Schoemanskloof: River Landscape and Culture

If you’re looking for a hotel in Schoemanskloof, the local landscape and visitor attractions offer a helpful starting point. The Crocodile River runs for approximately 55 kilometres through Schoemanskloof to Montrose Falls; steep slopes and dense riverine forests line its banks. A painted rock, a labyrinth at Old Joe’s Kaia, hiking and golf, as well as a Citrus Festival, add to the picture.

River Landscape and Routes Through the Valley

Along its stretch through Schoemanskloof, the Crocodile River features large rock pools, riffles and rapids. At Montrose Falls, the Crocodile River and the Elands River meet. The riverside scenery is another part of the picture: steep slopes and dense riverine forests accompany the river.

The routes also provide a sense of the geography. Schoemanskloof Highway is one of the most scenic roads in Mpumalanga and marks the transition from the Highveld to the Lowveld. The scenic Schoemanskloof Pass runs through the valley. Old Joe, in turn, marks the transition from the Highlands area to the Lowveld.

Old Joe, the Labyrinth and Local History

Old Joe is a distinctive painted rock associated with Schoemanskloof. At Old Joe’s Kaia, a classic seven-path labyrinth is located in the lower woodland. Various indigenous plant species line the path, and a spring-fed stream flows through the labyrinth.

Travellers can stop at Old Joe’s Kaia for a meal. Another historical local landmark is Joubert en Seuns Padstal: the farm stall was established on Geluk Farm in 1966.

Hiking, Golf and Events

Hiking is also among the activities in Schoemanskloof. The Mountain Links Golf Course at Drakenzicht is a nine-hole course with 18 tee boxes.

The Schoemanskloof Citrus Festival takes place every year at Wolwekrans Lodge. If you’d like to plan your stay around the festival, check the event dates in advance. The Lowveld Crocodile Canoe Marathon starts in Schoemanskloof.

Mpumalanga in the Wider Context

The wider destination of Mpumalanga offers other nature and history highlights. The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains are a World Heritage Site and include 40 percent of the Barberton Greenstone Belt. Their volcanic and sedimentary rocks date from between 3.6 and 3.25 billion years ago. Also within the wider destination of Mpumalanga, Kruger National Park covers almost two million hectares and offers a wildlife experience. Other natural and historic places in Mpumalanga include the Blyde River Canyon, considered the world’s third-largest canyon and largest “green canyon,” and Pilgrim’s Rest, a historic mining town on the Panorama Route. During the Second Boer War, a makeshift mint there produced the famous, rare Veld Pond.

Discover more destinations: Emoyeni, White River, Steenbok, Mbombela, Kruger Park, Bushbuckridge, Blyde, Weimershoek

For the wider travel overview: Ehlanzeni.