Latest news with #PanoramaRoute
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- The Citizen
One of the Mac-Mac pools closed due to safety concerns
One of the Mac-Mac pools closed due to safety concerns For David Holmes and his family, nothing could beat a weekend trip to forests, waterfalls and numerous pools in the Lowveld area. Big was his surprise when during a recent visit to the well-known Mac-Mac Pools near Graskop, they found that the bigger of the two pools was fenced off and marked with a 'no entry' sign. 'It was truly a highlight to cool off in the sparkling pools,' Holmes said. According to Nokuthula Makaringe, the communication manager of the South African Forestry Company Limited (Safcol), the larger pool at Mac-Mac had been fenced off a few months ago to ensure the safety of visitors. 'At this stage there are no plans to close the smaller pool as it is currently considered a low risk due to its depth,' ALSO READ: Gallery: Lowveld Ramblers hike from Mac Mac Pools to Graskop Hut. A number of drownings, not only at the Mac-Mac Pools, but at some of the waterfalls near Sabie, have been recorded in the past. Makaringe said Safcol, as owners of the plantations in the Sabie/Graskop area, are custodians of many of these waterfalls, cascades and water features, such as the whirlpools in rivers, within the Panorama Route. These include Lone Creek Falls, Green Heritage Picnic Site, Maria Shires Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mac-Mac Falls, Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls. ALSO READ: Mac Mac claims two lives in two days Due to a number of incidents, Safcol also fenced off the Lone Creek and Lisbon falls. Asked about the use of these water features for religious purposes, Makaringe said they maintain mutual respect for whomever wants to visit these sites. 'Some of these practices are considered private and personal, and, therefore, all visitors are granted access regardless of the reason for visiting.' To ensure the continuous safety of visitors, visible warning signs and security personnel have been deployed to manage and control inappropriate behaviours during busy times. The exciting news is that there is a possibility of a co-operation agreement between Safcol and the private sector to develop some of these features. 'We can confirm that Safcol has received unsolicited proposals from various stakeholders. However, as these proposals are still under consideration. We cannot disclose further details at this time,' Makaringe said. Oupa Pilane, a well-known Lowvelder, tourism entrepreneur and chairperson of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, confirmed that they had made certain proposals to Safcol. 'Currently domestic tourism numbers to Mpumalanga are dwindling and we need to create exciting opportunities to draw more tourists to the province. By developing sites such as the Mac-Mac Pools and the numerous waterfalls, will be to the benefit of the broader communities and businesses in the area.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11-05-2025
- The Citizen
No entry: Safety concerns cause closure of 1 of Lowveld's Mac-Mac pools
No entry: Safety concerns cause closure of 1 of Lowveld's Mac-Mac pools For David Holmes and his family, nothing could beat a weekend trip to forests, waterfalls and numerous pools in the Lowveld area. Lowvelder reports that big was his surprise when, during a recent visit to the well-known Mac-Mac Pools near Graskop, they found that the bigger of the two pools was fenced off and marked with a 'no entry' sign. 'It was truly a highlight to cool off in the sparkling pools,' Holmes says. According to Nokuthula Makaringe, the communication manager of the South African Forestry Company Limited (Safcol), the larger pool at Mac-Mac was fenced off a few months ago to ensure visitors' safety. 'At this stage, there are no plans to close the smaller pool as it is currently considered a low risk due to its depth.' Several drownings, not only at the Mac-Mac Pools, but at some of the waterfalls near Sabie, have been recorded in the past. Makaringe says Safcol, as owner of the plantations in the Sabie/Graskop area, is custodian of many of the tourist spots, including waterfalls, cascades and pools, on the Panorama Route. These include Lone Creek Falls, Green Heritage Picnic Site, Maria Shires Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mac-Mac Falls, Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls. Due to several incidents, Safcol also fenced off Lone Creek and Lisbon falls. Asked about the use of these bodies of water for religious purposes, Makaringe says they maintain mutual respect for whoever wants to visit the sites. 'Some of these practices are considered private and personal, and, therefore, all visitors are granted access, regardless of the reason for visiting.' To ensure the continuous safety of visitors, visible warning signs and security personnel have been deployed to manage and control inappropriate behaviour during busy times. The exciting news is that there is a possibility of a co-operation agreement between Safcol and the private sector to develop some of these natural attractions. 'We can confirm that Safcol has received unsolicited proposals from various stakeholders. However, as these proposals are still under consideration, we cannot disclose further details at this time,' Makaringe says. Oupa Pilane, a well-known Lowvelder, tourism entrepreneur and chairperson of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, confirmed that proposals had been made to Safcol. 'Currently, domestic tourism numbers to Mpumalanga are dwindling, and we need to create exciting opportunities to draw more tourists to the province. Developing sites such as the Mac-Mac Pools and the numerous waterfalls will be to the benefit of the broader communities and businesses in the area,' he says. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
05-05-2025
- The South African
7 scenic drives in SA that rival the Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway gets plenty of hype – and fair enough. But South Africa's roads can match it kilometre for kilometre when it comes to epic scenery, jaw-dropping coastlines, and dramatic landscapes. Here are seven South African scenic drives that prove you don't need to be in California to get behind the wheel and feel alive… Aerial view of Chapman's Peak. Image: canva Distance: 9km Time: 30 minutes Best for: Cliff-hugging ocean views Nicknamed 'Chappies,' this short stretch of road packs a punch. It winds between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with sheer drops to the Atlantic on one side and rocky mountains on the other. Go at sunset when the cliffs catch fire in the light. You'll think you're on a movie set! Distance: 300km Time: 2–3 days recommended Best for: Forests, beaches, and coastal towns This route is South Africa's poster child for road trips. You'll pass through indigenous forests, pristine beaches, lagoons, and quaint towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It's touristy, yes – but for good reason. Nature does the heavy lifting here. Views along the Panorama Route. Image: canva Distance: 160km Time: 1–2 days Best for: Canyons, waterfalls, and big views The Panorama Route is all about altitude and attitude. It loops through the Drakensberg escarpment and offers views of Blyde River Canyon – one of the largest in the world. Throw in stops like God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and countless waterfalls, and you've got a scenic drive that's pure drama. Distance: 850km (Cape Town to Port Elizabeth) Time: 2–4 days Best for: Wine, desert beauty, and small-town charm Route 62 is the quieter cousin of the Garden Route. It cuts inland through semi-arid Klein Karoo terrain, passing wine estates, rugged mountain passes, and dusty towns that haven't changed much in decades. It's slower-paced, but deeply rewarding. West Coast of South Africa. Image: canva Distance: 280km Time: 1 day Best for: Wildflowers, sea views, and seafood In spring in South Africa (August to September), this road turns into a ribbon through fields of blooming wildflowers. Even out of season, it's a relaxing ride along a raw, less-developed stretch of coastline. Lambert's Bay is your reward – famous for its crayfish and birdlife. Distance: 9km (steep climb) Time: 1–2 hours (depending on conditions) Best for: 4×4 adventure and high-altitude bragging rights More expedition than leisurely cruise, the Sani Pass is a rugged dirt road rising 2 876 metres into the mountains. You'll need a 4×4 – and some nerve – but the views over the valley below are unforgettable. At the top? The highest pub in Africa – a must-visit! Clarence Drive. Image: canva Distance: 80km Time: 1.5 hours Best for: Ocean curves and picnic spots This drive snakes along the edge of False Bay, with the Hottentots-Holland mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. Less famous than Chapman's Peak, but equally scenic – especially on a clear day when you can spot whales offshore. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
23-04-2025
- The South African
Seven breathtaking waterfalls you must see in South Africa
South Africa isn't just about safaris and coastlines – it's also home to some of the most stunning waterfalls on the continent! From thundering giants to serene cascades tucked in lush forests, here are seven waterfalls that deserve a spot on your travel list – and your Instagram feed… Tugela Falls is the tallest waterfall in Africa and the second-highest in the world. It plunges a staggering 948 metres down the Drakensberg Amphitheatre in Royal Natal National Park. Whether viewed after heavy rains or during a hike to the summit, it's unforgettable! Take a look here: #TugelaFalls Located near Graskop on South Africa's Panorama Route, Lisbon Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the country at 94 metres. It's surrounded by lush vegetation and has easy access for quick viewing or a picnic nearby. Take a look here: #LisbonFalls These twin waterfalls drop 70 metres into a deep gorge and are steeped in gold rush history. A short walk through a eucalyptus forest leads to the viewing platform for this stunning waterfall. Take a look here: #MacMacFalls Right in the heart of the town of Howick, this 95-metre waterfall is both impressive and accessible! Known locally as 'The Place of the Tall One,' it also carries cultural and spiritual significance for the Zulu people of the region. Take a look here: #HowickFalls Named by homesick European miners, Berlin Falls is a dramatic curtain of water that drops into a round, emerald pool. It's a quick stop on the Panorama Route and definitely well worth it. Take a look here: #BerlinFalls Where South Africa's Orange River crashes down 56 metres into a granite gorge, you'll find Augrabies Falls – powerful, raw, and dramatic, especially in flood season. The surrounding Augrabies Falls National Park offers incredible canyon views and moonrock formations. Take a look here: #AugrabiesFalls Remote and wild, Magwa Falls in South Africa's Eastern Cape drops 144 metres into a steep gorge that seems to split the earth. It's off the beaten path near Lusikisiki, but if you like your nature rugged and uncrowded, this is your spot. Take a look here: #MagwaFalls Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
