Blyde-River-Canyon

If you are looking for an extreme whitewater rafting experience in South Africa, you should surely consider a Blyde River Canyon Rafting trip. Such a trip is not for the faint-hearted. In fact, helmets and other protective gear are essential for your safety and endurance in the Blyde River. The Blyde River is considered one of the most gorgeous rivers in the world. It allows you to paddle challenging rapids and take in some of a gorgeous scenery that begins in the Mariepskop Forestry Reserve and ends as the Blyde River connects with the Blydepoort Dam. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Blyde River Canyon Rafting.

Blyde Rafting

A rafting trip in the Blyde River Canyon offers a full day’s worth of fun and exhilaration to you and your loved ones. The River Canyon is 26km long and 762m deep. It is considered the second largest Canyon in Africa and the third largest in the world. Although it is famed for the spectacular scenery, there is much more than taking in the views. A rafting trip in the Blyde River Canyon is fast and furious because the river contains steep gradients. These slopes range from long rapids to steep drops and much more that get your adrenalin pumping along all 8km of white water. The 8km stream is followed by a 5km leisurely cruise over the dam. The views of the Three Rondawels from the dam are unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

When you choose a reputable operator in the area, you are assured of a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the Blyde River Canyon. The Blyde Canyon Adventure-Centre is the best place to visit for all your whitewater rafting trips in the Blyde River Canyon. You will be offered a 2-person “Croc raft” operated by trained and qualified guides of the service provider. They will follow you in their own rafts. The rapids in the area are rated as Class Three to Four, but if you are healthy and reasonably fit, you need no prior experience. You have the option to choose between an overnight stay or a one day tour with a picnic lunch. You find A-Framed Huts at the Wet Camel Camp for this purpose.

The Blyde River Canyon is considered the greenest Canyon in the world. It consists of luxuriant sub-tropical vegetations. If you prefer to move slowly while viewing these scenes, you can choose a slow-moving craft to paddle the Lower Blyde River. Many clients have highly rated their experience with The Blyde Canyon Adventure-Centre. The internet is full of positive reviews and testimonials provided by highly satisfied customers. That is why it is important that you choose a reputable and experienced operator to paddle the rapids of the Blyde River Canyon.

In conclusion, a rafting trip in the Blyde River Canyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us. The gorgeous sceneries will surely mesmerize anyone who undertakes to whitewater raft in the area. The aforementioned article provides an overview of whitewater rafting in the Blyde River Canyon.

Rafting trip leave from Hazyview, which is only 49 kms from Nelspruit. Nelspruit is considered the gateway city to the adventure and wildlife province of Mphumalanga. If you are looking for places to stay in Nelspruit check out our accommodation listings or check out this Nelspruit B&B.

Blyde Pot Holes

sabi sands

If your goal is to indulge in nature, experience a true African safari with incredible accommodation and create memories that last forever, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve is for you.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a 65,000-hectare reserve adjacent to the renowned Kruger National Park. Sabi Sands offers unparalleled viewing possibilities and ultimate photographic safari. It is claiming to be the best place in the world for a safari and offers a safari experience found nowhere else in the world, including up close and personal experience with the big five and other wildlife animals.

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Brief History

Sabi Sands Game Reserve used to be an agricultural land. The original Sabie Reserve was already proclaimed in 1898 which turned out to be the forerunner of the massive Kruger National Park. When the National Parks Act was passed in 1926, many of the original landowners were excised from the area. They, in turn, created the Sabi Private Game Reserve next to Kruger National Park in 1934. The landowners formally formed what now is the Sabi Sands Reserve in 1948. Up to date, Sabi Sands is under the ownership of six families which are now third and fourth generation owners.

Sabi Sands Wildlife

Sabi Sands is renowned for the up close experience with the Big Five —Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino. In particular, it is well known for its extraordinary close encounters and prolific sightings of the elusive leopard which is frequently spotted when going on a game drive in the reserve. On night drives, the reserve’s famous leopard, mongoose and civet cat are frequently encountered.

There is a 50-kilometer unfenced boundary between the Sabi Sands and Kruger National Park, so wildlife roams freely in a huge natural environment. Aside from the big 5, there are about 145 other mammal species, more than 500 bird species, approximately 30 amphibian species, about 110 reptile species and 45 fish species which can be found in the Sabi Sands. The number of different species proves to show the incredible diversity of wildlife in the reserve. Some of the mammals which can be seen in the reserve include Aardvark, African Wild Cat, Bushbuck, Cheetah, Honey Badger, Hippo, Jackals, Vervet Monkey Warthog and the Wild Dogs. There are also more than 330 kinds of trees growing in the reserve. In addition, the Sabi and the Sand Rivers run through the reserve and add a further dimension to the bio-diversity of this area. With a high density of wildlife, guests are guaranteed to encounter most, if not all, of the Big Five, as well as a variety of other species.

sabi sands

An Exclusive Safari Destination

Sabi Sands Game Reserve is a private game reserve which means that it is not accessible for day visitors. The guests must book at one of the Sabi Sands lodges upon entering the reserve. Self-catering, camping, or picnic facilities are not available in the reserve. However, it is home to many different lodges that all have something unique and incredible accommodations to offer. These lodges range from quite affordable to ultra-luxurious ones. Meals and safari activities are also included in the rate. The guests are not allowed to drive around the reserve alone for safety purposes. Nevertheless, guests are guided by highly trained guides who explain everything you need to know about the reserve and the animals. One of the highlighted advantages of Sabi Sands is that rangers are allowed to drive off the road when on safari. So when there is leopard sighting, the ranger is allowed to follow it in the bush.

It is said that Sabi Sands possibly makes the best South African safari destination for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and bird watchers alike. So plan your next trip and visit the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.