Best Day Hikes Near Hazyview and White River – Walk Your Talk!

The best way to appreciate the magnificent Lowveld scenery is on foot and we are pleased to tell you that there are a choice of several day hikes within an hour or so of Casterbridge Hollow Hotel, Perry’s Bridge Hollow Hotel and Hippo Hollow Country Estate.

Because, let’s be honest, who wants to spend all of their Mpumalanga holiday in the car?

Yes, we’re talking about hiking. No, we aren’t speaking about demanding tests of stamina.

For ease of use, we’ve split our small selection of trails by area so you can decide which direction you are going to head out towards, and then choose a hike in that location.

You don’t have to be a seasoned athlete to do some of these, although a reasonable level of fitness makes sense.

Let’s begin with the world-renowned Blyde River Canyon area, which needs no introduction. This spectacular natural phenomenon is on many bucket lists but rather than the usual tourist high-level view point, these trails enable you to experience and photograph it from the ground.

Start: Blyde River Canyon Forever Resort. You can enter as a day visitor, it is not necessary to be a guest of the Resort. 90kms from Hazyview and 127kms from White River

Distance: Approximately 6 – 7kms

Why choose this hike: Fantastic views of the Blyde River Canyon, Blyde Dam, Three Rondavels and Mariepskop. A variety of biomes and vegetation types and lucky hikers may see leopard spoor. A reasonable level of fitness is required to climb a few steep sections – the views are worth it! Scenic drives to the Canyon from Perry’s Bridge Hollow and Hippo Hollow Country Estate are part of the adventure.

Start: Bourke’s Luck Potholes, 74kms from Hazyview and 111kms from White River.

Distance: Approximately 10km circular route

Why choose this hike: Enjoy an active holiday in Mpumalanga. Descend into the canyon and walk through lush riverine forest. Listen to the calls of birds such as the Knysna Loerie and the Narina Trogon. The slightly strenuous climb to the top unwraps fabulous views of the Blyde River Canyon. The old Belvedere Hydro Electric Power Station, the largest one of its kind in the southern hemisphere when built in 1911, signals the end of the hike.

Moving towards Sabie, forestry heart of Mpumalanga, we’ve picked three trails. The town of Sabie is 45kms from Hazyview via the R536 and 46kms from White River via the R537.

Start: Castle Rock Caravan Park or at the Bridal Veil Falls for a shorter route.

Distance: 10km circular

Why choose this hike: This walk takes hikers along the Sabie River and through pine and eucalyptus plantations and patches of indigenous forest and grassland to the magnificent 70 high Bridal Veil Falls as well as Glynis and Elna Falls. It is moderately difficult, requiring good balance and flexibility for the climb between waterfalls and is not recommended for children under 16. Look out for the Green Knysna Loeries flitting through the canopy above your head.

Start: Green Heritage Picnic Site, R532 towards Sabie, 36km from Hazyview and 54km from White River

Distance: Approximately 4km circular

Why choose this hike: Ideal for families or anyone wanting a gentle walk, this family-friendly trail is more nature walk than hike and packs a heap of picturesque scenery within a short distance. Get your active on with a stroll through fragrant pine and indigenous forest to the lovely Forest Falls, the only waterfall in the area wider than it is high.

Start: Mac Mac Pools, R532 towards Sabie, 59km from Hazyview and 69km from White River

Distance: Approximately 3km return

Why choose this hike: On a hot Lowveld day, this is the perfect trail to choose as it is an easy walk through shady bush accompanied by a chorus of birdsong. This short hike near Sabie is good for families and you may even see a Secretary Bird on your meander.

If none of the above grab your fancy, (perhaps they are either too long or too short for your taste), you could take a look at a couple of the ‘stand-alone’ trails below.

Start: You can join at various points, contact SAFCOL EcoTourism via email at ecotour@safcol.co.za or call +27 (0)13 754-2724 to find out more and to book.

Distance: From 17km to 59km

Why choose this hike: The full Fanie Botha Trail is a multi-day excursion for serious hikers, however, several sections can be hiked as shorter trails ranging from 2 to 5 days over distances from 17km to 59km. The trail is rated difficult and even the shorter hikes aren’t simple walks along paths and are not suitable for families with young kids – hikers need to be trail fit. The trail takes hikers through the escarpment, past waterfalls, through plantations and indigenous forests and along refreshing streams. If you are fit and active and looking to add some adventure to your Hazyview and White River holiday, consider this hiking trail.

Start: God’s Window parking area off the R534 past Graskop. About 48km from Hazyview and 85km from White River.

Distance: Approximately 2km

Why choose this hike: This Panorama Route trail is a short, family-friendly walk with a spectacular view that is well worth the climb up to the top. Towering trees, interesting rocks and lush plant life give you plenty to wonder at on the way up and down.