Sabie

Sabie is situated in a deep valley in one of the biggest man-made forests in the world. Gold discovered in 1871 invited many fortune seekers, but it was a stray bullet fired by Henry Thomas Glynn's shooting party that chipped a rock, revealing a rich reef.

Many hunters and explorers used to camp out on the banks of the Sabie River. The river was feared for its crocodiles and strong currents and was named 'Ulusaba' - 'River of fear' after which Sabie was named.

In the process of mining gold, many indigenous forests were chopped down to meet the demand for mine props and linewood. Fortunately the far-sighted

Joseph Brook Shires realised that man-made forests would be necessary and planted the first commercial trees in 1876. Today the 'Green Gold' industry flourishes.

The Climate

The climate in this beautiful area is ideal for the forestry industry. The temperature is moderate and comfortable. Mist is a common sight in summer and snow can occur on the mountaintops in winter.

The Sabie area is malaria and bilharzia free.

Places of Interest

Forestry Museum - This is the only museum of its kind in South Africa, and is filled with exciting exhibits for young and old.

St. Peters Church - Designed by Sir Herbert Baker and built by Italians in 1913.

Jock Waymarket - Old market square where local farmers parked their wagons and sold fresh produce. The marker indicates the position of the old transport road, used by Fitzpatrick and Jock.

Water Falls
 

Lone Creek Falls - These falls are situated approximately 9kms from Sabie on the Old Lydenburg Road and have been declared a national monument. A lovely short walk brings you to the falls which are 68m high. A definite favorite. (Toilets and beautiful picnic spots are available.)

Horseshoe Falls - These falls are found 4kms off the Old Lydenburg Road, signposted on the left side. A short walk leads to the cascade type falls, forming a perfect horseshoe.

Bridal veil Falls - Follow the Old Lydenburg Road for approximately 2kms and turn right at Mondi Sawmill and falls sign Cross Ceylon Bridge, enter through Ceylon Forest Station gates and continue plus-minus 3kms. A short uphill trail through indigenous forests leads to the falls. The falls resemble a bridal veil and are 70m high. (Public toilets are available).

Mac Mac Pools - The pools are 10kms from Sabie on the R532 to Graskop. President Burger gave 'Mac Mac' the name to the mining camp in 1874, because of the many Scottish miners at the site. The falls are 85m high and can be viewed from a platform overlooking the breathtaking ravine.

Forest Falls and Maria Shires Falls - These two falls are 16kms from Sabie on the R532 just after the Mac Mac falls. Turn left at the forest picnic spot just after the railway crossing to reach Maria Shires falls and right to the start of the Forest Falls Nature walk. The former was named after the daughter of the man who planted the first trees in 1876.

There are old graves of gold rush miners nearby and the grave of Maria is situated at the crest of the knoll above the falls. Forest Falls can be reached by walking the 5 Km Forest FallsNature Trail (see Walks and Hikes).

Walks and Hikes

Loerie Trail - The Loerie Trail is one of the most popular day trails. Approximately 10kms. This walk takes you through pine and blue-gum plantations, as well as through indigenous forests and patches of grassland. The trail's starting points are the Ceylon Forest Station or Merry Pebbles Holiday Resort and returns to both. Map available at Sondelani Tourist Information (013) 7643492.

Forest Falls Nature Walk - A 3,2km crescent route. The starting point is at the Groenerfenis picnic site. The refreshing walk takes you through fragrant pine forests to the Forest Falls, the only falls wider than their height.

Secretary Bird Walk - Mac Mac Pools - 3 km crescent route. This walk starts at the Mac Mac Pools and works its way through the surrounding velt and scattered indigenous trees. There is very little shade on this route and precaution against sunburn is recommended. An entry fee is payable at the gate. Picnic sites are available for the enjoyment of the whole family.

Fanie Botha Trail- Duration of the trail 5days. Total distance 79kms. Overnight huts are available at Ceylon, Maritzbos, Hartebeesvlakte, President Burger, Mac Mac and Graskop. The hiker starts off at Ceylon Plantation and finishes at either Graskop or God's Window. However, the trail can also be tackled over a weekend. Two circular routes within the main trail make sleeping over for only one or two nights possible.

Protea Circle - Blyderivierpoort Nature Reserve - This is a 4 day trail and more info can be obtained at the Bourkess Luck Potholes Information Centre or write to Private Bag X432, Graskop 1270.

Yellow Wood Trail - Blyderivierpoort Nature Reserve - This is an overnight trail (2 days) and very popular. More information can be obtained at the Bourkes Luck Potholes Information Centre.

Mountain Bike Trails

Long Tom Mountain Bike Trail - This trail starts and ends at Misty Mountain. It consists of two sections, one of 36kms and the other 20kms. Graduation: Difficult as result of steep and rough sections. The trail works its way through the Long Tom section of Ceylon Plantation. At the 17km mark the trail forks and from this point the biker can decide whether to do the long or the short route.

Both routes wind their way through indigenous forests and commercial plantations with a number of clear sections and picturesque viewpoints.

Ceylon Mountain Bike Trail - Distance: 21km. Graduation: Reasonably easy. The trail starts and ends at the Castle Rock Caravan Park. The first 5kms of the trail is level followed by a steep section of 2kms leading to the top of the Bridal Falls. The following 4kms are also reasonable level with a few steep up and down gradients and works its way along the higher escarpment. The next 5kms are virtually all downhill, cycling your way back to the Caravan Park.

Trout Fishing

Horse Shoe Trout Farm - The farm is situated next to Horseshoe Falls. Quality fishing either conventional (with bait) or fly fishing at a separate dam is possible. Pay for what you catch and enjoy a day out with the family.

Sabie Trout Angling Club - For the more serious fly fisherman the Sabie Trout Angling Club offers a superb stretch of river with deep pools. The site is peaceful and tranquil with superb bird life, including the resident fish eagles. A trout licence is necessary and permits are available at the Information Centre