The Jewel of Mpumalanga
We often feature places which have been recommended, but this months Travel feature has been tried, tested and approved by our editor. Hidden away in Schoemanskloof in the Mpumalanga mountains, Wolwekrans Eco Estate is almost completely off the grid – ensuring the lowest possible carbon footprint. It’s untouched, unspoilt and undeniably good for the soul!
Whilst loadshedding has us feeling like we live ‘off the grid’ whether we like it or not, there’s something refreshing about escaping the city and voluntarily staying at an eco-friendly, secluded mountain chalet that runs purely on solar and gas, leaving little to no impact on the environment.
The 120-hectare mountainous farm has only 3 self-catering cottages and 2 luxury safari tents, so you could be fooled for believing you’re the only one there… barring the Kudu, Bushbuck, Nyala, Warthog and other small game (and a few elusive leopards) who also call Wolwekrans home.
It’s just a two and a half hour drive out of Johannesburg and has breathtaking 240 degree panoramic views of the Lowveld Valley and the Drankens mountains. All chalets are self-catering but have their own private boma, deck, fully operational kitchen and braai facilities so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to preparing meals.
We wouldn’t judge if your sole intention was to sit on the deck and admire the views and stargaze all weekend, but for those who seek a little adventure there are trails suitable for mountain biking and hiking – including a 3km, 70 degree gradient hike to the top of the Schoemans mountains. It’s a beast, but the breathtaking views from the summit are worth every aching muscle, every sweaty step and every swear word it may have taken to get there.
When the hustle and bustle of everyday life becomes too much, there’s no greater ‘reset button’ for the soul than returning to nature wholeheartedly. No mobile phones, no signal, no TV’s or electronic distractions… just a dose of mother nature at her finest!
Website: www.wolwekrans.com
Facebook: Wolwekrans Eco Lodge
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