The Lodge is set on two hundred hectares (500 acres) of indigenous bush, forestry and farmland. Guests can enjoy walking and hiking trails, bird watching (the contrasting vegetation attracts a myriad of bird life), botanical interests and fishing.

The large fjord-like dam with a surface area of 5 hectares is stocked with bass. The 20 metre long swimming pool is located near the main complex and invites days of lounging in the glorious sun.

The main complex comprises a reception, elegant restaurant and bar with a competition size billiard table. With prior notice, the Blue Mountain Lodge can arrange treatments on the premises. These include facials, body massages, manicures etc.

Mpumalanga is one of the most scenic areas of South Africa. Blue Mountain Lodge is in close proximity to the Kruger National Park, private game lodges, Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims's Rest, Bourkes Luck Potholes, etc. - affording our guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding area without having to travel great distances.

WALKING TRAILS

Beautiful walking routes are available on the two hundred hectares of indigenous bush, forestry and farmland but further walking trails are found within short driving distances along the Panorama Route.

God's Window Rain Forest Walk - Graskop:
Starting point at God's Window Parking Area. Duration - 1.5km (30 minutes)

Jantjiesbos Nature Walk - Sabie:
Starting point at Lone Creek Falls. Duration - 8kms (2-3 hours)

Secretary Bird Nature Walk - Sabie / Graskop:
Starting point at Mac Mac Pools. Duration - 3kms (1-2 hours)

Waterfalls Nature Walk - Sabie:
Starting point at Lone Creek Falls. Duration - 17kms (5 hours)

GAME DRIVES / SAFARIS

Self-drive or chauffeur, in air-conditioned combi vehicles, on panoramic sightseeing trips or excursions into the Kruger National Park or private game lodges.

Enjoy day or night game-viewing safaris in an open vehicle with a highly trained game ranger.

Kruger National Park Safari: The Kruger National Park, proclaimed in 1926, is not Africa's largest wildlife sanctuary, but it is probably the best known. This reserve is a model of successful management and exists by the rules of sustainable conservation.

There are numerous ecozones which allow for a tremendous bio-diversity of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian and fish species.

This wildlife area, almost 350 kilometres from North to South and averaging 60 kilometres form East to West, comprises of over 20 000 square kilometres of unfenced natural bush.

Morning Safari: Duration - 6 / 7 hours Includes - Transport, breakfast, entrance fees and chilled refreshments en route.

Afternoon Safari: Duration - 6 / 7 hours Includes - Transport, entrance fees and chilled refreshments en route)

Full Day Safari: Duration - 10 / 11 hours Includes - Transport, breakfast, chilled refreshments en route

Escarpment Panorama Tour: The Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa's largest mountain range, were formed by a massive volcanic eruption.

In the Mpumalanga Province these mountains divide the cool Highveld in the West and the low coastal plains to the East, creating an array of scenic beauty, with its landscapes of mountains, waterfalls, forests and scenic lookout points.

This tour visits the historic mining town of Pilgrim's Rest, the panoramic splendor of God's Window, Wonder View, Blyde River Canyon and the stone formations of the impressive Three Rondavels.

At the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers is Bourke's Luck Potholes, where water over the centuries has carved huge potholes into the native rocks. This tour also visits numerous natural waterfalls.

Duration - 8 / 9 hours (Includes transport, lunch, entrance fees and chilled refreshments en route.)

Additional Safari Options: Receiving much acclaim for the exclusive and luxurious lodges that grace its land, the Sabi Sands Nature reserve lies adjacent to the Kruger National Park.

Through friendly relations, Blue Mountain Lodge has been granted the privilege to offer her guests the wonderful opportunity of embarking on a safari at selected game lodges within the boundaries of the Sabi Sands Reserve

. Optimising Africa's magic; the ever changing landscapes and rhythms; the clear light of dawn, the subtle pastel colours in the late afternoon, the eerie laugh of the hyena in the dead of night, the Sabi Sands Reserve also boasts the ever flowing Sabie River, ruled by the crusty hippopotamus, her quiet reaches patrolled by crocodiles.

Out in the bush in an open landrover one can still observe at close quarters the natural relationship between predator and prey. Big game abounds and roams freely throughout this pristine part of our ancient African continent. The sight of a lion, elephant, rhino or leopard roaming free in the bush is so stirring , the tension one feels when following spoor on foot so electrifying. It is an experience that will awaken something deep in one's soul.

However, as these lodges offer exclusivity to their own guests, safaris can only be confirmed with 24 hours standby notice.

Early Morning and afternoon / evening Safari: Duration 6 / 7 hours

HELICOPTER EXCURSIONS

There are a number of exciting possibilities; Champagne breakfast perched atop a mountain, touchdown at a private game lodge for a game drive and then back to the luxury of Blue Mountain Lodge.

Blue Mountain Lodge does have a heli-pad, co-ordinates are S25° 05' 06" E30° 57' 30".

Mountain Magic:

A fantastic flight that allows you to fly with the birds and offers an eagle's eye view of the nature's gift to Mpumalanga: deep and secretive gorges, luscious valleys with indigenous greenery, rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls.

Take a look through God's Window, the spectacular gateway to the fascinating rock formations of the Blyde River Canyon and hovering passed such phenomenal natural sights as the Three Rondavels and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Gaze in awe at the beautiful landscape as you land on a remote mountain and enjoy a delicious picnic and from your private viewpoint. Duration: 2 hours

Blydepoort Boat Cruise:

A unique flight that combines dramatic viewing from not only the spectacular heights of the wide open skies, but also from the mirrored waters of the Blyde River.

Embark on an adventure that offers sights over rolling green hills and low valleys, flying through the impressive Blyde River Canyon and landing at a clearing near the Blyde River for a boat cruise. Set sail on the waters of the river as you breathe the fresh, sweet air of Mpumalanga and sip refreshing drinks.

After this fantastic experience you will fly back to the gardens of the Lodge. Duration: 3 hours

Heaven's Gate:

A wonderful flight over the endless carpets of pine gum forestry covering the slopes of the Drakensberg. Venture towards Graskop, through God's Window to the Lisbon and Berlin Falls. Descending at the Pinnacle to marvel over the beautiful escarpment and magnificent views, before flying back to the Lodge.

Duration: 40 minutes

Under African Skies:

Nature's invitation to visit the very heart of the Bushveld. Fly through wide open skies to the vast grounds of a private game reserve and embark on a safari in an open-air landrover as a expert game rangers introduces you to his world.

Excitement rises as you are offered the experience of trekking game in their natural vegetation and viewing sights only offered in these protected areas. The return flight to the Lodge allows more than an idea of the prides and joys of Africa! Duration: 4 hours

GOLF

For the golfing enthusiast, there are 5 golf courses - designed amongst others by Gary Player - within 20 minutes drive from Blue Mountain Lodge, where we are able to make all arrangements for our guests.

Sabie River Sun Golf Club: Details - 18 holes championship course - 6325m in length - Par 71

White River Country Club: Details - 18 holes championship course - 6013m in length - Par 71

TENNIS

The Lodge can arrange access to tennis courts.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

These trails are within short driving distance from the lodge. We request 48 hours notice to arrange this activity as transport from the Lodge is required to the starting points of both trails.

Mountain bikes can be hired for you during the following hours: Weekdays 08h30 - 16h30 Saturdays 08h30 - 14h30 Sundays 10h00 - 14h30.

Long Tom Mountain Bike Trail: Consists of two difficult sections of 36km and 20km starting and ending at Misty Mountain. The trail works its way through steep and rough sections of the Long Tom part of Ceylon Plantation with a fork at the 12km point. It's here you must select the long or short route but both offer forests, clear streams and picturesque view sites.

Ceylon Mountain Bike Trail: This reasonably easy 21km trail starts and ends at Castle Rock Caravan Park with the first 5kms fairly level. This is followed by 2kms of steep gradient leading to the top of Bridal Veil falls and then onto 4kms of reasonably level sections with some steep up and down parts as it makes its way along the higher escarpment. The final 5km section is downhill.

BALLOONING

The oldest form of manned flight, ballooning is seen as a graceful and romantic way to look down on the earth. Moving along at wind speed the ride is calm, and the view of things earthbound is surprisingly detailed.

Flights will last approximately one hour, and then you can gently rejoin the world of earthbound beings over a glass of champagne and breakfast

BUSH EXCURSIONS

Bushcraft & Survival Day Adventure: This full day Bushcraft and Survival Adventure was specifically developed to cater for people who are keen to learn what constitutes the most important ingredients for survival in the natural system and how these would apply in our day to day activities.

Participants can expect to accomplish many survival strategies during this full day excursion to a private game reserve, and we would hope that you would depart enlightened and informed about bush survival strategies. During the day you will be exposed to the following aspects: finding water and food in the bush, constructing shelters, basic navigation by day, basic weapon improvisation techniques, reading the bush, it's sights, sounds and smells, survival adaptability, survival psychology and the art of tracking.

Duration: Full day

Includes: Transport, bush brunch, assorted drinks, entrance fees and professional field guide.

A Cultural / Traditional Resource Interpretation Day Experience: This full day experience is designed for those who would like a deeper insight into and an understanding of the world around us and the cultural resource values specific to Southern Africa.

You will explore the values which the local people's attach to culture, tradition and folklore. We invite you to join us in exploring the myths and legends, the traditions and cultures, and the methods employed in the utilisation of our natural resources on a sustainable basis by local communities.

Duration: Full day

Includes: Transport, bush brunch, assorted drinks, entrance fees and a professional field guide.

A Full Day Big Game Tracking Trail:

"Ever thought of tracking a Lion or Rhino or Elephant or Buffalo on foot?" "Ever thought of experiencing a true adrenaline rush?"

We offer you the opportunity to escape the rigours of city life, to enjoy the peace, tranquility and timeless rhythm of the African Bushveld.

This activity adds a new dimension to game viewing and experiencing the bush in its entirety. Feel the surge of adrenaline while tracking one or a number of the Big 5 species, an experience not to be missed.

Duration: 05h00 - 15h00

Includes: Transport, bush brunch, assorted drinks, entrance fees and a professional registered field guide.

Blyde Canyon Day Hiking Excursion: A spectacular full day hiking trail is planned, organised and executed, addressing all aspects common to adventure including discovery of one's own emotions and sense of challenge.

The trails provides the opportunity of both a physical and a mental provocation at a pace that is non-threatening, resulting in confidence and social bonding.

Duration: Full day

Includes: Transport, trail brunch, entrance fees, assorted drinks, equipment where applicable and a professional registered field guide.

Sabie River Interpretative Rafting Adventure:

We invite you to enjoy the peace, tranquility and timeless rhythm of the Sabie River near Hazyview in this half day adventure.

You will participate in an interpretative river trail, led by highly experienced and very well qualified professional field and river guides. Our river interpretation adds a new dimension to a river trip which is not only fun but has an educational value. So whether your interest is in birds or the bush we have the ability to provide an unparalleled experience and uncompromising personalised service and safety levels.

Duration: Half day

Includes: All safety equipment, assorted drinks and snacks.

A Half Day 4X4 Experience:

Blue Mountain Lodge, in conjunction with the 4X4 Experience, would like to offer you the original and much imitated 4X4 driving experience in the heart of Mpumalanga.

We offer you the opportunity to become acquainted with a 4X4 and its associated capabilities.

The half day events are run under the guidance of the very same instructors and marshalls who organised the final competition event for the now legendary 1992 Camel Adventure.

This event has become synonymous with the toughest, most treacherous conditions a person or a vehicle could encounter. The knowledge and experience gained from the Camel Adventure has been supplemented with off road driving techniques direct form Landrover UK, ensuring that you will be kept on the edge of your seat.

Duration: Half day

Includes: Assorted drinks, professional registered field guide.

* Costs on these trips are available on request. *

Should you wish to partake in other activities not listed, kindly enquire at reception.