Some of the things to do

Kruger National Park

The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa.  The National Parks Act was proclaimed on 31 May 1926 and with it the merging of the Sabie and Shingwedzi Game Reserves into the Kruger National Park. The first motorists entered the park in 1927. This national park of nearly 2 million hectares is home to an impressive number of species. Accommodation inside the park is often fully booked. Staying outside the park and visiting daily, especially with a Wild Card , that gives unlimited access for an annual fee, becomes an option exercised by many. For visitors wanting to leave the Kruger Park as late as possible, or want to enter as early as possible, staying at Nabana Lodge gives you that freedom. Please note the quota system for day visitors during peak season. At Nabana Lodge we have gate entry forms available, which you can complete the night before to save you time when entering the park.

Blyde River Canyon

Known as one of the great wonders of nature on the African continent, the Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world and the largest “green” canyon due to the abundant subtropical foliage. The canyon has some of the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on earth and features the Three Rondavels, three huge circular rock formations resembling the beehive huts of indigenous people. The Kadushi Tufa waterfall forms part of the structure of the canyon and at a height of 200 meters is the second highest tufa waterfall on earth. The water running over dolomite rocks absorbs calcium and the rock formations deposited resembles a face crying profusely. One of the best ways to explore the canyon is on an hour and a half guided boat trip from where you have unusual views of the rock formations, and can experience the waterfall from below. Wildlife and birds abound, so remember to take binoculars and your camera. The boat departs 09h00, 11h00 and 15h00 daily from the Blyde River jetty.

God's Window

Part of the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, a popular viewpoint on the Panorama Route, is set at the reserve’s southern extremity. Breathtakingly beautiful, the spectacular view over the Eastern Lowveld seems endless and on a clear day you overlook the Kruger National Park towards the Lebombo mountains bordering Mozambique. The “Window” refers to a rock resembling a window, set further back on a private farm, hence the government moved the viewpoint to the edge of the escarpment.

Graskop Lift Company

Visitor’s experience of one of the major tourist attractions in South Africa, the Panorma Route in Mpumalanga, is greatly enhanced with a glass elevator descending 51m into the gorge at Graskop. At a cost in excess of ZAR 40 million to construct, it affords a 360 degree panoramic view of the gorge,  transporting visitors to the bottom into pristine forest area. Waterfalls, indigenous trees and birdlife unfold before your eyes. Elevated forest walkway and two suspension bridges at the bottom transport you further into this magical world...

Leading you into this enchanting area, environmental interpretation boards  enhance your experience. The experience includes a restaurant, bar and shops and curio stalls at the top of the gorge, a children’s play area and look-out points. This activity centre is destined to be one of the highlights of visitor’s Panorama Route experience.

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

Follow the R40 through Bushbuck Ridge towards Hoedspruit where you will find Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, HESC where endangered and vulnerable animals are rehabilitated. HESC is home to a variety of animal species including (but not limited to) African wild cat, ground hornbill, sable antelope, lion, cheetah, and rhino. Some of these animals are at the centre as part of their breeding programme, while others were brought in because they were injured, orphaned or in need of rehabilitation. Some animals were also brought in by wildlife authorities after being confiscated or rescued from unfavourable environments.  Daily tours are availble view the animals in their care and can be extended to include a cheetah run and the feeding of wild dog and vultures. Following an introductory presentation, day visitors will embark on an in-depth tour of the centre. Open safari vehicles with experienced guides depart every 2 hours, commencing at 09h00 every day, with the last tour at 15h00 (a slightly different schedule is applied during peak periods). Enquire at reception at Nabana Lodge re updated rates.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Moholoholo “the big one” animal rehabilitation Centre opens its door to the public to create awareness through interaction on the plight of endangered and injured animals. Under management of Brian Jones, injured or poisoned animals and bird of prey are rehabilitated and released again in nature wherever possible. Research programmes for vulture species and the succesfull Serval breeding programmes contributes greatly to the preservation of wildlife in South Africa. Tours are offered Monday to Saturday at 09h30 and 15h00

Elephant Whispers

Elephant Whispers is an Elephant Interaction and Safari Venue located on the banks of the Sabi River. Guests can experience the thrill of being close to these magnificent creatures and witness their intelligence, their compassionate nature and sheer delight interacting with their human counterparts.

Chimp Eden

Chimp Eden

Situated within the beautiful 1,000 hectare Umhloti Nature Reserve, 15 kilometres outside Nelspruit, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) South Africa Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to chimps that have been misplaced from their natural habitats in Africa. Chimp Eden was established in 2006 and is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. The goal of the chimpanzee sanctuary is to rescue chimpanzees that have survived the bush meat trade, been orphaned, traded in the illegal pet market, or rescued from being traumatised for entertainment in circuses, beach resorts and night clubs. There are currently three different chimp groups and enclosures at the South African sanctuary.  There are viewpoints overlooking the forest and “foraging areas’ from which visitors and volunteers can observe and study the chimpanzees.

Public Opening Hours 08:00- 16:00 Mondays – Sundays

Image author - Royal Kruger Lodge

Sudwala Caves

The Sudwala Caves near Nelspruit were formed about 240 million years ago. Part of the Malmani Dolomite Ridge of the Drakensberg escarpment, the chambers originally were not connected and the chambers filled with water. When a major geological upheaval occurred, the water drained away, and the structure of the caves as they are today was established. The largest chamber, the Ampitheatre was named after the owner of the farm, Mr, PR Owen in recognition of his work in developing the caves as a public attraction. Other chambers include the “Devils Workshop”, “Fairyland” and the “map of Africa” on the cave ceiling.

Aviation Adventures

Aviation Adventures in Hazyview offer scenic and special microlight flights ranging from 10min to 90mins over wonderful and breathtaking scenic lowveld country. Take-off and landing is from the airstrip in Hazyview. Reservations can be made through Tours & Tickets in Hazyview

 

Your room folder holds many more activity options, from romantic hour and a half boat trips to full day excursions