The hidden adventures of the east
PROVINCE OF THE RISING SUN Exploring hidden treasures of the sunny outpost.
nyone who knows me will tell you I am always first in line at the sight of any adventure travel venture, no matter the stakes.
However, I must admit I at first had my doubts about my recent visit to Mpumalanga.
Having received an invitation from the province and tourism department, I packed a backpack full of apprehension, so to speak, thinking: “What happens over there anyway?”
Being just three hours outside Johannesburg, Mpumalanga starts beckoning with luminence. I was briefed that I am about to enter one of the most adventure-filled destinations there are.
The luscious, green, scenic views stretch all the way to the horizon, while the golden rays of the sun embue Mpumalanga’s hidden gems.
These include two of the country’s best mountain climbing and abseiling tracks – with toboggan mountain rides and breathtaking waterfall sights at your disposal.
If anything, a week of fun in the sun was what the doctor had ordered. Our first destination was a small town in the heart of the province called Dullstroom, under the Emakhazeni municipality.
This intimate destination offers peace and serenity, rich with tradition and heritage. After we came to terms with having no Wi-Fi at the four-star guesthouse by a lake, we did what anyone would: we set out for some breathtaking views.
The morning brought with it fun adventures just an hour away from a town called Emgwenya, near the famous mountains of Waterval Boven. Our hosts for the day were a pair of passionate abseilers from Roc ’n Rope Adventures.
Having had to hike up the mountain, the biggest challenge was properly checking the knots of the harness, and cross-checking in preparation for the abseil.
I, being the most adventurous of the bunch there, chose to go last, which allowed me the chance to attempt the mission three times before finally achieving my end goal.
With each foot raised and every