Leisure Portfolio Association

Category: Mpumalanga

Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge: A Scenic Escape in the Heart of Mpumalanga

Nestled in the picturesque region of Mpumalanga, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge offers a tranquil and scenic escape for those seeking a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Known for its breathtaking views, lush landscapes, and comfortable accommodations, this lodge is an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a romantic retreat, Crystal Springs provides an unforgettable experience that is truly in harmony with the beauty of the Mpumalanga escarpment.

A Hidden Gem in Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga, meaning “the place where the sun rises,” is one of South Africa’s most stunning provinces, known for its natural beauty, wildlife, and diverse ecosystems. Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge is perfectly located to take advantage of all that this spectacular area has to offer. Located just outside the charming town of Pilgrims Rest, the lodge is perched on the edge of a lush valley, offering sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The Lodge’s central location makes it a great starting point for exploring the nearby attractions, including the famous Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon, and the breathtaking God’s Window. For those seeking a more serene escape, the Lodge itself offers plenty of activities to enjoy without venturing too far from the property.

Comfortable Accommodation in a Natural Setting
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences and group sizes. Whether you prefer a cosy studio club suites, spacious apartments perfect for small families or gorgeous lodge units overlooking the spectacular gorge, you’ll find the perfect space to relax and unwind. The Resort blends modern comfort with rustic charm, ensuring that guests enjoy all the conveniences they need while still being immersed in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

Each accommodation unit is designed with thoughtful touches, creating a welcoming and cosy atmosphere. Large windows allow you to take in the views from the comfort of your room, while outdoor terraces offer a perfect spot for morning coffee or evening sundowners.

Nature at Your Doorstep
What sets Crystal Springs apart is its strong connection to nature. Guests can explore the lodge’s well-maintained hiking trails, which wind through the indigenous forests, over streams, and along cliffs with views of the valley below. The area is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for sightings of baboons, antelope, and an impressive array of bird species.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the lodge features outdoor pools, a spa, and various areas to relax in the sun or enjoy a picnic with loved ones. The Lodge’s tranquil environment offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, ensuring that guests leave feeling rejuvenated and connected with nature.

The Ideal Venue for Special Occasions
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge also serves as an excellent venue for special events such as weddings, conferences, and team-building activities. The breathtaking scenery provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor weddings or intimate celebrations, while the versatile indoor spaces are perfect for hosting meetings and corporate events.

With a dedicated Team of professionals to help plan and execute every detail, Crystal Springs ensures that your special occasion is a memorable one.

The Perfect Base for Exploration
The area is known for its stunning waterfalls, including the nearby Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls, as well as hiking and cycling trails that lead through lush forests and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. For history and culture buffs, the region also boasts a number of heritage sites, such as the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest, known for its charming countryside ambience.

Crystal Springs: A Place to Connect with Nature
Whether you’re looking to unwind in nature, explore the breathtaking landscapes, or simply enjoy a peaceful getaway with family or friends, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge provides the perfect destination. With its scenic beauty, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional service, it’s no wonder that Crystal Springs is considered one of Mpumalanga’s top getaway spots.

For those looking for a tranquil escape in the heart of South Africa’s natural wonders, Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge should be at the top of your list. It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience that brings you closer to the beauty of the world around you.

Book your stay at Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge today and immerse yourself in the serenity of Mpumalanga!

June 16, 2025
The History of the Panorama Route
When choosing Mpumalanga as your holiday destination – the Panorama Route should be your first choice. Mpumalanga, which is positioned farthest east within South Africa – is the first place where the light touches each morning. The word Mpumalanga literally translates to ‘the land of the rising sun’ in Swazi. The Panorama Route is a strategic holiday dictation, as it is connected to several cultural and natural points of interest within South Africa.

So, what can you do on your next trip to Crystal Springs?

Add a bit of historical-flair and culture on your next trip to Crystal Springs, which is located on the Robber’s Pass near Pilgrims Rest. On your Panorama Route road trip, a route that is deeply entrenched within South African history, you will find numerous historical pit-stops.

The Panorama Route played a vital part in many historic events, during the 1800’s. The use of this route dates back to 1871, when parts of the route were used as a transportation road. This was especially used, as an alternative road, between the towns of Lydenburg and Delagoa Bay. This road played an important role during the Transvaal gold rush in the late 1800’s. In his world famous book – Jock of the Bushveld – Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, a former storekeeper from Pilgrim’s Rest, wrote about the many “fortune seekers” crossing this mountainous landscape, with its rugged gorges, in search of gold. Do yourself a favour and get a copy of this book for a really good read on your next visit to Crystal Springs; read more about Percy and Jock, his faithful dog, and how they traversed this famous route.

The route also played a fundamental role during the Anglo Boer War. The late General Louis Botha used this route to flee from the English troops. The route also boasts, “The Long Tom”, one of the oldest and most famous Victorian age canons.

In 1986, the entire town of Pilgrim’s Rest was declared a National Monument. This town, which is one of many beautiful towns in South Africa, shows the rich history of how mining magnates ruled during this era.

Here are a few Bucket List sights to visit:
1. Visit Pilgrim’s Rest and step back in time to the age of carriages, teatime and old photographs.
2. Get your heart racing at The Big Swing in Graskop for a unique experience of this gorge.
3. Visit the White River Gallery, a contemporary gallery, which exhibits both the best of local as well as national artists located at Casterbridge in White River.
4. Go take a snap of the Berlin and MacMac Falls, two majestic waterfalls in this region.
5. Kruger National Park, which is 100km from Crystal Springs, is Africa’s largest game reserve. It has a high density of wild animals, which includes the Big 5.
So on your next trip to Crystal Springs – embrace the history of the magical surrounds – and go on a road-trip to the times of yesteryear.
October 11, 2019
A true family getaway
Family getaways are all about celebrating the things that bring you together as a unit; reminding you that what connects you can outlive any squabbles over the TV remote. Although the major reason for holidays is relaxation, they also are an opportunity to get the family out of their comfort-zone. “Live a little”, that is the motto that drives a family holiday. We have highlighted a number of activities for mom, dad, Lil’ Nicky and Sam from our various resorts; these will come in handy when you are deciding on your next getaway.

Dad

Lying in bed and watching sports is a no-no for dad during the holiday. It might sound like the perfect activity to enjoy complete relaxation but that he can do on any given Saturday afternoon at home; besides, TV is a buzz kill when the objective is to spend more time with the family.

The activities below are governed by the only phrase that will get Dad’s attention, sports and adventure.

Game Drives and night-drives are the best pastimes for Dad. They appeal to the explorer in him that just wants to put on shorts, a hat and boots, and tame the wild. Mabalingwe Nature Reserve is second to none when it comes to Game Drives and Night-Drives.

Boat launching is a sure way of getting the adventurer’s spirit awakened. Baywater Village is perfect for water activities that get your heart-pumping and leave you with memories that will outlive the holiday. The below water sport activities are available for all daring spirits:
- Canoeing
- Paddle boating
- Dingy motor boating
- Stand up paddle boarding
- Speedboat cruises
- Water tubing
Federer who? The Ngwenya Lodge tennis court is the perfect opportunity for dad to showcase his Master skills against other guests, or family-members to prove once and for all to the kids that he was once an incredible tennis player. And after that taxing exercise, dad can go relax on a recliner while catching fish at the Ngwenya Lodge catch and release facility.

Mom

You have been at it all year; taking care of the family. Now it is your turn to be taken care of. No, no feeling guilty, it is your turn.

You are about to enter a stress-free zone. Your “me-time” starts with a pampering at the spa. Explore the power of touch as you enjoy a massage from one of the professional masseuses at Mount Amanzi. If you are looking for ‘Wow’, Kagga Kamma has just the thing – experience the recently launched open air spa; we promise you, you will be a story-teller after the experience.

But your skin and your mind keep telling you that they came to the resort for fresh air and fresh perspective. Why not exchange the slippers for sneakers and conquer the hiking trail. Little Eden has an 8km hiking trail that is surrounded by nature’s most elegant flora blanket. Take the kids and challenge dad, a hiking trail is one of nature’s best bonding sessions.

There are a myriad of activities that are designed to leave you feeling so relaxed…
- Indoor Heated Pool (Mount Amanzi)
- Clubhouse with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room (Crystal Springs)
- Le Fera Beauty Spa (Crystal Springs)
- Kagga Kamma Spa and Open Air Spa (Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve)
Lil Nicky (Kids)

Looking for ways to keep your kids entertained over the holiday? Leave that to us. We have a variety of activities geared to keep the young mind entertained and stimulated. The Manzi Monaté holiday programme for kids is a big hit. It includes games that are meant to educate and impart proper life-skills, like teamwork, that will prove to be useful long after the holiday.

These are some of the resorts that offer Holiday programmes for kids:
- Manzi Monaté
- Monateng Safari Lodge
- Sudwala Lodge
- Little Eden Resort
- Crystal Springs
- Ngwenya Lodge
- Mount Amanzi
- Uvongo River Resort
- Baywater Village
- Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve
It would seem Ngwenya Lodge had little ones in mind when they were adding fun features to the resort. There is a chalkboard that invites toddlers to come create their own personal work of art. There are colouring books in store that stimulate creativity and a jungle gym that makes sure that they experience some physical activity-type fun too.

Monkey Business (Little Eden)

Kiddies Room (Ngwenya Lodge)

Kiddies Play Area with Scooter Track (Mount Amanzi)

Sam (Outdoor Fun)

This is the perfect opportunity for your teenagers and young adults to engage in a digital detox (if you can convince them). Our resorts’ activities are more than capable of luring them away from screens and electronics. Sudwala Lodge has a plethora of activities that are very effective in enticing guests to ditch mobile devices and just head out and enjoy physical activities.

Eco Teens Club (Mabalingwe Nature Reserve)

BMX Track (Little Eden)

Hiking, and a soccer and rugby field (Ngwenya Lodge)

Mini Golf (Ngwenya Lodge)

Cricket (Mount Amanzi)

For Both Mom and Dad

With mystical forests, breathtaking views and the sounds of nature all around you, the magic of Crystal Springs is yours to discover. It is a lovers’ paradise; a romantic ballad whose melodic notes tip-toe to every heart that dares to approach it. Mom and dad will enjoy taking time out to reconnect. Let the gentle caress of Crystal Springs set the right mood for you and your special one. All of this is possible because Crystal Springs has baby-sitting services that can be arranged after 17:00, and Le Fera’s Mom’s Night-Off makes sure that undivided attention is given to Mom and Dad time.

Clubhouse with Jacuzzi and sauna (Crystal Springs)

Nature Drives (Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve)

Baby Sitting Services (Kruger Park Lodge)

Renew your vows (Mount Amanzi)

The joy of others has more positive effect on us than history has recorded; when your partner is happy, that automatically makes you happy. The joy of parents lies in the whimsical laughter of their kids. It is in view of this that we make sure that holiday activities are geared for all members of the family.
August 16, 2018
Mpumalanga: Rise with the Sun

Over four billion years ago…

Madagascar and Antarctica separated from Africa and left us with two contrasting regions that we now call the Lowveld and the Highveld. Mpumalanga is where the sun rises and its glory touches everything in its shadow. Mpumalanga is a place of many contrasts and visitors from all walks of life come to soak in the beauty on display; it is an escape from the busy city life and it has so many activities that one can engage in to leave one totally refreshed.

This truly African mix of plains and mountains boasts the most incredible variety of game and flowers. It is home to the world’s oldest cave systems and has in its portfolio the world’s third-largest canyon. Mountains and valleys stretching for thousands of kilometres carpeted with the best vegetation. It leaves other provinces green with envy.

Fortunately, urbanisation has not ruined the paradise that Mpumalanga harbours. Mpumalanga is home to some of the best resorts and lodges in the country that have a pillow to spare for all those that have discovered this slice of heaven.

It is not by chance that Sudwala Lodge is located right in the same area as the Sudwala Caves and the Sudwala Dinosaur Park. The tranquillity it offers to its guests can only be described as both magical and historic. Sudwala Lodge’s stunning location is a feast for the eyes and the splendour of the area attracts spectators from all corners of the country. Whether you fancy a dip in the pool or a relaxing and refreshing breather in the Jacuzzi, Sudwala Lodge has unlimited facilities aimed at leaving you totally invigorated. This resort caters for the entire family with activities like tennis, mini-golf and guided walks. This is a true gem for all those seeking to shed fatigue and put on a garment of new energy.

Crocodiles can live up to 80 years, yes 80 years! It is therefore not a coincidence that one of Mpumalanga’s Gold-Crown RCI resorts, and one of LPA’s top-notch destinations, is called Ngwenya Lodge, Ngwenya meaning ‘crocodile’. Overlooking the Crocodile River, it is known for its diverse game and idyllic setting along the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park. Ngwenya is a haven for all lovers of wildlife and with an abundance of bird species, it is ideal for avid birders.

In the bid to prolong and improve quality of life, man has looked to nature for solutions to some of his challenges. One method that has long been practiced is the use of crystals as a form of healing and medicine. By placing crystals on energy points of the human body, many have attested to the healing power brought on by crystals. Mpumalanga is home to an oasis called Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, with mystical forests, breath-taking misty views and the sounds of nature all around. This high-altitude mountain getaway offers everything from spending a blissful afternoon on a private patio, soaking up views and enjoying free roaming game, to wandering along the renowned Mpumalanga Panorama Route.

Mpumalanga offers a myriad of reasons for a visit. It is where nature has chosen to exhibit its splendour. If the many attractions – like Goliath’s Footprint found in New Scotland, in the Mpuluzi region – do not leave a deep impression, Mpumalanga will not stop revealing its beautiful layers until you are fully immersed in its magnificence.

April 5, 2018