Located in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, Hazyview is a small farming town well-known for its thriving banana industry. Situated nearby to the Kruger National Park, the town derived its name from the sparkling haze that occurs during the summer’s heat. There are plenty of things to do in Hazyview that will amuse and delight you.

When weather is inclement, the Self-Drive Reptile Route is always a wonderful choice. This short day trip is wonderful for a rainy day visit, and snakes its way through the Mpumalanga lowveld. The attractions and activities en route are suitable for all ages and weather forecasts.

Points of interest for animal lovers include the Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park, Dinosaur Park and Chimpanzee Eden.

At Sudwala Caves you can experience a fascinating and educational underground adventure. The views provided by this route are marvellous, and a visit to the Antique Car Museum is always interesting.

The Tribal Village, the Swazi Cultural Village and the Shangaan Cultural Village offer to share their local culture with travelling anthropologists or travellers.

Spend winnings from a lucky Jackpot strike at Emnotweni Casino at the Riverside Mall or Casterbridge Shopping Centre, where the Rottcher Orange Winery offers some delicious citrus wines.

Watch the water marvels of the Cascade Waterfall in the Lowveld Botanical Garden and examine the difference in architecture between the Hazyview, White River and Nelspruit regions. Lastly on this route, a hot cup of home-brewed coffee awaits you at Riverbend Coffee Farm, keeping you alert as you complete your journey.

Experience the true magic of Africa with an elephant-back safari. Twelve fully trained elephants made their arrival at Kapama Private Game Reserve in early 2002 after having been relocated from Zimbabwe, where their safety was in danger. During your elephant-back safari, you will be seated on comfortable canvas-covered saddles positioned behind an expert handler. From this fantastic vantage point, you will be able to experience close-up encounters of the game, observing them quietly as the elephants travel silently and in single file through the vegetation. The unique and unforgettable experience of interacting with these gentle creatures will be felt long after you disembark from your elephant. You also have the option here of taking part in a sunrise elephant-back safari, which includes champagne, fruit juice and fruit.

Image courtesy of Africa Geographic

The Mountain Magic Helicopter Flight is an incredibly exciting one hour adventure flight that is offered by Regent Exclusive Safaris. The tour swoops over deep and mysterious gorges, through dense valleys flourishing with plant life and vibrant colour. The Jetranger will hover above mighty rivers and flowing waterfalls, allowing for magnificent photographic opportunities. This is a wonderful experience and is highly recommended during your stay in the region.

If you enjoy exhilarating activities, then you should definitely consider going river rafting with Idle & Wild. They provide guests with amazing adventures that lead you along the river, through the natural vegetation of the Sabie River Valley. With expert guides and approved equipment, this makes for a brilliant family outing. Idle & Wild is perfectly located for a refreshing retreat in the middle of nature, or the surrounding areas such as Kruger National Park, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Pilgrim’s Rest and countless waterfalls.  Hazyview also offers hot air ballooning, horse riding, quad biking and cycling, to name a few.

Image courtesy of South Africa.net