EXPLORE
A MPUMALANGA VALENTINE …
THEY CALL MPUMALANGA“ THE PLACE WHERE THE SUN RISES,” BUT IT COULD JUST AS WELL BE“ THE PLACE WHERE ROMANCE SHOWS OFF.”
Between forested valleys, big skies and the kind of views that make you consider moving there, the province of Mpumalanga does Valentine’ s Day differently. These beaches of the bush – wild, remote and blissfully basic – don’ t come with fancy cocktails or towel service. They come with space, a silence that hums, and the odd zebra photobomb. Turns out, wild is a love language too. crave nature’ s pulse, Mpumalanga’ s private reserves are the real love language. The Manyeleti Game Reserve(“ place of stars”) borders Kruger, but without the crowds – lantern-lit dinners follow game drives and nights end under glittering constellations. In Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, luxury lodges turn the bush into a stage; outdoor baths, private plunge pools, and the low rumble of lions just beyond the firelight.
Few places wear dawn as beautifully as Mpumalanga. Watch the first blush of day from God’ s Window or take an early drive along the Panorama Route, the light shifting across cliffs and canyons. It’ s the kind of quiet that makes even coffee from a flask taste ceremonial. Just beyond that viewpoint, Angels View Hoyo Hoyo rises from the escarpment like it’ s part of the landscape itself. Sleek stone and glass meet rammed-earth curves, framing endless views over forest and canyon. It’ s modern yet rooted, luxurious without losing touch. Evenings here stretch slow – a drink by the pool, sky turning gold, nothing to rush for except another sunset.
Love stories deserve a soundtrack, and Mpumalanga’ s comes with a steady rush of falling water. Near Sabie, Bridal Veil Falls mists through the forest, living up to its name. Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls tumble dramatically down ancient rock, while Horseshoe Falls offers a gentler curve for picnics and photographs. For couples who
If wilderness with a touch of indulgence is more your pace, Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa near Hazyview balances sensory romance with comfort. Set between banana groves and the Sabie River, it’ s scented with roses and candlelight. Timamoon Lodge hides deeper in the valley, a collection of Balinese-style villas where each suite has its own pool and fireplace. As evening slips in, make your way to the Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Mbombela. Wander the bridges, or find a bench under fig trees as the sky burns pink. Love feels slower here, less staged. It’ s more about being still together, surrounded by life in every shade of green.
Valentine’ s week lands in the heart of Mpumalanga’ s summer, when the province is at its lushest and waterfalls are in full voice. Keep it simple: pack a picnic, fill the tank, and let curiosity, not an app, set the route.
32 | SUMMER 2025 / 26 • rovesa. co. za