Supernova Stardust: Beautiful Sabie

It's been a bucket list destination of mine for a long time. The thought of going through Mpumalanga, South Africa and enjoying the exploration of Pilgrim's Rest and God's Window have always pulled at my heart strings.

Unexpected trips are the best!

So there we were, contemplating what to do over New Years eve. We mulled over the thought of the ever so popular (and overdone KZN/beach trip) and then flitted between a two night stay in Clarens, Parys, Drakensberg - gosh anywhere but home! Looking at the map of Gauteng and surrounds, I found myself drawn to Mpumalanga. I browsed through accommodation and all enquiries turned up as dead ends as holiday makers filled up rooms across the country. We had left it too late.

Blessings in disguise and the case of the missing passport

Chatting to my mom about her impending trip to Botswana, I learned that her plans had been foiled when her partner had lost and later found his (expired) passport, so their trip was called off and she began to tell me about her back up plan and camping adventures that awaited with my brother.

I listened casually to her plans and packing lists, and her enthusiastic camping dreams fell onto my deaf ears. She had lost me at self catering and portable potty - gosh when did I become such a snob!

As her sentence ended I jokingly asked if there was space for a "Plus 2" so that Neil and I could join in. Suddenly before I was aware of my request an opportunity presented itself in the form of a last minute camping trip to, wait for it, Sabie, Mpumalanga!

Things I didn't know about Sabie (and camping) until I got there

1. We stayed at a place called Merry Pebbles, a pristine and immaculately well kept camping and Caravaning facility in Sabie. Highly recommended for the price you pay, onsite restaurant, hot and cold pools, water tubing and so much more! Excellent for kids and first time campers as well as those wanting to enjoy a chalet option.

2. Sabie is damp - very damp. By day 5 I was over my first (and probably last) camping trip when the rain came down for two straight days. There are so many tree's and you're literally sleeping on the forest floor. Be sure to visit the Sabie Forestry Museum to learn more about paper, forestry and conservation.

3. Sabie has it's own brewery, Sabie Brewing Co. - and you have to, have to try the Cherry cider!

4. Graskop is not "just down the road", it's about 40kms from Sabie and is pretty much where you'll find a strip of road where all the magic happens, including Harries Pancakes and tons of Macadamia nut vendors.

5. Pilgrims Rest is a good 45 minute drive from Sabie.

6. You'll see many, many, many waterfalls. And they will eventually all start looking the same.

7. Don't go over peak season if you can help it, because everyone and their cousin is sitting in the waterfalls with a glass of whiskey. Not my idea of enjoying nature.

8. Mosquitoes are real, especially when hiking. Be prepared!

9. Pilgrims Rest is about 800 meters long, if you're into SA Gold mining history, it's a must, but if you're expecting a buzzing town you'll be disappointed.

10. It's just 4 hours from Joburg and the fresh air will clear your skin, sinuses and your lungs, just in time for your return to the pollution of Jozi Town!

We'll definitely be back and next time we'll take the boys.
It's been 3 weeks and the tent is still scrunched in a pile in a bucket, at the back of our shed (perhaps we should look into that).

Huge commendations to Merry Pebbles for their outstanding housekeeping and cleanliness. Do book yourself into a chalet if you're not into camping and enjoy the benefits of being in the forest without sleeping on the damp floor.

Take your camera, a board game and some binoculars for the many eagles you'll spot daily along the Sabie - Pilgrim's Rest drive.