Sabie

Sabie is situated in Mpumalanga less then 70km from the Krug

Sabie is a small country town nestled in a deep valley on the escarpment of the Drakensberg mountain range in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Sabie is located 360 km east of the Johannesburg International Airport and 64 km west of the renown Kruger National Park.

Sabie is a popular tourist destination with breathtaking nature scenes and spectacular water falls in pristine mountain streams. The tourism infrastructure is well developed with a number of accommodation establishments and restaurants. The delightful forestry and tourist town of Sabie is proud to be without a single parking meter or traffic robot. Sabie does have a fine collection of stop streets! All businesses and facilities in Sabie are within walking distance and ample provision has been made for tour bus parking.

Sabie is a charming village set in a deep valley, beautifully surrounded by the largest man-made forests on earth. This is an area exquisite beauty, where the ever-present murmur of waterfalls and mountain streams lure visitors back time after time. Forming a scenic backdrop to the town is Mount Anderson – at 2284 m the highest peak of the Mpumalanga Drakensberg and Mauchsberg (2114 m). Lovers of the great outdoors flock to Sabie to enjoy it’s natural attractions, and activities ranging from trout fishing, hiking and mountain biking to simply relaxing next to a waterfall or swimming in the crystal-clear mountain streams.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Graskop 29 km, Lydenburg 45 km, Pelgrim’s Rest 41 km

Mountains

Mauchsberg, Mount Anderson

HISTORICAL VIEW

Forestry Museum

This is the only museum of it’s kind in South Africa, and is filled with exciting exhibits for young and old. The ‘talking tree’ and a 600 year old yellowwood disc explaining the history of the industry in South Africa, are two of the interesting exhibits.

Hitching Rail

First National Bank, the original building marks the start of the old transport road, often used by Fitzpatrick and his famed dog Jock

St Peter’s Church

Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built by Italians in 1913

The Panels

Post Office, colourful ceramic tiles on the Post Office depict scenes from the Kruger Park

NATURE

Bridal Veil Falls

Follow the old Lydenburg road for approximately 2 km and turn right at Mondi, follow the Bridal Veil Falls sign. Cross the Ceylon Bridge, enter through Ceylon Forest Station gates and continue for 3 km. A short uphill trail (750 m) through indigenous forests leads to the falls. The falls resemble a bridal veil and are 70 m high. Public toilets are available.

Cork Oak Trees

Opposite the Post Office. Several magnificent species planted in 1938.

Forest Falls and Maria Shires Falls

These two waterfalls are found 16 km from Sabie on the R532 just the MacMac falls. Turn left at the forest picnic spot just after the railway crossing to reach the Maria Shires Falls and right to the start of the Forest Falls Nature Walk. The former was named after the daughter of the man who planted the first trees in 1876. There are old graves of gold miners nearby. The grave of Maria Shires is situated at the crest of the knoll above the falls. Forest Falls can be reached by walking the 3 km Forest Falls Nature Trail

Horseshoe Falls

These falls are found 4 km off the old Lydenburg road, signposted on the left side. A short walk leads to the cascade-type falls, forming a perfect horseshoe.

Lone Creek Falls

The falls are situated approximately 9 km from Sabie on the Old Lydenburg road and have been declared a National Monument. A short waslk (200 m) brings you to the falls, which are 68 m high. A definite favourite. Toilets and beautiful picnic spots are available.

MacMac Falls

The falls are 13 km from Sabie on the R532 to Graskop. The name ‘Mac Mac’ was given to the mining camp by President Burgers in 1874, because of the many Scottish miners at the site. The falls are 85 m high and can be viewed from a platform overlooking the breathtaking ravine.

MacMac Pools

The pools are 10 km from Sabie on the R532 to Graskop. The pools have been dammed in with rocks to keep them relatively deep for swimming purposes. Toilets, changing rooms and picnic spots are available.

Sabie Falls

These falls are on the R532 to Graskop, under the new Sabie Bridge. A short walk through the William’s Memorial Park brings one to the waterfall plunging 23 m down into the gorge. Toilets and picnic spots are available.

ACTIVITIES

Fishing Horse Shoe Trout farm

The farm is situated next to Horseshoe Falls. Qualify fishing either conventional (with bait) or fly fishing at a separate dam is possible. Pay for what you catch and enjoy a day out with the family.

Sabie Trout Angling Club

For the more serious fly fisherman, the Sabie Trout Angling Club offers a superb stretch of river with deep pools. The site is peaceful and tranquil with superb birdlife, including the resident fish eagles. A trout license is necessary and permits are available at the Information Centre.

Hiking

Fanie Botha Hiking Trail

Duration five days, total distance 79 km. overnight huts are available at Ceylon, Maritzbos, Hartebeesvlakte, President Burgers, MacMac and Graskop. The hiker starts off at Ceylon Plantation and finishes at either Graskop of God’s Window. The trail can also be tackled over a weekend. Two circular routes within the main trail makes sleeping over for only one or two nights possible.

Forest Falls Trail

A 3,2 km crescent route. The starting point is the Groenerfenis picnic site. The refreshing walks take you through fragrant pine forests to the Forest Falls, the only falls wider than their height.

Loerie Trail

One of the most popular day trails. Approximately 10 km. This walk takes you through pine and blue gum plantations, as well as through indigenous forests and patches of grassland. The trails starting point are the Ceylon Forest Station or Merry Pebbles Holiday Resort.

Protea Circle Trail

This is a very popular 4 day trail in the Blyde River Nature Reserve

Secretary Bird Trail

MacMac Pools, 3 km cresant route. This walk starts at the MacMac Pools and works it’s way through the surrounding veld and scattered indigenous trees. There is very little shade on this route and precautions against sunburn are recommended. An entry fee is payable at the gate. Picnic sites are available for the enjoyment of the whole family.

Mountain Biking / Cycling

Long Tom Trail

This trail starts and ends at Misty Mountain. It consists of two sections, one of 36 km and the other 20 km. Difficult as a result of steep and rough sections. The trail works it’s way through the Long Tom section of Ceylon Plantations.

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