Unearthing hidden gems on the Panorama Route

With its sparkling waterfalls, unusual natural phenomena and jaw-dropping vistas, Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route is an extraordinary day trip for local and international tourists alike. While many visitors may simply zoom to the most popular landmarks as quickly as possible, taking a bit more time will uncover some hidden jewels that the majority of tourists miss. We decided to take an unrushed meander along the route, and stumbled across some fantastic places and people.

Panorama route: The Potluck Boskombuis is a fine place to rest one’s tired feet. PHOTO BY DALE HES

Our drive northwards naturally took us to Sabie first, where a white and blue train carriage on the street drew us in like a magnet. The cosily renovated train car is choc-a-bloc with character, and serves generously-sized, soulful meals. In the misty weather, the steaming homemade potjie hit all the right spots, matched by the warmth of the owner (whose name we unfortunately never inquired about).
After exploring the rest of the town and stopping off at Sabie Falls, we hit the road again towards Graskop – home of the daunting Big Swing and the buzzing Harrie’s Pancakes. We avoided these popular hotspots and headed to Flycatcher Castle, where we had an appointment with owner and sculptor Manie Connoway. Manie showed us around the full-sized castle, including the beautiful gardens, the antique-strewn guest rooms, the sundowner spot at the top of one of the turrets and the film theatre with its star-light scattered ceiling. A night’s stay at the castle is the epitome of romance.
Just north of Graskop, we followed the unobtrusive right turn to Potluck Boskombuis. This is a truly organic, unpretentious wooden restaurant set in an achingly beautiful setting beneath rocks and trees, on the banks of the prettiest little stream you’re ever likely to see. We had an icy drink here, and couldn’t resist dipping our toes into the crystal clear water of the river. Next on the agenda was Pilgrim’s Rest, where we did the usual touristy stuff of visiting all the museums and historic buildings. In the less well-frequented Downtown, we came across the charming Pilgrim’s Pantry. We were warmly greeted by owner Sharon and a talkative African Grey Parrot, before being told that we had to try the Mampoer milkshake. It was well worth the recommendation, although one of us opted for the famous cappuccino instead, which was sprinkled with gold dust.
Our drive along the Panorama Route ended with the ever-spectacular viewpoint at the Three Rondawels. As we turned around and headed back to Nelspruit, we felt a new sense of discovery, a feeling of finding some very special places and some very special people.

*This article was written by a TWNA journalist, Dale Hes for My Mpumalanga. For more, follow the link: http://mympumalanga.co.za/unearthing-hidden-gems-on-the-panorama-route/