Ezemvelo, a Hidden Gem

Ezemvelo is a beautiful 11 000 hectare nature reserve owned by the Oppenheimer Trust located near Bronkhorstspruit, a mere 90 minutes east of Sandton and even less from Pretoria.  Some years ago, the Trust created the "Diamond Trail" opening up extensive land holdings across the country initially to Birdlife SA but now to the general public.

Extensive plains of Bankenveld, the transition between grassland and savanna biomes, support herds of plains game.  These include eland, gemsbok and tssessebe as well as springbok, blue wildebeest, zebra and giraffe. Elusive nocturnal animals such as brown hyena, jackal, aardwolf and leopard also make their home in the Reserve as well as "Sengi".  Sengi?  More commonly known as the elephant shrew, this seldom seen relative of the elephant thrives amongst the rocky outcrops and boulders.  And the varied habitats make this a birdwatchers paradise with the current list totaling about 250 species.  It is particularly rich in the frustrating LBJ species.

The clear Wilge River meanders through the reserve which, together with spectacular cliffs, rocky outcrops, deep gorges and rock paintings, contribute to a stunning destination. 

Activities are many and varied including an extensive network of roads affording game drives, mountain biking and walking  Several well marked hiking trails have been laid out ranging from about 4 to 12 kms in length and varying from easy to reasonably strenuous.  An inviting swimming pool at the reception area is necessary on those hot days while a beach volleyball court is much in demand.  

A number of options exist for accommodation include a beautifully located and shady camp site complete with electrical points, dormitories, overnight hiking huts, an old farmhouse and comfortable cottages.  And all reasonably priced.

http://www.ezemvelo.co.za/

An Outing in the Magaliesberg

Located a mere 45 minutes north of Sandton and the same distance west of Pretoria, the Hennops 4 x 4 cum Hiking trail is a wonderful outing away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.  The two hiking trails of 11.3 and 6.5 kms both start at the indigenous tree lined Hennops River.  Clearly marked and well maintained, there are even showers at the parking areas.
The former trail crosses the river via a suspension bridge before winding up to the summit of the Skurweberg which runs parallel to the Magaliesberg affording spectacular views south to the Johannesburg skyline and north to - well forever. A birds eye view of the Pelindaba nuclear facility is also presented.  Several interesting historical sites are passed including a field hospital used during the Boer War and the sites of mining activities.  Arriving back at the river, an aerial "foefie slide" type chair is used for the return crossing of the river.
A lovely shady and well grassed picnic site complete with braiis, swimming pools and ablutions, is perfect for a lazy lunch after the exertions of the hike.  Game can be seen during the hikes and birdwatching is rewarding particularly along the riverine forest.  Basic self catering accommodation is available for those wanting to stay overnight.  Other activities include a mountain biking trail and a well known 4x4 trail.
A modest fee is charged for the use of the hiking and MTB trails with a higher fee for the 4x4 trail.  The close proximity to both Jo'burg and Pretoria combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, the great facilities and the well maintained trails make this an outstanding destination. 



http://www.hennops.co.za/default.aspx

Home of the World's Largest Diamond

Approximately 20 minutes drive east of Pretoria, lies the picturesque and historic Victorian village of Cullinan, the home of the Diamond Mine of the same name.  Sir Thomas Cullinan discovered an alluvial diamond in the area in the late 19th century and acquired the land a few years later.  The kimberlite pipe was discovered in 1902 and mining operations started shortly afterwards.
In 1905, the largest rough diamond ever found at 3 106 carats, was unearthed. It was cleaved in Amsterdam resulting in nine stones being cut, the largest of which is the Great Star of Africa, a pear-shaped diamond of 530.20 carats and is the second largest cut diamond in the world.
The Transvaal Government purchased it and presented it to King Edward Vlll on his 66th birthday.  It is set in the sceptre of the Crown Jewels and is housed along with other royal jewels in the Tower of London.
de Beers took ownership of the mine and operated it as an open cast mine before selling it to Petra Diamonds in 2007 and today the Kimberlite pipe is mined primarily by underground shafts.  Cullinan is famous for the rare blue diamonds that are found there and which at one stage were sold exclusively to US government agencies for use in advanced electronics.
Both surface and underground tours are conducted which include a visit to the museum, diamond cutting workshop and jewellery gallery.  Quaint shops in the Victorian architectural style provide a browsing experience while the restaurants cater for the "inner man".  Various accommodation options are available and steam train outings are run from Pretoria.

It is an outing that is a firm favourite of our overseas visitors. 

http://www.cullinandiamonds.co.za/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premier_Mine