Nkomazi Game Reserve
Nkomazi Game Reserve is situated in close proximity to Badplaas and is ideal for a great outdoor trip. The reserve consists of grasslands, mountainous areas and river valleys, making it a scenic landscape with beautiful views of the region. It stretches over 15 000 ha and is home to a diverse ecosystem - both Highveld and Lowveld is found here.
The reserve teems with wildlife, and visitors will likely spot giraffe, rhino, cheetah, zebra, elephants and various antelope species. Birdlife is also abundant, with over 300 bird species found in the area.
The reserve is also home to some of the oldest rock formations on earth with various examples of San rock art to complement the historical area. Nkomazi offers excellent game drives, birding safaris, walking tours and mountain biking routes.
Guests can rent off-road bicycles and experience the bushveld in all its glory. The routes range from easy to more difficult for those who want to work up a sweat. The trips are guided to ensure visitors’ safety, as well as share knowledge about the reserve’s fauna and flora.
Hiking Trails
There are various resorts and retreats around the Badplaas area that offer scenic hiking trails, varying from easy to difficult. The Bermanzi Trail, located in the Bermanzi Mountain Retreat, is a series of routes that include mountain ravines, indigenous forests and rock pools. There are three easy trails that range from 4 km to 12 km, as well as a few overnight hikes.
The 2-day Back to Base trail is a favourite, and hikers will be able to spot indigenous animals such as kudu, bushbuck and mountain reedbuck as they complete the trail. The Num Num Trail is a strenuous 5-day hike that was created in partnership with three farms, following a route over mountainous terrain.
The Blue Wildebeest Trail is a relatively new route which starts at a base camp in Badplaas. The trail is divided into two routes (9.5 km and 6.5 km respectively) that will take hikers through beautiful grasslands, mountains and gorges, past waterfalls and natural rock pools. Animal sightings include blue wildebeest and various antelope species.
The route is quite easy, but you should be relatively fit to complete the hike. It is suitable for families and can be booked through the Johannesburg Hiking Club.
Komati Springs Diving
Komati Springs was formerly known as Badgat and is situated 25 km from Badplaas. Komati Springs was an old Asbestos mine that flooded, and was rehabilitated in 2002. The climate in this area is usually cold in winter and warm in the summer. Rain is frequent during summer. The springs are known for excellent diving opportunities.
At the hole of the old asbestos mine, concrete and steel steps lead you to the water's edge. The maximum depth is 55 m in the main hole with overhangs and mineshafts leading off the main hole is between about 9 m and 25 m. The cave areas are only for trained cave divers to enjoy.
There are a number of tunnels running off the main shaft that bottoms out at over 109 m with various levels at 18 m, 25 m, 38 m, 47 m and 68 m. The visibility, which ranges from 8-12 m, improves with depth and has been known to be unlimited in winter. Water temperatures at depth in winter rarely fall below 18˚C and in summer the surface temperature rises to a maximum of 24˚C.
Birdling, fly fishing, stargazing and game drives make for a great safari experience. If it’s time to relax and replenish your energy leve...