. Dullstroom is a plethora of creativity, and the local residents have joined forces to provide a platform to showcase this talent.
From the 6th to the 16th of December Dullstroom will come alive as locals show visitors that there is more to Dullstroom than meets the fly.
The Dullstroom Festival of Art, Culture and Environment is a means of introducing visitors to the many varied aspects of the creativity honed within Dullstroom. The festival will create a platform to showcase local talent as well as the emerging talent in South Africa and to create an awareness of the natural environmental heritage of the area. During these ten days Dullstroom will come alive with the activities of the visual arts, sculpture, pottery, music, poetry, the culinary arts and will play host to some knowledgeable environmentalists.
Avoid disappointment and book for accommodation: contact Dullstroom Reservations