A view of Mariepskop from Klaserie road

A view of Mariepskop from Klaserie road

Taking a trip to Hoedspruit to buy Lucerne feed for cattle was a mind-blowing experience. Along the way, I encountered a variety of wild animals and the striking beauty of dry trees. A traveling companion pointed out a tightly constructed fence designed to keep carnivorous lions from roaming freely and posing a danger.

From this side of Hoedspruit, you can catch a glimpse of the Three Sisters in Mariepskop, although only the last peak—or perhaps the first—is visible from a distance as you pass by.

The Blue Mountain, as it’s well known, derives its name from the way it appears green during the day and shifts to a deep blue at dusk. It offers a perfect view of the Drakensberg, with several tourism establishments built nearby to highlight the scenic mountainous landscape. One such place is the Blue Mountain Luxury Lodge, where outdoor dining provides a vivid view of the Three Sisters mountains, unobstructed by trees.

The space there is phenomenal and ignites the imagination, especially with the plans for a cable car project announced by Mandla Ndlovu, the new premier of Mpumalanga. This initiative is set to be the largest tourism project in the near future.

You can envision the cable car stretching between the mountains, offering stunning views of the Blyde River Canyon. The sight of Mariepskop is breathtaking, and the ground space between the mountains is an alluring attraction.

From this perspective, one can already imagine the economic boost for small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in nearby communities. The premier has promised that this will become the province’s version of Table Mountain, providing a panoramic view of the entire route from the mountaintops.

Recently, a three-day hiking and camping experience was held from September 27 to 29, 2024, showcasing the potential for investment in the mountainous regions of Mariepskop. This event offered a chance to explore ideas for economic benefit, job creation, and contributions to the art scene that could soon capture global attention.

The province is poised for tourism growth, as many will flock to experience a version of Table Mountain, distinct from the one in the Western Cape. This influx will encourage visits to nearby attractions and monuments scattered throughout the region.

Both international and local tourists will be eager to visit and learn the story of the Three Sisters mountains, which continue to amaze visitors in Klaserie. The area is gradually seeing the addition of hotels, such as the Radisson Safari Hotel, and lodges like Bushbaby River Lodge. Furthermore, international flights are beginning to establish routes to Kruger International Airport (KMI), including the Frankfurt Eurowings Discover Airline, which launched in 2022.

travel