3 Must-see Nature Reserves Near Mount Sheba Cottages
With Mount Sheba Cottages located in the beautiful Mount Sheba Nature Reserve, nature is conveniently located right at your doorstep. And with multiple hikes to do within your immediate vicinity, there is plenty of trail to keep those hiking boots of yours happily occupied. However, if you do feel like wondering a little further afield, there are some nature reserves that are less than 3 hours from us that we recommend.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Located just an hour’s drive from Mount Sheba Cottages, Blyde River Canyon is part of the scenic Panorama Route. It is the 3rd largest canyon in the world, covering 29 000 hectares, we can assure you that Blyde River Canyon is one for the memory books!
From hot-air ballooning to white water rafting, majestic horse rides and hikes suitable for all levels, the whole family is sure to enjoy a day out in Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.
Entry fee: R25 for adults and R15 for children and pensioners.
Sterkspruit Nature Reserve
Located next to the notorious Long Tom Pass and close to Lydenburg, this small reserve is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Mount Sheba Cottages. It boasts quartzite cliffs that lead to the Sterkspruit River, which, being stocked with rainbow trout, is an attractive destination for any avid fisherman.
This quiet and peaceful reserve has 150 species of recorded birds and makes for a great spot for bird watching as well as hiking.
Entry fee: R30 for adults and R15 for children and pensioners.
Barberton Nature Reserve
The reserve is located near Nelspruit and Barberton and consists of 27 541 hectares of rolling hills, a large diversity of plant and wildlife species and is unique for its ‘sea dam’, which has sea-like sand surrounding it. The Noord Kaap River, which has been prospected for gold, also runs through the middle of the reserve.
Being roughly a 3-hour drive from Mount Sheba Cottages, families can enjoy a full day excursion and go for a walk through the bush or on a self-guided game drive, and park off at a picnic spot for lunch. In addition, with 300 recorded species of birds, this is a bird watchers haven.
Entry fee: R50
Take your blissful break, travel along hidden paths and get those boots muddy! Your adventure awaits and all it takes is a click of a button to secure your yearly getaway in the majestic Mpumalanga.