A virtual plethora of day tours are made available to guests of Mfafa Safaris. Be torn between the wonders of the grand Eastern Panorama Drakensberg, the cultural melting pot of flavours unique to a Swaziland Day Experience or an early morning departure, via the scenic Crocodile River/Nelspruit Gorge to indulgent Mozambique. All of this (and more) await the fortunate few who choose Mfafa Safari as their African avenue of choice.
Click to download our brochure – Mfafa Safaris Activity Brochure
Eastern Panorama Drakensberg
The Mpumalanga Province’s Drakensberg Mountains divide the cooler Highveld to the west from the lower coastal plains to the east, creating splendid panoramic mountain scenery.
The tour visits the Victorian Town of Pilgrim’s Rest, the infamous Robber’s Grave, the splendid Blyde River Canyon, Three Rondavels, God’s Window, Wonder View, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Lisbon Waterfalls.
This scenic area is also steeped in early Southern African mining history, local characters and pioneers and the famous “Jock of the Bushveld” routes.
Lunch is enjoyed at Harries Original Pancake Restaurant, where savoury or sweet freshly prepared pancakes, fresh salads, local delicacies and other country fare are served.
Includes: Transport, lunch and chilled mineral water.
Excludes: Entrances en route : Currently R140.00 p.p. Extra charge for collecting clients outside Nelspruit, White River and Hazyview areas (subject to change)
Helicopter tours of the canyon and the surrounding area are also available on request.
Glass Lift
New and exciting to the Lowveld this marvel of human ingenuity is a spectacular way to travel the height of a waterfall and take in panoramic scenery while being delivered to the gorge floor 51m below, where you can meander through a rainforest along raised walk ways and suspension bridge on the 600 m loop path. If this leaves you hungry, enjoy lunch at the Graskop Glass Lift restaurant and take in the natural beauty of its surrounds or visit the art gallery and curio shops at the centre.
Culinary Tour
Experience local cuisine on this 2 day trip as a tour through the melting pot of cultures in South Africa. Visit the township and get your hands dirty with “chicken-dust” in Kabokweni and meet the children at a local school, have lunch on a deck overlooking the Treuer River in a restaurant where the beer is kept in huge baths of ice and all meals cooked over an open fire or using an old Aga stove or enjoy a luxury picnic on the river bank. Enjoy dinner in the home-style restaurant nestled in amongst the avocado orchards where they grow the majority of veggies from farm to table. Bathe in the ambience of a crackling fire while enjoying a wild boar pie or a delicious wood oven pizza. As these are all locally based restaurants we encourage you to include activities and sightseeing throughout the trip as almost all of our activities are available to be included on this tour. These are just some of the options available, contact us for more information and so we can customise the tour to your specific tastes and interests.
Adventure Tourism
Mpumalanga is a playground for thrill seekers and outdoorsman and the options abound to suit your personal interests. We can organize all of the following for you to enjoy.
PARAGLIDING
Experience the magic of free flight under an African sky with a tandem paraglider, paragliding at some of the most beautiful sites in South Africa, including God’s Window, Mount Carmel, Long Tom Pass, Barberton, Sabie and Ngodwana.
BIKE TOUR THROUGH ZWELITSHA TOWNSHIP
This is a great way to see how South African’s live and feel the sense of community and warmth the more rural areas offer against a mountainous background of granite outcrops and natural bushveld. These tours are completed with local children who are training to partake in professional mountain biking competitions. Take a short bike ride (5kms) and stop off for a drink at the local tavern ‘Love Corner” or for the slightly more athletically inclined partake in the 18km training route the kids take.
BUNGEE JUMPING AT GRASKOPS BIG SWING
A 68 metre free fall at 180 km/h in under 3 seconds alongside a waterfall and over a ravine of natural forest and flowing water. If this is a little too much, there is also the option of a 135m long zip-line across the gorge, a little tamer, but still ever so daring.
CANOPY TOURS
Participate in either an Aerial Cable Trail or a Tree Top Challenge through natural forest and over rivers. Move from platform to platform nestled in the treetops, take in the natural beauty, keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife and maybe even see a small mammal along the way!
RIVER RAFTING/GECKOING AND WHITE RIVER TUBING
These activities take place in the Sabie River Valley along a 6km route where the banks are forested and the river fast. There are a variety of options for this and it is most popular in the summer as the water can get a tad chilly. Float along the twists and turns of the river and brave the rapids.
ELECTRIC BIKE TRAILS
Eco-friendly e-venture guided tours are enjoyed by the whole family. E-bikes are taking the world by storm and you can experience it in the magical little town of Kaapsehoop. Experience the local way of life, catch a glimpse of the wild horses, marvel at the scenery and whizz through the towering forests.
HORSE TRAILS
Visit the picturesque town of Kaapsehoop and ride horseback through plinths of rock and wild grassland and spot wild horses as you follow the trail of magnificent Lowveld scenery or travel to the Sabie River and follow trails through the natural forests and riversides.
QUAD BIKING
Dependent on availability there are a number of places that offer this exciting adventure for the speed demon inside you!
RAIL TOBOGGAN - "The Only One in Africa."
Speed down the winding 1.7km track located in the surrounding mountains of the famous Long Tom Pass- you can reach up to 45km/hr. With the fresh air whipping through your hair and your eyes delighted by the scenery, what more could you want.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Experience the Lowveld like very few have before, take flight before the sun rises and experience magnificent views of waterfalls and forests and unforgettable scenery. A hot drink is offered to the passengers when they arrive, sparkling wine during or after the flight and then a “Champagne Breakfast” at a restaurant in the area. Passengers are invited to share the whole experience by assisting with the unpacking, inflating and again packing the balloon on landing. A lot of fun and giggles are usually had by all. A typical excursion last three to four hours.
SUDWALA CAVES
The Sudwala Caves formed about 240 million years ago and now you can experience them and learn about the fascinating history that they have experienced. The average guided tour takes about an hour as you wander through a small network of caves and see natural formations within. For the braver hearted there is also a chance to go cave crawling and make your way through puddles of water and over rocks to see the crystal caves. If you’re travelling with children, or have a personal interest in dinosaurs, visit the Dino Park on the property and see massive moulds of dinosaurs and be transported to the Lowveld’s version of Jurassic Park.
HIKING
At the moment we can offer the following hikes in the area, but keep your eyes peeled as we are looking to possibly expand. All hikes are taken and led by a highly trained and experienced guide.
BLYDE CANYON HALF DAY HIKE
The Half Day Hike starts on the edge of the Blyde Canyon in Montane Grassland and Shrubland, above the tree line, and descends into Fynbos like vegetation at about 1200m with beautiful views of the Canyon, Three Rondawels ( Magabolle 1354m, Mogoladikwe 1377m and Maseroto 1465m) and the Kadishi River Gorge.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
TREUR RIVER CANYON HALF DAY HIKE
The Treur River or “Sad River” is a tributary of the Blyde and Oliphants Rivers and starts near God’s Window on the Panorama Route. A more gentle trail than the Blyde River Canyon hike but equally as beautiful.
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
BLYDE CANYON FULL DAY HIKE
The Full Day Hike starts at the upper view point, with wonderful views of the Blyde River canyon and the Blyde Dam. The first section of the hike traverses the edge of the canyon in a Northerly direction following the inlet of The Blyde River into the Blyde dam. During the descent you pass some rocky crags which are known to be great wall climbs to the Rock Climbing fraternity. A lot more challenging but if you’re up to it, so are we.
Duration: 4 to 6 hours
Swaziland Day Experience
An early collection from a local Mpumalanga hotel and onto Jeppe’s Reef/Matsamo Border Post enter into Swaziland. Pass through Pigg’s Peak town set high in the mountains, via vast forests of Pine and Eucalyptus trees, to the principal city of Swaziland, Mbabane. Travel via the Ezulwini Valley and the craft market; visit the colourful Swazi Candle Factory where handmade candles are crafted in a menagerie of animals, traditional styles and other forms.
Lunch is served “al fresco” (weather permitting) at Malandela’s Restaurant in Malkerns.
After lunch visit the King Sabusa II Memorial Gardens and Ngwenya Glass Works where recycled glass is used to create a display of glasses and other artworks. Depart Swaziland via Oshhoek Border Post and return to the hotel via the Drakensberg Mountains and the De Kaap Valley.
Mfafa also offers extended safaris and tours into Swaziland.
Includes: Transport, road tax, cross border permit, lunch and chilled mineral water en route.
Excludes:
- Visa costs, and items of a personal nature.
- Entrances en route : Currently R58.00 p.p. (subject to change)
- Extra cost for collecting clients outside Nelspruit, White River and Hazyview areas.
Mozambican Indulgence
An early morning departure, via the scenic Crocodile River/Nelspruit Gorge and the Lebombo/Resano Garcia Border Post, ensures a timely arrival in the southern capital city of Maputo. This vibrant city was formerly called Lorenzo Marques and is a fusion of southern African and old Portuguese culture, cuisine and history.
A short tour of the downtown city area, then along the Marginal (beach front area).
Lunch enjoyed at either the Costa de Sol or Mira Mar Restaurants, situated on the Bay of Maputo overlooking the warm shallow waters of the Indian Ocean. Lobster, langoustine, prawns, fresh fish or peri peri (hot spicy) grilled chicken accompanied by a Portuguese/South African wine or chilled local beer, are typical Mozambican fare which will be served on the patio overlooking the ocean.
After lunch enjoy a swim, then onto the local fish market and an opportunity for some shopping at craft/curio stalls in one of the many bustling street markets.
Depart Maputo City early afternoon, visiting the main railway station, which was built by Gustav Eiffel at the end of the 19th Century. Arrive late afternoon/early evening at accommodation establishment.
Includes: Transport, road tax, cross border permit guide/driver passport stamp, Mozambican 3rd Party Insurance and chilled mineral water en route.
Excludes: Visas (to be obtained prior to date of travel) which are required by all nationalities except for South African and Mozambican citizens, passport entry stamp, lunch, drinks and items of a personal nature. Extra charge for collecting clients outside Nelspruit, White River and Hazyview areas.
Kabokweni Cultural Tour
The tour reveals how the townships were formed as a result of apartheid in South Africa. It shows the growth and development of the township during that era as well as the progress in the last 15 years.
This is truly an African experience, visiting a Sangoma healing and initiation school which includes a demonstration of traditional healing, prediction of the future, how the sangoma identifies problems or sickness, a demonstration of traditional healers attire and dancing. Next door is the Zwelisha Primary School and, during school term, clients learn about the school’s background, history and it’s current development. We look at the library, classrooms and electronic resources centre (computer room) which presently has 15 computers (11 functional) assisting 1136 learners. There is a fund raising project for the community included in this tour. After the visit, we stop at Gordon’s, a good place for an African lunch of roasted meat and beverages. Must be booked a minimum of 72 hours in advance, supplement charged for collecting clients outside Nelspruit, White River and Hazyview areas.
Rate: R877.00 per person including snack and bottled water. 15% of proceeds go directly towards the school’s ‘wish list’.
Birding in Mpumalanga
Mfafa Safaris, due to the keen birding interest of our guides, has established a number of local properties where a diverse number of bird species may be seen in various habitats i.e. lake, bush, grassland, mountain and plantation.
Spend a morning, an afternoon or a full day with a local birder, viewing a number of our indigenous birds or a day in the Kruger National Park with the added benefit of seeing South African wildlife.
Species that may be seen:
Longcrested Eagle, Osprey, Steppe Buzzard, Jackal buzzard, Blackshouldered Kite, Peregrine Falcon, Nerina Trogon, Purplecrested Taraco,Tambourine Dove, Green Pigeon, Palm Swift, Redfaced Mousebird, Little Bee-eater, White Fronted Bee-eater, Brownhooded Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher, Redbilled Woodhoopoe, African Pied Wagtail, Blackeyed Bulbul, Stonechat, Paradise Flycatcher, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Grey Heron, Spurwinged Goose, Whitefaced Duck, Yellowbilled Duck, Bald Ibis, Threebanded Plover, Natal Francolin,
For Kruger National Park birding please contact our office for further details and costing.
Includes: Transport and chilled mineral water en route.
Excludes: Kruger National Park Conservation Levy. Extra charge for collecting clients outside Nelspruit, White River and Hazyview areas.
The Jane Goodall Institute: Chimp Eden
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.
The chimpanzees at Chimp Eden are the lucky ones, living out their lives in a risk free environment and being provided with the necessary attention to recover from the trauma they have experienced. The chimpanzees spend their days in semi-wild enclosures, and show normal social interaction and behavioural patterns as group members.
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.
Includes: Transport and chilled mineral water en route.
Excludes: Extra charge for collecting clients outside Nelspruit, White River and Hazyview areas.
The Elephant Sanctuary
The Elephant Sanctuary has a number of rescued African elephants, whose keepers have now gained their trust through a unique reward system. The ES also believe in forming bonds between their elephants and humans. Their focus is education through interaction. The ES elephant back riding takes place in a five hundred (500) hectare wildlife area which adds an opportunity to see various South African wildlife from the back of an elephant, this is planned to augment the experience.
Activities.
- A one and half (1½) hour long interaction with the elephants; learning about their backgrounds, behaviour and characters of these elephants. This includes a walk with trunk in hand.
- Take part in the morning grooming and brush down, followed by a trunk in hand walk, this starts at 07h00.
- Enjoy an elephant ride of ± twenty five (25) minutes and the trunk in hand experience.
- The sundowner experience includes a ± twenty five (25) minutes elephant ride personal interaction with the elephants, followed by drinks and snacks and takes ± two (2) hours.
Includes: Transport, entrance fees and chilled mineral water en route.
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
The HESC is a non profit organisation; all funds generated are used to maintain the conservation and genetic bio diversity of endangered animal species in the Centre.
This Centre is now one of the leaders in the breeding and research of endangered animals and also offers a refuge for sick, orphaned and confiscated animals.
The HESC chief focus is the breeding and re-location of Cheetah into sound environmental conservation areas. However species such as African Wild Dog, Sable Antelope, Black-footed Cat, African Wild Cat, Blue Cranes and Ground Horn-bills are also in the Centre’s care for rehabilitation and the promotion of scientific research in wildlife.
After a light lunch, a guided tour of the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre in an open vehicle with an HESC guide.
Extra charge for collecting clients outside Nelspruit, White River and Hazyview areas.
Includes: Transport, entrance fees and chilled mineral water en route.
Excludes: Lunch and items of a personal nature.
