Now that the summer heat has passed, and Autumn is slowly slipping into winter, having a picnic under the open blue skies of the Lowveld is a pastime we can all once again enjoy. There are plenty of spots in and around Mbombela to put down a picnic blanket and soak up the sun, and while we have covered the areas in Mbombela in the past, in our latest blog we are widening our area to include picnic spots less than an hour away from our warm city. And you can go to all of these places when staying at our Mbombela accommodation.
Before you climb in your car to head out on an amazing picnic adventure, you need to know what you will be taking along with you. Packing things like biscuits and dip, as well as fruits and something to drink is a must, but if you want to take the experience to the next level, you should think about getting a picnic basket from one of the local restaurants. There are various local restaurants that offer gourmet and plain picnic baskets for those wanting to go on an adventure.
Once you have your picnic basket sorted, the next step is to find a place to enjoy your meal. The Lowveld is dotted with all sorts of amazing places to settle under a tree and have a picnic, and these are just a handful of our favourite spots this winter.
- Horseshoe Falls
These waterfalls are absolutely beautiful and they can be found just outside the town of Sabie, about an hour’s drive from Mbombela. Along with the falls there are also loads of exquisite rock formations as well as trees. There are tables at the falls, and if you want a bit more of a traditional experience, you can head to the nearby Horseshoe Trout Farm where you can also enjoy a spot of fishing.
- Longmere Dam
About a 10 minute drive out of White River, Longmere Dam is a stunning place to have a picnic under the winter sun. The dam is well-known by locals and it is a great place to enjoy some water sports or even go for a swim, although the water is quite chilly in winter.
- The Kruger National Park
If you want to make a day of your adventure, then going into the Kruger National Park is a great choice. Not only can you enjoy a day of seeing all of the interesting wildlife that is naturally found here, but the park is also full of great picnic spots. The best time of the year to visit the park is now, during the winter months, as visibility is great.
- The Pear Orchard
Up in the beloved village of Kaapsehoop, there are various places to have a picnic. But one of the best places to put down your blanket is in the Pear Orchard. Surrounded by trees, in a magical setting, this is a popular spot. In winter, even if the sun is out, it can get really cold, so do dress in your winter finest.
- Barberton by the Sea
To get to this attraction, you might need to do a little off-roading, but when you get there, the sights are well worth it. Set alongside a small stream and surrounded by nature, the perfect place to set down your picnic blanket will be on the “beach” sand.
