The Giant Footprint

About The Giant Footprint

Mpumalanga offers such a range of gorgeous things to see and do, as well as plenty of overnight accommodation. And, with little gems like the village of Lothair, it’s certainly worth the visit. But, more than its charm and pretty setting, Lothair also promises visitors a peek into some of its mystery.

Was this once the home of giants?

A strange question under normal circumstances, perhaps. But, the prehistoric ‘footprint’ in the granite outcrop is certainly quite a convincing piece of evidence that giants once roamed this gorgeous part of South Africa. This imprint is about 120 centimetres long and bears the distinct shape of a bare foot.

Some believe that it’s a matter of natural erosion, while others firmly maintain that the imprint could only have been left by someone having put weight on soft rock, like molten lava. Whatever the case, it’s a fascinating find and a really fun sight for the whole family. Stand in the footprint for some seriously mysterious family pictures. Local African cultures have created myths and legends around the footprint and many visitors believe that there’s some sort of good luck to be had by tossing a coin in its ‘heel’. Some even attach religious significance to the print.

Lothair is situated in the heart of the Mpumalanga wetlands, which means an abundance of birdlife and vegetation. Lakes, rivers and pans are spectacular to see and create an idyllic backdrop. This village is only 40 minutes from Ermelo and just over an hour from Nelspruit.