Badplaas, Grass & Wetlands
Once you've booked your hotel or Badplaas accommodation, look through the destination pages below for info on attractions and things to do during your visit to Badplaas in the Mpumalanga province.
Lying nestled at the foot of the Ndlumudlumu Mountains between Machadodorp and Carolina in the grasslands of South Africa, Badplaas has become known as a resort town, due in no small part to the hot, suplphurous spring that spews 30 000 litres of warm, healing water an hour out of the ground.
Badplaas came into being as a result of the discovery of gold in Barberton, when it became a major stopover on a wagon route that made its way to the Lowveld, where Boer farmers had settled. There is something of the mystic to the little resort, with its healing waters known to the local tribespeople as Emanzana and the rolling Ndumudlumu hills (place of thunder) that form the beautiful backdrop of the town, and life here is seriously laidback.
The area is rich with birdlife that includes the Knysna loerie, olive bush-shrike, malachite humming bird (or sunbird) and the trumpeter hornbill and bird watching is a serious pastime.
Hikes and walks in the area include a walk along 100-year old water canals to a cascading waterfall with views over the valley, and, of course, game viewing at various game farms in the area is a requisite. There is also a 9-hole golf course about 7 kilometres from the Forever Resort in Badplaas that provides some pretty spectacular views and incorporates the natural contours of the surroundings for a great game of golf.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
I don't have a date , but grew up in Barberton. Between 1970 and 1985 before moving to Joburg I spent countless weekends at Badplaas. Have only to my dismay made it back there a few times since then , but each time I'm blown away by the place and service that just keeps getting better. If my kids had there way we would move in. I can't believe Badplaas has no other reviews. All that can be added is the sea , but apart from that wow there can't be a nicer place in africa to go and relax for a weekend or spend your holiday. Has and will always be my first choise for a get away.
Andre Odendaal (Joburg South Africa)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Bermanzi Mountain Retreat
Bermanzi is nestled on the edge of the escarpment between the towns of Machadodorp, Waterval Boven and Badplaas. Accommodation is available for u...
Dawsons Game & Trout Lodge
A unique African Experience, at the head of the Nelshoogte Pass, Dawson's offers exclusive luxury in individually styled rooms. Rich décor create...
Dawsons Cottage
Dawsons Cottage offers rustic but comfortable accommodation in Badplaas at Dawson's Game and Trout Lodge. This is a great place to enjoy a cosy a...
Dawsons Homestead
Dawsons Homestead is a comfortable old farmhouse offering accommodation in Badplaas. Located 2.1km from Dawsons Game & Trout Lodge, guests can en...
Nkomazi Game Reserve
Known as 'the place of water', Nkomazi Game Reserve is a destination of outstanding scenic beauty. It is an ecological Aladdin's Cave of natural ...
Things to do in the area
Game Activities at Nkomazi
Although the exclusive luxury tented accommodation at the Nkomazi Game Reserve is just about irresistible, guests of the lodge will, no doubt, wa...
View Rock Art at Nkomazi
The Nkomazi Game Reserve is nestled in a part of South Africa and Mpumalanga that was once occupied by the ancient San folk (once known as the Bu...
Bermanzi Trail
Start: Bermanzi Mountain RetreatFinish: Bermanzi Mountain RetreatDuration: anything from 4km – 20kmFitness: moderately difficultOur tip: a self g...
Blue Wildebeest Hiking Trail
Start: base camp, 10 km from Badplaas Finish: base campDuration: 1 – 2 daysFitness: average to difficultOur tip: suitable for familiesA relativel...
Ebutsini 4x4 Trail
The Ebutsini 4x4 Trail is nestled between the Songimvelo Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga and the border of Swaziland, an independent kingdom bordere...
Wathaba Hiking Trails
Start: Wathaba farmFinish: Wathaba farmDuration: 1 – 2 daysFitness: easy to moderateOur tip: a popular trail so book well in advanceSet in the mo...
Noteworthy attractions
Badplaas Golf Club
Badplaas Golf Course is privately owned nine hole golf course located in Mpumalanga at the feet of the formidable and striking Hlumu-Hlumu mounta...
Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve
Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve, renowned for its access to great fishing opportunities, lies just 10 kilometres from Carolina on the Komati Rive...
Ermelo Golf Club
An excellent 18-hole course layout with plenty of challenging holes. The Ermelo country club is in Hendrina Road on the left just before the town...
Nelshoogte Pass
Nelshoogte Pass, sometimes known simply as Nelshoogte or Nelsberg Pass, lies on the R38 between Barberton and Badplaas directly north of the Nkom...
Piet Retief Country Club
Although it has nine holes, the Piet Retief golf course can be played as an 18-hole course. Tee times are welcomed and the club is open all week ...
The Giant Footprint
Lothair also promises visitors a peek into some of its mystery. Was this once the home of giants? A strange question under normal circumstances, ...
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