Oct 11, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit
If mountain biking is your kind of hobby, then Sabie has got to be one of the most exciting places to do it. The area is ideal for both novice and experienced mountain bikers and the self-guided trails are well marked, safe and amongst some of the most breath-taking, in terms of the scenery. During the wet season, it is advisable to not use slick or semi-slick tyres as these routes and trails can get very slippery and muddy. It is also advisable to take along your pump and spare tubes. This area can get humid in the summer months so be sure to take along enough water and a snack for the road. All of these routes start and end at the Sabie Municipal Caravan Park and it is essential that you obtain a permit before embarking as you will be going through a private forest.
The trails are as follows:
Yellow Route
This is a 6 km route that is fairly easy and should take you less than an hour. You start by following a jeep track that runs parallel to the Sabie River and then turn right at the foot of the densely overgrown and moist cliffs of Castle Rock. The trail takes you over slippery loose slate and rocks, a dense bush tunnel and then back onto the jeep trail that will bring you back to the finish. This trail can be done at night too.
Green Route
This route is 15 km long and an intermediate ride that can take up to 2 hours. On this route, you will find yourself going from a single track to a jeep track, over a wooden bridge then up some steep inclines till you reach an altitude of 1.250 meters. Once at the top it’s a winding series of single tracks that loop you all the way back to base.
Blue Route
This is an intermediate route that can take up to 3 hours and is 25 km long. The start is 8 km of flat riding that will take you over a wooden bridge as you head towards Lone Creek Falls. From there you will climb for about 1 km followed by 9 km of jeep track that leads to Bridal Veil Falls. From there you will be on forestry roads till you get back to the starting point.
Black Route
This route is most definitely only for experienced riders. It is a difficult 13 km ride that starts with a single track along the Sabie River. From then on it is 4 km of uphill riding on a jeep track that becomes a single track of slithery loops. A final one km push ends with a drop-off. This track runs behind a shooting range so if the roads are barred, please don’t use the track.
Red Route
This difficult trail is 30 km and requires some skills. You start out along the banks of the Sabie River and then pass through the Pine Plantations before coming to Oelof’s Dam. Then it is onto an undulating gravel road to Bridal Veil Falls. The next 4 km is an off-road climb up to the Ceylon and Tweefontein boundaries. From here the view of the Sabie Valley is simply amazing. The way down is a technical single track of about 10 km.
Mountain biking guests can stay at Nelspruit Lodge and spend their days enjoying these magnificent tracks. Be sure to book your stay with us this summer.
Aug 31, 2018 | Nelspruit Lodge, Things to in and around Nelspruit
A small town, nestled in the mountains, well away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Sabie is the place to escape to.
Nelspruit accommodation is generally preferable because it means you get to stay in the perfect central location from which you can visit all of the surrounding towns and interesting areas. Sabie is one of those small towns you have to visit!
Sabie is a forestry town about 40km away from Nelspruit. The drive itself is quite an experience all on its own. Either route you choose to take will present the most stunning landscapes filled with forests and mountains. During the winter months, the mountain route might not be the best of ideas, as the mist is thick and creates a danger for motorists.
Once you enter the town, you will experience two things: a laid back atmosphere, and depending on when you visit, a town filled with bikers! Because of the stunning roads that make up the Panorama Route, this part of the world is a biker’s paradise and it lures both local bikers and those looking for a weekend escape from Pretoria and Johannesburg.
How to get the most out of your visit
Sabie is a great place to go for lunch but it is also the perfect place to go exploring. The region is well known for its hiking trails and numerous waterfalls.
Stay for the day
You can accomplish a lot in one day. Heading to the town in the early morning will give you enough time to do some hiking, see a few waterfalls and then treat yourself to a late lunch at one of the many eateries before returning to your Nelspruit accommodation. The Woodsman and the Sabie Brewing Company both offer affordable delicious meals and great company. You can also explore the second hand bookshop and fill your bag with a few local curios.
Stay for more than a day
If you are an outdoorsy kind of person, you couldn’t ask for a better place to go exploring. There is a Sabie Waterfall Route that you can follow. It includes a combination of driving and hiking to get you to the various locations, so packing comfortable shoes, drinks and a snack is a must. If you are going to be visiting the waterfalls, you should pack something warm. Even in the middle of summer, the shaded waterfalls beneath a thick canopy of trees can drastically lower the summer temperatures. Now is also a good time to mention that the temperatures of Nelspruit and Sabie differ quite drastically. With Sabie being a mountain town, the humidity that Nelspruit experiences during the summer is virtually non-existent.
Some of the must see waterfalls include the Sabie Falls, the Lone Creek Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls.
Nelspruit Lodge offers some of the finest accommodation in Nelspruit. Plan your stay with us and include a trip to Sabie.
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