Escarpment’s Edge

“Into the forest I go, to feed my mind and find my soul.”

The northern east of South Africa is a side of the country that has so much beauty to see. There’s such a variety and diversity in the landscape; and even the climate as you travel from one area to the next.

During this trip, I visited a couple of animal rehabilitation centers and a small town called Graskop.

But first, I stopped by the Old Joe’s Kaia since it was on the way to where I was heading. Old Joe’s Kaia is a lovely, down-to-earth place that I talk about in more detail in my previous blog – OLD JOE’S KAIA.

It is the perfect pit-stop between the North-Eastern/Eastern bushveld and Gauteng. I love the peaceful atmosphere and forest vegetation in this valley.

Moholoholo Centre was the first animal rehabilitation center I visited. I opted for their overnight and full-day activity option.

The full-day activity included a bush walk, a visit / guided tour at the rehabilitation center and a game drive. The small reserve is home to many animals such as giraffe, nyala, warthog, impala and zebra. The friendly staff provide a pleasant and informative stay. They ensure you learn about the conservation efforts, history of the reserve and how the rescued animals find themselves at the rehabilitation center.

Moholoholo is a great opportunity to learn and understand the much needed protection for the animals in the delicate ecosystem.

Further north to Tzaneen, I volunteered at the Vervet Monkey Sanctuary. The accommodation here is basic and rustic. I signed-up to do their 1 day and 1 night volunteer program.

It is an amazing opportunity to assist other long-term volunteers, who are from all corners of the world. There’s a variety of duties to keep the sanctuary running for the rescued vervet monkeys.

The experience is eye-opening, but still a lot fun, especially if you’re lucky enough to encounter with the mischievous residents!

Their weblink (Non-Affiliated) : https://vervet.za.org

Close by to Tzaneen is a place called Magoebaskloof Farmstall & Café. I had heard about it and made a point in visiting – and I’m so glad did!

This relaxed countryside gem is hidden amongst big old trees in the mountains. It overlooks a valley beyond a winding road climbing up the side; and while enjoying a delicious lunch, there’s live music playing in the background.

Heading back south, there are a couple towns that are full of heritage charm. Graskop is one of them and I stayed at a beautifully kept guesthouse called Westlodge. The vintage style has you stepping back in time while staying there.

In Graskop, one has to take advantage of the natural wonders in the surrounding area. God’s Window is one of them, a view-point at the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Lowveld landscape. On a clear day, you might be lucky enough to be able to see Mozambique.

There are also waterfalls in the area such as the Lisbon waterfall. This one is the highest in the region where you can get up close to watch the water plunging down below.

My favourite was the Graskop Gorge Lift. An elevator takes you down 51 meters into a forest-filled gorge. A place where I spent a good amount of time soaking up the beauty. The trail has plenty of information boards about the gorge and its ecosystem.

The last place I visited nearby was another quaint historical town called Pilgrims Rest. The town was popular during the gold-rush in the 19th century. The local community are doing their best to keep this town alive and are sill holding on to its 19th century character. Visitors will enjoy the little stores, museums and the architecture while passing through.