THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

More than 100 years old the Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most famous tourist attractions. Measuring 350 km from north to south and approx. 60 km at its widest point, the park is home to a variety of wildlife including the Big Five. Numbi entry gate is only 35 km from Jatinga. Home to 147 mammal species, 500 varieties of birds, 114 types of reptiles and an array of fascinating flora the Kruger National Park is a wildlife experience not to be missed.

BLYDE RIVE CANYON

The magnificent views of the Blyde River Canyon and the Lowveld from God’s Window are explanation in itself as to how this viewpoint got its name. Visitors overlook a sheer 300 m drop into the ravine, which houses an indigenous forest. The Kruger National Park can be seen in the distance to the west.

BOURKES LUCK POTHOLES

Named after the man that discovered gold at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers, Tom Bourke, Bourkes Luck Potholes, marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. The natural potholes are deep cylindrical holes formed by the action of sand and rock carried down when the rivers where in flood.

Visitors can get up close and personal and view the potholes from specially constructed bridges. The visitors centre and museum are interesting and informative so take the time to go through both which are conveniently situated at the start of the 700 m walk to the potholes.

LISBON FALLS

The Lisbon Falls are the highest in the area and are at the point where the Blyde River splits into three and large pools are formed before the water drops off a sheer cliff to the pool 92 m below.

PILGRIM'S REST

Pilgrim’s Rest is a modern-day “living museum” and your stay in Mpumalanga will not be complete without exploring this historical village. Alluvial gold was first discovered in the stream here in 1873 by Alec Patterson and sparked off one of the biggest gold rushes of the time. Mining only ceased in 1972 and today Pilgrim’s Rest has been preserved in the exact architectural style of the gold rush period.

MAC MAC FALLS

The Mac Mac Falls are named after the old mining camp of Mac Mac, so named because of the large number of miners of Scottish descent that came seeking their fortune. The twin 56 m falls which can be seen today were originally one. Eager to get to the promised gold, miners tried to divert the flow with the help of dynamite and succeeded in creating a second fall. Close by are the Mac Mac Pools, naturally formed swimming pools.

CHEETAH PROJECT

The Hoedspruit Cheetah Project – a three hour drive from Jatinga – will give you a first-hand look at the world’s fastest cat and how fragile the balance of the cheetah population is.

SHOPS, HISTORY & CAR MUSEUM, LIVE THEATRE GALORE!

Nearby Casterbridge Farm is a country shopping centre with a difference.

The centre is home to a variety of different shops including pottery and ceramics, original art work, designer furniture, leather and clothing boutiques and the interesting White River Motor Museum. This museum is one of the few places in South Africa where lovers of the automobile and its history can indulge in its graceful past. The Motor Museum also includes the White River History Museum which offers visitors an interesting insight into the origins and residents of White River.

The Barnyard Theatre is another of the attractions at Casterbridge Farm and promises guests a fun-filled evening of entertainment and live theatre. The Barnyard concept encourages guests to bring their own picnic hampers (supplied by Jatinga) and enjoy a light meal in the theatre (which, as the name suggests, is an actual barn complete with wood shavings on the floor!) before the live show begins.

The Casterbridge Farm Cinema, a 96-seater cinema with state-of-the-art surround sound, has a pleasant mix of new and art movie releases which can be viewed here throughout the week.

Nelspruit’s Riverside Mall is only 20 km away from Jatinga and offers a variety of stores that will satisfy just about every shopping need. Adjacent to the mall is the Emnotweni Casino where Lady Luck may just decide to bestow new fortunes upon you!

GOLF AROUND JATINGA

Golfing enthusiasts will be glad to learn that there are several top class golf courses close to Jatinga. White River Country Club is 10km from Jatinga and promises golfers a challenging 18-hole course in lush green surroundings while the course at Sabi River Sun Hotel in Hazeyview, 30 minutes away, offers the added “challenge” of resident hippos! Or enjoy a round of golf on the wild side at Skukuza in the Kruger National Park.