Sterkspruit Nature Reserve

Sterkspruit Nature Reserve

The smallish, yet incredibly pretty Sterkspruit Nature Reserve lies right next to the scenic Long Tom Pass, the horizon dominated by Mount Anderson and Mauchsberg, roughly 10 kilometres outside of Lydenburg. It lies on the Sterkspruit River, which is stocked with rainbow trout introduced to the river that allows avid fishermen to give vent to their passion, surrounded by the glorious combination of highveld grassland, wooded stream banks, forested kloofs and quartz cliffs.

But this beautiful part of the world also attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts, who visit not only for the long hike through the Sterkspruit reserve and surrounding hills, but also to view the almost 150 species of recorded birds that include the ground woodpecker, blackwinged plover, Cape rock thrush and bush blackcap. Porcupine, aardwolf, the oribi and the Cape clawless otter are also in the Sterkspruit Nature Reserve. The black leopard, whilst not necessarily in the reserve, has been sighted in the area recently, an exciting occurrence

It is of interest for walkers, amblers and hikers that Lydenburg has a pretty heritage trail around town, really worth adding to your list of things to do in Mpumalanga, particularly as the town includes the oldest church outside of the Cape Province to have survived the wars of the country, built in 1853. This is an ideal part of the province to stay considering how easy it is from here to explore the Panorama Route, the Kruger National Park and the Waterfall river valley.

Where to Stay?
Find Lydenburg Accommodation (with preview images and description) or consider Lydenburg Hotels (ranging from 3-5 star). If you prefer to do it the self catering way, you will find our comprehensive list of Lydenburg Self Catering options useful. Also see Highlands Meander Accommodation and Highlands Meander Hotels for overnight options in surrounding towns.