In the Barberton area, the Makhonjwa Mountains that straddle the border between Swaziland and South Africa give cause for deep reflection about the meaning of life. This comes to me as I walk among the ghosts of Eureka City, on a hilltop with wide views of a surrounding landscape that has also come to be called the Genesis of Life.
It was mid-afternoon and hot as a furnace. The elephant herd was slowly moving toward us, grazing amongst the reeds of the Sabie River. There were babies everywhere, unafraid of tumbling down the river bank. We couldn't hear them, way down below us, but we had a prime lookout. We could see perfectly how the little ones would get distracted, lag behind, then run on wobbly legs to catch up with their older siblings, moms and aunts.
Just south of Barberton in Mpumalanga, lies a mountain range whose ancient green rocks preserve a unique scientific record of the pre-history of the earth. Bridget Hilton-Barber headed out of town to discover the ancient magic of Makhonjwa.
Hello again. Apart from game viewing, birding or photography, there are other things which I can suggest to do and see in the Kruger Park. I personally feel that the only way to experience nature in its truest form, is by doing it on foot. Yes, by that I mean walking. It is much safer than it sounds and you will be in the capable hands of experienced and well trained field guides.
Kruger has a new backpack trail in the area between the Letaba low water bridge and Mingerhout dam. Kate Collins leapt at the chance to be one of the first participants on the Lonely Bull Backpack Trail. Pictures by Russel MacLaughlin.