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Local Wonders
- Have an adventure at Magoebaskloof Adventures
- Take a Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour
- Visit our Historical sites: Two places where the famous Boer Long Toms were destroyed
- Walk the Woodbush forest, the second-largest Indigenous forest in the country
- Explore the Wolkberg Wilderness area
- The Rain Queen Modjadji and the pre-historic Cycad forest are approximately 45 minutes away
- For the fishermen – Trout fishing in one of the many dams or rivers
- For the adrenaline junkie – abseiling, tubing, mountain biking (own bike)
- Enjoy the Birding and birding routes (Two South African birds, the Black-fronted Bushshrike and the Blue Swallow, are endemic to this area)
- Relax in one of the various tea gardens and nurseries
- Picnic at the Dap Naude Dam
- Visit a waterfall, such as the Debengeni Falls
- Take a Cheese-making tour at Wegraakbosch
- Walk the Magoebaskloof hiking trails
- Take a sunset cruise on the Ebenezer Dam
- 4×4 Routes in the Wolkberg Nature Reserve
- Outdoor activities at Magoebaskloof Adventures
Day trips from the Tzaneen area
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park has been South Africa’s number-one tourist attraction for many years. Here, you will not only be amazed by the natural beauty of South Africa but also get a chance to spot the Big Five. The Kruger National Park has several camps, and a choice between self-catering, luxury accommodation, chalets and camping facilities are available.
Panorama Route
The Panorama Route is ideal for nature lovers and is one of the most beautiful and popular travel destinations in South Africa. This route starts at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and ends at the Three Rondavels.
Pilgrims Rest
The whole town of Pilgrims Rest has been declared a national monument – taking visitors to the days of the old Transvaal Gold Rush. This town offers curio shops, an old-style pub, museums and more.
Sabie
Experience the natural beauty of nature in and around Sabie. Sabie is a small country town nestled in the breathtaking Drakensberg mountains of the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. This town is a great tourist attraction, offering museums, nature reserves, walking trails, curio shops, majestic waterfalls, and much more.
Graskop
On route to Hazyview, enjoy the scenic road with viewpoints and interesting stopovers all along the way. Drive through the Strydom tunnel and buy local art at roadside markets. The quaint little town of Graskop is well known for its popular restaurants and curious shops and is a must-see for all tourists in the area.
Hazyview
The suggested turning point on your day trip is before you return to Tzaneen. Hazyview is a new, vibrant development on the doorstep of the Kruger National Park, and it offers various interesting shops and restaurants. It is an ideal place for the tourist to relax and enjoy the wonderful climate of the Lowveld.
Nature Reserves in the Greater Tzaneen Area
Wolkberg Wilderness
in the south of the Greater Tzaneen area, the Wolkberg is part of the massive Drakensberg range. In a scene reminiscent of the South American Andes, the Wolkberg region is dotted with steep, rough mountain peaks, awe-inspiring forests balanced on vertical rock slopes, daunting ravines and astonishing valleys. The reserve provides ideal tropical rainforest wilderness trails and is a perfect destination for backpackers and mountain climbers.
Modjadji Nature Reserve
This is one of the largest reserves in which to grow a particular cycad species found nowhere else in the world. The cycad nursery, picnic sites, day trails, and information centre make this reserve a highlight of any tour to the Rain Queen’s Kingdom.
Tzaneen Dam Nature Reserve
This wilderness area incorporates the dam basin and peninsula of the dam. The dam offers good angling and boating opportunities. A caravan park and camping sites have ablution facilities, electricity points and braai facilities.
Hans Merensky Wilderness
Situated 38km from Tzaneen on the Eiland Road. Hans Merensky is particularly popular for its four excellent hiking trails and is also home to the Tsonga Kraal open-air museum and the Eiland Spa resort.
Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve
This area covers 18 718 hectares of protected escarpment, scenic landscape, mountain vegetation and wildlife. Accommodation facilities with a conference room and swimming pool are available.
Kruger National Park
Situated only 96km from Tzaneen on the R71 route, this world-renowned conservation park can be entered through the Phalaborwa gate. With nearly 2 million hectares of bushveld, the Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its ecosystems and is home to an impressive number of animals, birds and plant species.
The area boasts various opportunities for game viewing and wildlife experiences.
Walks and Trails in the Greater Tzaneen area
The Lesodi Trail
The trail starts near the Magoebaskloof Hotel and wanders through magnificent indigenous forests. Abundant bird life and a wide variety of indigenous plants and trees provide much for the observant walker and sightings of the rare Samango monkeys. Parking is available at Sandford Heights Nursery on the R71.
The Louis Changioun Trail
It starts in the village of Haenertsburg and meanders up through rare montane grassland to the hills overlooking the Ebenezer Dam and the surrounding mountains.
For more information, contact the Magoebaskloof Tourist Association – 015-276 4972.
The Dokolewa Trail
This trail is part of the National Hiking Trails system and wanders down the Magoebaskloof through indigenous forests and past beautiful streams and waterfalls. Two, three and five-day hikes are available, with overnight accommodation.
Booking essential – Contact 012-481 3615.
The Wolkberg Wilderness
South of the Greater Tzaneen area, this wilderness area forms part of a wild and wonderful world of mountains, montane grasslands, indigenous forests and clear running streams, with an extent of 19 145 hectares. No fires are allowed, and packed lunches are advised. Vehicles are to be left in the parking area. There are no set trails; hike at will.
For further information, contact – 015-276 1303
Guided hikes
Visiting places of local historical and archaeological interest. These hikes can incorporate a delightful colonial champagne brunch in the mountains. A wonderful walk to a waterfall through the Afromontane forest is also available.
For more information contact – 082 493 0758
Kurisa Moya
There are five different hikes of varying distance and difficulty – River Ramble (45 min, easy), the Umsenge Forest Walk (1 hour, easy), The Trail of Two Dams (2 hours, easy but steep), Kopje with a view (4 hours, moderate to difficult and steep in places), Majestic Mountain Hike (3 hours, tough and steep).
For more information phone – 083 294 1013
Black Forest Mountain Trail
Behind the Black Forest Mountain Lodge, just outside the village of Haenertsburg, various walks and hikes are available.
Maps available – For more information contact – 015-276 5007
The Rooikat Trail
Situated in the New Agatha plantation approximately 18km from Tzaneen. The hike is 11 km and takes 5 hours to complete. There is a picnic spot at the halfway mark (Die Akkers).
Maps available – For more information contact – 015-307 4310
Hiking – one of the favourite activities in the area
Lifestyle tours in Townships and Villages
Nkowankowa
This Tzaneen township was established in 1962. Most of the people in the township were moved from Tsaneng and Masakeng during the apartheid era. The township is a mixture of an extensive residential area, a vibrant business area and an industrial section.
Dan Village, Never Die
This legendary and popular traditional healer was well known for his healing powers. He was married to five wives, two of whom are traditional healers. After his death, his wives did not give up their calling, and they still practice today.
Mariveni
In this village, the Zivuko High School is situated on the embankments of the Letsitele River. This school was one of two chosen to participate in the pilot project of Mefakeng Tourism play, which was entertaining and educational to the learners and the community at large.
Shiphungu
This village is near Mariveni. In this village, tourists are taken into one of the homes. Here, they will learn more about the difference between township houses and village huts. Tourists will interact with local people and even participate in a village walk.
Zangoma, Nyambi’s Garden
Here, the history of South Africa is portrayed in the eyes of the local people and explained in the form of a garden. Other interesting places is the Court as well as the Induna’s place.
Mohlaba
Here, the fascinating area’s cultural heritage reflects the present-day inhabitants’ diverse culture.
Traditional dressed local women
Fishing in public waters
Dap Naude Dam
This dam is in the beautiful and tranquil surroundings of the Woodbush Forest Reserve.
Phone – 015 276 4905
Stanford Lake
Access to these waters is at Stanford Lake College on the R71.
Phone – 012-276 4905
Ebenezer Dam
Try your luck for trout, bass and kurper – access to the water and picnic spots is at “Old Smokey“.
Phone – 015 276 5047
Tzaneen Dam
For the best bass fishing, travel five kilometres to Hans Merensky Nature Reserve or drive to Tzaneen and turn right into Aqua Park. Drive down Aqua Avenue until you find the entrance to Jetty 3 of the Tzaneen Boat Club. A small entrance fee will be charged.
Trout fishing in private waters can be arranged by appointment. Contact the Magoebaskloof Tourism Association for information
Phone – 015 276 4972
Fairview Hotel
Large scale Yellowish. Fly fishing by appointment only.
Phone – 082 900 5166
Dams and rivers offer a wide variety of options for fishing enthusiasts.
