Experience Sabie

The sheer vertical cliffs around Sabie lends itself to exhilarating rock climbing and abseiling for those with the right equipment, courage and know-how. A popular venue is at the Sabie waterfall in town. Equipment and instructors are available.

Contact Tourist Information Office:

• 013 764-1177
• 013 767-1886

The Sabie area is truly a birders paradise. Not only is there a huge variety of the more common bird species, but a number of globally and nationally threatened species also occur in the area. See our special Bird Watchers page for more information.

A number of dams (all less than a hour's drive from Sabie) is a haven for power-boat and sailing enthusiasts.

For more information contact the Lowveld Angling and Boating Association (LABA) on (013) 753-3336.

Home of the Forest Sailing Club. Motorised crafts limited to a maximum of 5kw. Camping is allowed, but there are no ablution facilities.

Contact:
Forest Sailing Club (Ken Grossmith) on (082) 600-2252 or Des Drake on (083) 225-8359

The turnoff to the dam is 34.4 km from Sabie on the R537 road towards White River. No restriction on size of motorized crafts. A camping site with ablution facilities is available.

Contact:
Chris Schutte (083) 626-6293

Access to this small dam is restricted to LABA club members, owners of the time-share units and hotel guests. Only pedal-boats and canoes are allowed.

Contact:
Pine Lake Inn on (013) 751-5036
Alex Price on (082) 448-1888

Take the R532 towards Graskop and then the R533 via Pilgrim's Rest. The turnoff to the dam is 19.1 km beyond Pilgrim's Rest on the R533 and the dam a further 3.9 km. Canoeing, rowing and angling from powerboats are permitted on the dam. A picnic site with ablution facilities is available.

Contact:
Department of Water Affairs & Forestry on (013) 238-0201

Motorised crafts limited to a maximum of 5kw. A camping site with ablution facilities is available.

Contact:
Francis (caretaker) on (072) 483-2000 [email protected]

The turnoff to the dam is 31.7 km from Sabie on the R537 road towards White River. This 188ha dam is mainly a fishing dam. No motorised crafts (other than electric bass fishing boats) are permitted. Only small, slow moving rowing and sailing boats are allowed, due to the danger of submersed debris.

Contact:
Department of Water Affairs & Forestry on (013) 764-2871

A broad band of Dolomitic rock occurs less than a kilometre west of Sabie. It contains a large number of caves on private land.

• Lone Creek Cave

One of the largest caves in the area is the Lone Creek cave. It is not a tourist cave, but it is (unofficially) open to the public. It is situated just off the main road on the way to Lone Creek Falls - 7 km from Sabie. There are no facilities and no lights. Cave disease (Histoplasmosis) may be present. Some caving experience and adult supervision is advised. Dress up in old clothing as this is a very muddy cave. The entrance to an old horizontal mine shaft is located 30 m north-west of the cave entrance. Do not enter the mine as the old tunnels are extremely unstable and dangerous.

• Echo Caves

The Echo Caves is 130 km from Sabie on the R36 road, north of Ohrigstad. The Sudwala Caves is located 45 km from Sabie (turn left on the R37 road to Nelspruit at Rosehaugh and follow directions on the R539). This is a large and spectacular cave system that is well worth a visit. Guided tours are conducted daily. Also enquire about their special Crystal Chamber tour (for the brave of heart).

Contact:
Tourist Information Office on 013 764-1177, or 013 767-1886

The Sabie river, and all its tributaries above the Sabie waterfall, is declared trout waters. The Sabie Trout Angling Club stock 7 km of the river with rainbow and brown trout to supplement the natural breeding population of trout in the river. This section of the Sabie river is arguably the best river fly-fishing venue for trout on public waters in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. Non club members need to purchase daily rod permits, obtainable from a number of businesses and accommodation establishments in town. Fly-fishers also have to be in possession of a provincial trout angling license. Strictly fly-fishing tackle and artificial flies only.

Fishing for trout is also available from a number of small dams at the Horseshoe Trout & About trout farm. Fishing tackle can be rented and any bait may be used. The fish caught are charged by the kilogram.

Excellent fishing venues for Bass, Carp, Catfish, & Tilapia include the da Gama, Klipkoppie, Longmere, Orighstad, Primkop and Witklip dams - all of which are but a short drive from Sabie.

Contact:
Lowveld Angling and Boating Association (LABA) on (013) 753-3336

The Sabie aerodrome is a well maintained grassed runway at an altitude of 1140m (3740 feet). It is mostly used by private air planes and micro-lights, as well as by "water-bomber" planes when combating forest fires.

"There are still gold in them hills ....." So why not try your hand at panning for gold - just like the old-timers did. Visit Pilgrim's Rest to try it first hand.

Experience the adrenaline rush of the world's highest cable gorge swing with a 68 metre (18 storey building) freefall.0-160km/h in 2.3 seconds!

Hover over breathtaking views of waterfalls, Blyde Canyon, God's Window, and Sabie River Valley. Various options - 15min, 45min, 1hour and 2hours.

Contact:
Tourist Information Office on 013 764-1177, or 013 767-1886

The concept of National Hiking Trails was invented in Sabie with the launch of the Fanie Botha trail in 1973. Hiking trails around Sabie cater for everyone - whether you are a bird watcher, a fauna and flora enthusiast, or merely want to experience the delight of relaxing within sight of sparkling waterfalls or meandering streams.