Blog - Mackers Cottages & Africamps at Mackers Glamping Tents

Panorama Route - God's Window

Ryan and Michelle Mc Kain — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Gods Window is so called for the panoramic view of the Lowveld more than 900 m down into lush indigenous forest clad ravine. The majestic cliffs plunge over 700 meters to the Lowveld and the private game reserves which have made the area one of South Africa's main wildlife destinations. God's Window is a small part of a 250km long earthwork of sheer cliffs and extravagant beauty. One can observe the hills and forests as far as the eye can see. In fact, it seems as if one can see forever!

Panorama Route - The Pinnacle and Three Rondawels

Ryan and Michelle Mc Kain — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The Pinnacle Rock, a tower-like freestanding quartzite buttress which rises 30m above the dense indigenous forest. To the right of the Pinnacle Rock is the first of eight small waterfalls in the Ngwaritsane stream.

The word "Rondavel" is a South African word that refers to a round hut-like dwelling (usually with a thatched roof). The three well known gigantic peaks of quartzite and shale with their sheer rock walls tower more than 700 m above the surrounding landscape. These peaks are named after the three most troublesome wives of Chief Maripi Mashile - they are (from left to right) Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.

Kruger National Park

Ryan and Michelle Mc Kain — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, SANParks - Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.

Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians - , 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals.

Panorama Route - Bourkes Luck Potholes

Ryan and Michelle Mc Kain — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0200

At the point where the Treur and the Blyde Rivers meet, and the river swirls and sweeps on its journey, the mighty force of the waters has carved intricate 'potholes' in the rock strata. These curious shapes and extraordinary basins and holes are known as Bourke's Luck Potholes after Thomas Bourke, the owner of a once profitable gold-mine nearby. These early pioneers and prospectors -some indeed lucky, others less fortunate- inspired the names of many of the towns and geological features of the escarpment.

Panorama Route - Graskop

Ryan and Michelle Mc Kain — Sun, 31 May 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Graskop is the gateway to the Panorama Route. Scenic landmarks with evocative names like God's Window, Wonder View, the Pinnacle, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondawels beckon. The awe-inspiring Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls are also just a short drive away. Adding some historical romance into the mix, half an hour's drive from Graskop, the goldrush town of Pilgrim's Rest gives you the chance to relive the 1873 goldrush in surroundings of unparalleled beauty. You can even try your hand at panning for gold.

Tired of sightseeing and need a rush??

Experience the adrenaline of a 68 metre freefall in under 3 seconds on one of the world’s Highest cable gorge swings or fly across the gorge on a 131 m highwire “foefie slide”, 80 m above ground zero and witness the breathtaking Graskop falls as never seen before.

To compliment this activity, “THE EDGE BAR”, the multi tiered deck on the opposite side of the gorge allows you to sit back and enjoy a drink while watching the jumpers!

Featured in this picture are Jason and Richard from Mackers.

Panorama Route - The Town of Sabie

Ryan and Michelle Mc Kain — Sun, 24 May 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Our stop on the Panorama route today is the town of Sabie. If you have had had your fill of Waterfalls, pop into this town for some adventure or relax and enjoy a beer at the Micro Brewery. If beer is not your fancy, it’s a must to stop for Pancakes!

Mackers is 22kms from the Town of Sabie on the Panorama Route

Sabie - arguably the best mountain biking destination in South Africa - is the ideal springboard for both novice and accomplished mountain bikers to practice this sport in a secure environment amidst breathtaking scenery. Sabie offer both the competitive and the casual mountain biker a wide range of expertly guided and well marked self-guided mountain bike trails.

Sabie Brewing Company

Located in a roadside heritage building, the Sabie Brewing Company is dedicated to creating the finest hand-crafted beers, complemented by delicious food – all made and delivered by local people with a thirst for perfection.

Petena Pancakes

This restaurant offers fabulous views of the area, whilst enjoying delicious pancakes!

Panorama Route - Sabie Waterfalls Route

Ryan and Michelle Mc Kain — Sun, 17 May 2015 00:00:00 +0200

The Sabie Waterfalls Route in Mpumalanga is amongst South Africa's best-kept secrets: visitors are often so captivated by the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, with its magnificent cliffs and stunning views, not to mention dazzling flora and fauna, that this superb cluster of waterfalls is often overlooked.

There are more waterfalls here than anywhere else in southern Africa, and you'll be astonished by their beauty and diversity. Forget the Big Five and that magnificent canyon for a while, set aside a day or two, and take yourself on a waterfalls tour.

Start in Sabie and head north on the R532 towards the clearly signposted Horseshoe, Lone Creek and Bridal Veil Falls.

As the name suggests, the Horseshoe Falls creates an almost perfect horseshoe as it cascades down the mountainside. It's an easy walk through a campsite to get a superb view.

A short drive away is the evocatively named Lone Creek Falls, which tumble down almost 70m into lush ferns and forest.

You'll understand why the Bridal Veil Falls, again just a brief drive away, are so-named when you see the delicate tracery of water and spray that wafts like a veil from the high cliffs.

For more Sabie waterfalls, go further north on the R532 and head for the gorgeous Mac Mac Falls, named for the Scottish miners who sought their fortune here during the 1870s gold rush.

Next stop is South Africa's highest waterfall – The Lisbon Falls, named by Portuguese miners who panned for gold here. These falls crash down 90m into the gorge below.

Finally, it's off to the Berlin Falls, shaped like a huge white candle, which flows through a natural sluice before dropping 80m into a deep pool below. Then enjoy your packed lunch in the green shade of a lovely picnic spot.

Golf courses near Mackers

Sat, 15 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0200

Mackers recommended courses –

Kruger Park Lodge Golf Club - 17kms from Mackers

General Information –

Located nearby the Kruger National Park. This Gary Player designed 9-hole course offers a real African experience.

Course rating –

Par Rating - Men-72 - Woman-72
SAGA Rating - Men-71 - Woman-71
Length - Men-6100mm - Woman-5152mm

Course Difficulty – 3

Sabie River Bungalows Golf Club – 12km from Mackers

General Information –

The Sabie River flows through the course, therefore here water comes into the play - in the proximity of the 14th and 15th hole. There are also river horses and crocodiles. The picture-beautiful course is has many hills with Kikuyu Fairways and Bayview grass Greens. The course is short, but nevertheless fastidious. The Resort consists of a hotel and time share bungalows. Guests are always welcome. In the summer it can become unpleasantly hot however, therefore the winter and spring months are recommended.

Course rating –

Par Rating - Men-71 - Woman-71
SAGA Rating - Men-70 - Woman-70
Length - Men-5778mm - Woman-4822mm

Course Difficulty – 4

Sabie Country Club – 28kms from Mackers

General Information –

A gem of a 9-hole course that will challenge your golf club selection. Set in beautiful surroundings on the verge of an escarpment with a clubhouse overlooking the finishing holes where you could enjoy the hospitality offered.

Course rating –

Par Rating - Men-68 - Woman-68
SAGA Rating - Men-68 - Woman-68
Length - Men-5169mm - Woman-4695mm

Pack your bags folks and take a break from the chaos of city life! Call Mackers 081 039 3817 for the best golfing weekend away!