...to the stunning lowveld area, which encompasses one of South Africa's most ancient landscapes, where majestic mountains, shrouded in early morning mists rise from their blue grey granite masses. The Blyde River, which winds its cerulean way through the vast canyon of the verdant Limpopo Province is one of South Africa's most spectacular awe inspiring areas to journey through.

An unspoiled area known for its warm hospitality. Altie Adendorff charms you at her tranquil Zuleika Country House, only half an hour away from the Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate. Journey on the Panorama Route to Vicky and Johnny Mitton's Blyde River Canyon Lodge where you can comfortably settle and explore richly diverse natural wonders.

Explore a wide choice of activities and tours in this unspoiled region. 

Visit God’s Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, Berlin and Lisbon Falls, as well as the Three Rondavels; huge cylinders of rock with hut-like pointed roofs. The tumultuous waters of the Treur and Blyde Rivers join forces, creating a series of natural holes, which have evolved over many millions of years. A 33 km gorge with spectacular precipitous cliffs rising up to 800 m from the riverbed. 

The 29000 hectare nature reserve abounds in wildlife; hippo, crocodiles, leopard, cheetah, rhino, giraffe and small antelope. There are horse trails, game drives (day and night), river rafting on the Blyde River Canyon Dam where you can meander through the waterways and visit the rare Tufa waterfall, or you can go glorious hot air ballooning, soaring over these magical sights. 

Memorable and thrilling expeditions abound in this land of beauty and splendour.

Experience the daily lives of a true Shangaan tribe in the Nyani Tribal Village with beadwork and crafts displayed, weapons of the warriors, their farming methods and traditional healing practices.

 A veritable feast of activities for the intrepid traveller.   

The Moholoholo, a unique wildlife rehabilitation centre, is where injured wild animals and raptors are cared for, rehabilitated and reintroduced into the wild. Moholoholo is regarded as the safe haven for the Magnificent Seven; the Martial Eagle, Black Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Bataleur, African Fish Eagle and the Giant Eagle Owl. 

Altie's Zuleika Country House is peacefully and discreetly tucked away between citrus and mango estates.

Zuleika's thatched en-suite rooms are peacefully and discreetly tucked away between citrus and mango estates, surrounded by rich and diverse indigenous trees where birds thrive. The reserve boasts over 200 bird species no less! Fish eagle, various colourful louries and humorous hornbills are to be glimpsed on the Blyde riverbanks. 

Breakfast on the terrace, enjoy fresh seasonal fruits, scrambled egg croissant with smoked salmon and grilled tomatoes, or you can have a full English breakfast, overlooking the spreading gardens and spectacular canyon cliffs of the Drakensberg Mountain range. Have a refreshing early morning swim and visit the fishpond behind the garden stocked with carp, bass and yellow fish and stroll gently along the path which will takes you to the river in only 7 minutes.

At Zuleika, punctuating the courtyards, the garden and the country house are mosaics, influenced by Antoni Gaudi, Barcelona's most revered architect, these add whimsical, playful and bright notes. 

Zuleika's light lunches or picnics can be arranged. Bliss to come back at the end of a long adventurous day and have a candlit dinner on the terrace overlooking the garden as the sun sets on another gorgeous day in Africa. 

Enthrallling views for all seasons in Mpumalanga.

Vicky and Johnny Mitton welcome guests at the Blyde River Canyon Lodge, conveniently placed, comfortable, easily accessible and set in tranquil lush gardens. 

86 Acres of botanical reserve with game, prolific birdlife and a treasure house of flora, this is where you will find the Blyde River Canyon Lodge, and where you will enjoy the warmth and attention of the Mitton family during your stay.  The gardens are lush and tranquil and home to adorable impala, zebra and other furry visitors, which are constant source of delight. 

A full buffet breakfast starts the day with a variety of fresh tastes; mangoes, litchis, papayas and guavas. Pack a picnic before setting off or later enjoy a light lunch on the terrace. Dinner is more formal and elegantly set in their dining room. Special celebrations and conferences can be organised. 

The lodge is comfortably furnished with Victorian touches. African indigenous beadwork and crafts have been used cleverly, particularly in the delightful table settings and furnishings.

Head to 24º South to the Cotton Club and Mori Silk Farm 

Driving through the area, stop for the excellent coffee, stunning milkshakes and a light delicious lunch at the Cotton Club. Later, after a leisurely hour or two, walk through the gardens to the Bombyx Mori Silk Farm and discover the intriguing world of silk, where you can view the intricate process of silk weaving from silk worms to silk duvets! A fascinating and indepth view of this ancient craft.

Silk in beauty and cosmetics, silken wraps and gorgeous bed linen, indulge and pamper yourself.

Lunch at the Cotton Club, Charlotte Hunt created light alfresco style dishes perfect for the climate.

RED PEPPER & TOMATO SOUP

4 red peppers
2 kg very ripe tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 red onions, finely chopped 
2 cups vegetable or chicken stock
½ cup torn basil leaves
2 red chilies (optional)
1 tsp sugar
salt and pepper
coriander (optional)
(Serves 4 - 6)

Roast peppers until they blister, peel, halve, discard seeds and slice. Pour boiling water over tomatoes, leave for 3 - 5 minutes. Drain, peel and chop. Heat olive oil over medium heat, add garlic and onions and cook for a minute. Add tomatoes and peppers. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add stock, basil, chili and sugar. Season to taste and simmer for 5 minutes. Purée. Ladle into soup bowls, drizzle over a little extra olive oil and add freshly milled pepper and sprinkle with coriander. 

FISH CAKES

500 g cooked white line fish, flaked
2 cooked and grated potatoes
1 onion, grated
6 tbsp chopped parsley
5 ml ground cumin
5 ml ground turmeric
5 ml ground coriander
1 red chilli, chopped (optional)
salt and pepper
175 g breadcrumbs

Combine all ingredients except breadcrumbs. Divide into equal portions roll in breadcrumbs and shallow fry in oil. Serve with fresh tomato sauce.  

CHICKEN PIE

1 packet readymade puff pastry
1 roasted chicken, cooked and striped into small pieces
1 tbsp oil
4 leeks, sliced thinly
2 cups chicken stock
1 cup white wine
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
2 tbsp chopped parsley
2 tbsp corn flour
button mushrooms, halved (optional)
salt and pepper
1 egg, lightly beaten to brush pastry tops

Heat oil and sauté well washed and rinsed leeks until soft. Add stock and wine. Simmer uncovered 30 minutes. Add cornflour mixed with a little cold water until smooth. Season with cayenne pepper to taste, add parsley and mushrooms stirring for 5 minutes. Sprinkle over sea salt and milled black pepper. Set aside to cool. Fold in chicken pieces. Roll out pastry, line small pastry tins, spoon in cooked filling. Roll out pastry top and place on top of filling. Trim edges and press to seal. Brush with a little egg. Bake 180°C for +- 40 minutes until golden.