OUR EXPERT

Mia Louw

“Driving the Panorama Route from Sabie to Graskop and further north, you can pull over at one of many waterfalls or river pools for a picnic and a swim. One of my favourites is Mac-mac Pools (R36 p.p.), 18 km south of Graskop, with its series of clear rock pools and low cascades. The toilets, braais and tables are well maintained and there’s enough space for everyone. The 3 km Secretary Bird Day Trail starts here and loops through grassland and patches of indigenous forest.

“Lisbon Falls is 9 km north of Graskop. In my opinion, it’s the most spectacular waterfall of the lot. There’s a parking area and curio market at the top where the view is decent, but it’s worth doing the 40-minute walk to the bottom where you can see that Lisbon is actually made up of three separate waterfalls gushing over rock ledges.

“Feeling peckish or need a break? About 4,5 km before Bourke’s Luck Potholes, you’ll find The Chubby Pig ( 076 041 3835) – an eatery, gift shop and nursery right on the Treur River. There are also self-catering cottages.

“If you want to experience this area on foot, hike the Fanie Botha Trail (Ecotrail SA 082 663 6168; info@ecotrail.co.za) from Sabie to Graskop

– 40 km over three days.”