Things to do near
Ermelo
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Popular Attractions
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Carolina (52.5 km from Ermelo) The El Dorian trail is situated on the Mpumalanga escarpment between Carolina and Badplaas. The horse trail covers 20 000 hectares of mountain and is ideal for beginners as well as advanced riders.
There is a waterfall on the trail, rivers and natural rock pools. Riders will also see a variety of wildlife and bird life.
Hiking Trail
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Carolina (52.5 km from Ermelo) The El Dorian hiking trail is located between Carolina and Badplaas in Mpumalanga. It is a two-day circular trail covering 15 km the first day and 12 km the second day.
The trail goes past grass fields, indigenous forests, rock pools, fountains and mountains with ravines. Hikers can camp at the forestry house which serves as the base camp. There are bunk beds and braai facilities available.
Dams Vleis
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Bethal (56.8 km from Ermelo) Bethal Dam is situated within the small town of Bethal. It's a popular spot for camping, boating, water skiing, swimming and fishing. Although Bethal Dam Resort is a municipal resort, high standards are maintained and caravan clubs use the facilities regularly.
Four By Four Trails
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Badplaas (89.5 km from Ermelo) Ebutsini 4x4 Trail is located 50 km from Badplaas; the exact GPS coordinates are unknown and have been placed in Badplaas, so please phone for further details. This is a round-trip trail of 30 km and takes at least one day to complete. The difficulty grading varies between 2 and 3. This self-drive route is suitable for 4x2 vehicles with diff lock and a low range gear is required, as well as a high clearance vehicle. Quad bikes are welcome. This trail was a service road in the 1980s.
Popular Attractions
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Secunda (89.9 km from Ermelo) The Lake Umuzi Waterfront has a range of activities and restaurants for the whole family. There is the Carnival Square has games and play areas for toddlers and early primary school children. It is safe and parents can enjoy the rest of the waterfront while the kids play.
Entertainment World has some pool tables, ten pin bowling and a bar. There is also AquaZone Park which means fun for all. The aqua park has indoor and outdoor slides, with or without inflatable tubes.
Moms can spoil themselves at the Avalon Day Spa.
Casinos
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Secunda (91.7 km from Ermelo) The Graceland Casino and Golf Course has a 24-hour casino with restaurants and live entertainment lounges. The 18-hole Gary Player designed golf course is a great way to spend a sunny day. There is entertainment for kids at The Magic Company.
Hiking Trail
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Machadodorp (91.9 km from Ermelo) The spectacular Num-Num Hiking Trail offers seasoned hikers a self-guided three to five day hiking trail in Mpumalanga. The route takes walkers through a spectacular variety of Highveld Escarpment terrain including indigenous forest, sandstone labyrinths, grasslands and waterfalls. The scenic route delivers panoramic views of the Komati Gorge and the Skurweberg stretching all the way to Swaziland. There are plenty of opportunities to spot game and birds.
Five comfy and unique overnight camps provide equipped kitchens and hot showers. A slackpacking service is available – organizers transport your luggage to the camp so that you only need to walk with your daypack.
The climate is suitable all year around. Winter months are cold in the evenings but glorious and dry during the day. The summer months are warmer but there is a high chance of rain in the afternoons. Public holidays are popular so it is advisable to book well in advance.
Hikers need to be reasonably fit and agile; the trail is rated by Green Flag as moderate to difficult. Footpaths take visitors through landscapes that cannot be accessed by vehicles. Be prepared for plenty of swing bridges and ladders, steep hills and descents into stunning gorges. There are also sandstone formations that you clamber through and over.
View three Num-Num Hiking Trail camps:
Pongola Express
Candlewood Camp
Aloe Kaya
Golf Courses
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Standerton (94.3 km from Ermelo) Standerton Country Club is a 9-hole golf course with a full range of facilities for an enjoyable game.
Visitors are welcome everyday at the club, which features a clubhouse, restaurant, bar, and function facilities.
Four By Four Trails
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Volksrust (94.4 km from Ermelo) 3 Provinces 4x4 Trails is the ultimate adventure for nature lovers.
The trail refers to the “Versamelberge”, where the three Provinces: Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and the Free State actually meet, on top of “Langkrans” (a sheer cliff), 2253 meters above sea level, and where the black eagles nest.
Novices to experienced drivers are accommodated. The trails include stream crossings, mountainous area, rocky terrain, muddy holes and driving through tunnels of dense bushes. The trail covers 32 km plus a separate 9 km “Tierkloof” and a 5 km "Bobbejaankrans" trail. A detailed map with all GPS co-ordinates is supplied.
The battlefield trail guide brings the Anglo-British-Boer war to life. Listen to astonishing stories, crawl through caves and visit places you never knew existed. For lunch you can relax and enjoy freshly baked farm bread with home-made jam. This is a family event not to missed.