"Travellers flock to Kruger National Park to see wildlife, but just outside the park is an area where the landscape is undoubtedly the hero. Mighty waterfalls plummet over cliffs, rivers carve majestic canyons and there’s even an outlook where the view is so spectacular, it’s been named God’s Window.”
- Narina Exelby
Eastern Escarpment
Along the Eastern Escarpment in Mpumalanga province, the rugged mountains of the north-eastern Drakensberg end abruptly, dropping severely away onto wild plains. This escarpment is a lush area, often shrouded with forests and carved over millennia by rivers, creating a landscape that is absolutely astounding to look at – and a real thrill to experience.
Many of the towns in this area sprung up during the gold-rush era of the late 1800s. Pilgrim’s Rest once drew prospectors from as far as Australia, and these days it is still possible to pan for gold at the quaint museum town, where wood and corrugated-iron buildings still stand. Sabie is a haven for travellers seeking adventure, as the area is well known for its offering of horse riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Of course, there are plenty of waterfalls here too. Graskop is the gateway to the exquisite Panorama Route, a must-drive route that showcases some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country. The Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels and God’s Window prove that there really is so much more to Mpumalanga than wildlife.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
WINTER – DRY SEASON
These are the driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Mornings are however very cold, so worth packing warm clothes.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
SUMMER – WET SEASON
A beautiful time of year with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. The summer months are the wettest in the year, rainfall is however usually very short-lived arriving in the form of sharp afternoon thunderstorms.
Like the greater Kruger Area, the Eastern Escarpment has a subtropical highland climate. The region enjoys a sunny climate, with the summer months characterised by hot days followed by afternoon thundershowers and cool evenings, and the winter months by dry, sunny days followed by cold nights.
Explore Eastern Escarpment Properties
Khaya Ndlovu
Khaya Ndlovu
Translating to ‘haven’ in the isiZulu language, Khaya Ndlovu offers just this, a peaceful home away from home with sweeping views across the splendid Blyde River Canyon. With an alfresco dining area, tropical gardens which are ..
Rissington Inn
Rissington Inn
Set in an award-winning farmhouse, the Rissington Inn is a stylish and popular accommodation, promising a relaxed atmosphere, delicious food and a welcoming, easy-going ambience. With attentive staff and freedom at its core, this ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
