advice on Mpumalanga (Roossenekal area)

hey there,

haven't been active on TP for a while, but our ZA trip (only 6 weeks to go!!!!!) is coming up soon =)

my Ma has moved to Mpumalanga since we were there in 2006 and I (we) don't know anything about this province (not much)!

we will be there, mainly to see the family (in law), spend Xmas and New Years there (my husband wasn't home for Xmas 6yrs! (it's gonna be soooo nice) but I wanna find out about some day trips, in case we feel like just leaving the house and family behind for a few hrs!

any advice?

we love the outdoors, but are open for anything and everything... museums, game parks, nice food, movies, markets etc.

thanks for all your help

Kathrin

I'm afraid I dont know much about the Roossenekal (Aoos Senekal) area as such, but I believe you will be in the vicinity of Nelspruit or even Kruger. Is this right or are they too far for day trips? Around Nelspruit is fabulous with great scenery. As with much of SA, you can just jump in the car and find somethong pretty amazing. I shall try and find my map and see if I can suggest anything near to where you will be. Is it actually Roossenekal town you will be staying?

Hi Kathrin, You will be really close to Dullstroom which is a lovely area full of trout farms, horse back riding, and a couple of hikes. I'm sure there will be something active to do. It's a very well known city retreat for all the Joburgites. Just driving around is really nice. We also take the scenic routes surrounding Dullstroom on our way back from the Kruger. There are all kinds of tea gardens and little shops selling homemade cheese, smoked trout, and the like all around.

You are also really close to the Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger National Park. Probably about 1-2 hours away. You could probably fit in day trip to the Canyon and its surrounds to check out God's Window & Bourke's Luck Potholes as well as the multitude of water falls in the area. Or you could go to Pilgrim's Rest or Hazeyview, two really cute little towns. Or of course, you could go for a day trip into the Kruger if you don't mind getting up really early. The gates open around 5am in the summer.

Have a great time! I'll be heading to Joburg myself in mid-December for a month to spend the holidays with my in-laws too! It will be my first summer xmas! Holly