Six spots to relax in Mpumalanga

TThe drive alone along the Panorama Route to this incredible mountain getaway is quite something. You won’t be asking “are we there yet?” as you’d be too mesmerised, glaring out the window in awe of the picturesque scenery you’ll find on every bend.  Misty Mountain is the ideal place for family holidays, romantic escapes or team building with colleagues. If it’s not the infinity pool overlooking the forestry below then it’s the unique and quaint cottages with incredible views that will have you relaxed and rejuvenated.

Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge

CCrystal Springs Mountain Lodge is exactly that, it’s an incredible establishment that’s surrounded by mountainous terrain, which gives you that escapism from a busy city life. There’s something about a mountain escape that’s different from any other holiday, imagine spectacular cliffs and gorges, forests and sweeping views.

Lowveld National Botanical Garden, Madiba Dr, Nelspruit

TThere’s always an occasion to sit and admire the flora and fauna that our beautiful country is known for, be it family and romantic picnics or merely a space to reflect. The Lowveld National Botanical Garden is the perfect spot to do either or. Take in the beauty of over 2000 species of plants that flourish here, either from the garden or the African Rain Forest suspension bridge. It’s simply mesmerising.

Leaves Lodge & Spa, Sonheuwel, Nelspruit

FFrom hydro treatments and grooming to facial skin care and body massages, the Leaves Lodge & Spa offers the best in rejuvenation treatment. This stylish 5-star guest house in Nelspruit also offers luxurious accommodation nestled in an indigenous forest. Once you’re done with your spa treatment, simply relax in the outdoor hydro jet pool and exhale – ah, doesn’t that sound amazing?

Kaapsehoop Horse Trails, Kaapsehoop

EExperience inner peace as you gracefully trot outdoors with picturesque views all around you that stretch as far as the eye can see with Kaapsehoop Horse Trails. The horses which include the Boerperd-, Friesian and draught horse crossbreeds are such gentle and majestic creatures that they will simply make you forget life’s problems and enjoy the moment. So saddle up and embark on a one or two hour guided horse trail.

Uitsoek Hiking Trail, Mpumalanga Lowveld

NNot all hikes are strenuous. The Uitsoek Hiking Trail offers day walk trails for those who’d like to simply take in the beauty of Uitsoek. Imagine jaw-dropping waterfalls that one would only see in National Geographic documentaries and valleys that span over hundreds of kilometres, expect that and more when going on a guided hiking tour with this incredible adventure establishment.

So go on – take a Sho’t Left and explore the beauty of Mpumalanga. There are ample places to relax, take it all in and reflect on how lucky we are to call South Africa home.