The Sterkspruit Nature Reserve, just outside of Lydenburg in Mpumalanga lies in one of the most scenic areas of the region. Situated on the Long Tom Pass going down into the Sabie River valley, the reserve is home to the rolling mountains of the Drakensberg foothills and is dominated by the magnificent Mount Anderson.
The Sterkspruit river, flowing through the reserve, is stocked with rainbow trout and provides excellent trout fishing opportunities for keen fly-fishermen. The reserve is also home to an exciting array of bird and animal life. More than 150 species of bird have been recorded in the reserve to date, and sightings of the fascinating porcupine, aardwolf and cape clawless otter are quite common.
For keen hikers, there is a heritage trail around the Lydenburg area that is of particular interest to history enthusiasts. Lydenburg is home to the oldest church outside of the Cape region of the country that has managed to survive all the country’s wars. It was built in 1853.
The Sterkspruit Nature Reserve is a fantastic addition on any trip into the Lowveld and Panorama Route of Mpumalanga.
Getting there: from Gauteng, take the N4 going East into Mpumalanga. At Belfast, turn onto the R540 going towards Dullstroom. Continue through Dullstroom. The road becomes the R36 which goes into Lydenburg. Here, take the R37 (Long Tom Pass) going towards Nelspruit. Approximately 10km along this road you will see a turn-off to your right going into the reserve.
| More info on the town of Lydenburg | More info on the Highlands Meander area |
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