.
The
Elands Valley - "The river runs through it."
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Few Mpumalanga bound visitors, travelling
from Gauteng, will dispute that the Elands Valley sets the tone and creates
the anticipation for the better known lowveld areas in and around the Kruger
National Park.
The excitement is experienced whether
commuting by road, rail or indeed air. Two hours from Johannesburg (500m
higher) one travels on the N4 past Belfast, Machadadorp and Waterval Boven
before passing through the NZASM tunnel. This is the Elands Valley! |
| The Elands Falls, the longest span
of electricity cabling in the world, the imported, turn of the 20th century
dressed stone NZASM railway tunnel and Five Arch bridge, imposing sheer
sandstone cliffs and the Elands River all assail one's senses within minutes
of each other, the moment one descends into this very special valley from
out of the tunnel.
The area is steeped in history with
President Paul Kruger's last home situated neatly in the centre of the
valley at Waterval Onder. His home is now a museum, worthy of a quiet 45
minutes or so. Rumours and treasure hunts continue, in anticipation of
one day unearthing the fabled Kruger millions.
A stone throw away from the Kruger
homestead lie some 35 British soldiers under their hundred-year-old iron
crosses. The story of the British soldier who still meets his Afrikaans
lover at Waterval Onder is well documented as one of South Africa's favourite
ghost stories. |
| Due to the position on the escarpment
the area is diverse in its fauna and flora. Typical trees worth seeking
out whilst hiking the valley include the Karee, River Bush Willow, Mountain
Cabbage Tree, White Stinkwood, Cape Ash, Marula, Red Leafed Rock Fig and
the Cape Fig.
Crested Louries (or Tauraco as they
are correctly named) and various raptors such as the Crowned Eagle, Martial
Eagle, Snake Eagle, Jackal Buzzard and Steppe Buzzard are commonly sighted.
Various antelope, typical of the
mountainous terrain are regular visitors and occasionally you may spot
a leopard. More typical predators often seen include Caracal, Jackal, Cape
Fox, Brown Hyena and Aardwolf.
The Elands River (which supports
fishing for Trout and a small scaled Yellow Fish endemic only to the Elands
river) flows the length of the valley constrained by the mountain ranges
on either side. Streams flow from the mountains into the river and each
of these tributaries hosts it's own private collection of montane plants
and animals. |
| The Valley offers many varied activities
from the gentle fly-fishing to the more energetic mountain climbing. There
are also lots of hiking and cycling trails and horse riding is offered
at some venues. Accommodation ranges from five star Lodges to self-catering
cottages and the area is free of malaria. Consider the valley as an overnight
stop or better still stay awhile and experience the Elands Valley. The
river runs through it. |
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