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Things to Do north of the Blyde River Area
Cheetah Breeding Project
-24.50277,31.033459

From the Moholoholo Centre follow the R531 towards Klaserie and turn off left on the R40. The turnoff to the Hoedspruit Research and Breeding Center for Endangered Species is 3 km along the R40 towards Hoedspruit.
The Centre conducts unique research on endangered species such as cheetah (including the king cheetah), African wild dogs and lion. Tours of the Centre starts with an informative video presentation where interesting background information on the animals, the research being conducted and the progress of the project is presented.

An experienced guide will then accompany you on a tour of the Centre where the highlights will include the viewing of more than 60 hand-reared cheetahs, the vulture restaurant, wild dogs and the rare Barbary lion. A walk with Jabulani the elephant is also an optional extra. After the tour you can enjoy a light meal and refreshments in their tea garden or shop in the curio shop.

Bombix Silk Farm
-24.489336,30.88995


Blyde River Boat Trip
Blyde River Canyon
-24.536505,30.793304

One of the best viewpoints of the Blyde River Canyon is from the parking lot behind the chalets at the Aventura Blydepoort Nature Reserve Resort, 51 km north of Graskop on the R532 road.
The 25 km long Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world and was formed by rivers cutting deep into the escarpment and eroding millions of tons of rock which were carried to the Lowveld and beyond to the Indian Ocean. More than 700 m below the 370 ha Blyde River Dam is visible towards the lower end of the canyon at the confluence of the Blyde and Ohrigstad Rivers.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
-24.512063,30.904026

The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (north of Graskop on the R531) has become a haven for the rehabilitation and care of sick and injured animals and birds. Wildlife is brought to the Centre from all corners of South Africa, and once healthy enough are re-introduced into their natural environment. There are however some species which have been rehabilitated but due to the long term effects of their injuries, still stand no chance of survival in the wild. These animals and birds are kept on the premises and used in educational tours.
The Centre is open to the public twice a day, Monday to Saturday. Sunday tours are only held at 15h00, over long weekends or during the school holidays. The tours start at 09h30 and 15h00 and last approximately 2 hours. There is also a tea garden at the Centre.
Tariffs:

Reptile Park
-24.392756,30.817337

In 1984 the Swadini Reptile Park was founded and developed by Donald Strydom a pioneer in the care and rehabilitation of "problem reptiles" in the Hoedspruit region. The Swadini Retile Park is now a renowned South African landmark and Strydom has had his work featured on international television networks such as The National Geographic Channel and The Discovery Channel.
The Swadini Reptile Park has been collecting data from animals caught in the wild for the past 16 years and has been inspired to initiate a number of research projects through HERP (Help Endangered Reptile Project) dedicated to the conservation of reptiles through education and research. At present the Swadini Reptile Park captures and releases over 300 problem animals each year. These include snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises, frogs, spiders and scorpions.

Echo Caves
-24.572104,30.606537

The Echo Caves, located 15km west of the Strydom Tunnel in the Molopong Valley, have sheltered humans since the Middle Stone Age, and continue to protect some of the region's most inspiring ancient San rock engravings. The caves, which boast a chamber 100m long and 40m high, also have dripstone formations that echo eerily when struck. The 2km guided tour lasts 45min.
Entrance fee:
Times: 08:30 - 16:30.


Three Rondawels
-24.574446,30.797939

Further north along the R532 road, the turnoff to the Three Rondawels viewpoint is 4.6 km from the Lowveld View turnoff (41 km from Graskop) and the parking area another 2.8 km further. The word "Rondawel" is a South African word that refers to a round hut-like dwelling (usually with a thatched roof). The three well known gigantic peaks of quartzite and shale with their sheer rock walls tower more than 700 m above the surrounding landscape. These peaks are named after the three most troublesome wives of Chief Maripi Mashile - they are (from left to right) Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.

Tshukudu walk with cheetah
-24.276074,30.900764

Boabab Tree
-24.348348,30.668335

Tufa Waterfall
-24.477853,30.613403

Bourke's Luck Potholes
-24.672836,30.807016

This natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Through countless eons the swirling whirlpools which occur as the Treur River plunges into the Blyde River caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river.
The Potholes were named after a gold digger, Tom Burke, who staked a claim nearby. Although his claim did not produce a single ounce of gold, he correctly predicted that large gold deposits would be found in the area.

The Potholes is located 35km north of Graskop town on the R532 road. The informative visitors centre details some of the interesting natural and socio-historic features and is the starting point of the 700m walk to the potholes.
Entry Fees:

Detailed Information
Price in ZAR
    Map
    A Cheetah Breeding Project
    B Bombix Silk Farm
    C Blyde River Boat Trip
    D Moholoholo Rehab Centre
    E Swadini Reptile Park
    F Echo Caves
    G Three Rondawel View Point
    H Tshukudu walk with cheetah
    I Boabab Tree
    J Tufa Waterfall (visible from parking lot)
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