Lothair, Grass & Wetlands
The little town of Lothair, close to the towns of Chrissiesmeer and Amsterdam, lies just outside the border with Swaziland. The economy of the small town is driven largely by forestry and logging, and pine and eucalyptus plantations make much of the surrounding area lush and green.
Jessievale Plantation is one of these, just four kilometres from Lothair, whilst a further 8 000 hectares of land are worked by a community trust called the Somhlolo Trust. The Trust belongs to the Ludlambedlu community, many of whom live and work on the farms that lie around Lothair. Sappi provides the management service whilst the Trust benefits from the timber delivered, but the longterm aim is to give over management to the Trust.
It did not help that there was damage to the plantations from fires in 2007 and 2008, so that a lot of maintenance had to take place. The community's cattle are allowed to graze on the farms and they get firewood and free building poles.
Lothair also lies in the midst of one of Mpumalanga's key weland areas - a birding paradise and an area filled with lakes, rivers and watery elements. Neighbouring town, Chrissiesmeer, lies at the heart of the Mpumalanga wetlands with 270 pans and lakes, all within 20 kilometres of one another, and is home to both the greater and lesser flamingo and another 80 aquatic and 170 non-aquatic bird types. As a result, this area is a great draw card for outdoor activities, particularly those done on water like sailing, fishing, water-skiing or 'frogging expeditions'.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
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Komati Gorge Lodge
On the banks of the Komati River, at the base of a miniature Grand Canyon, this small village of thatched dwellings provides affordable luxury in...
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Highveld Splendour Boutique B&B
At Highveld Splendour Boutique B&B we make you feel at home. All rooms are very spacious, luxurious and comfortable with Super king-size, extra l...
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Dusk To Dawn B&B
Johann and Gudrun have turned their family home into a friendly and welcoming half-way stop for tourists and visitors en route on the N2 from the...
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Bali Biasa Guest House
Bali Biasa Guest House is centrally situated in the historical town of Piet Retief, Mpumalanga. Bali Biasa is not only the luxury, harmony, peace...
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Pablo Guest House
Situated in a quiet suburb of Ermelo, Pablo Guest House offers nine en-suite bedrooms on a bed and breakfast basis. All our double rooms have en-...
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African Flair Country Lodge
African Flair Country Lodge is situated in Piet Retief in Southern Mpumalanga. We are located just off the N2 highway, which is the main road goi...
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Pioneer House
Pioneer House is a self catering holiday home located in Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga. Pioneer House can accommodate eight guests in four bedrooms. T...
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Buffalo @ Emahlathini
Buffalo is an open plan holiday apartment furnished with a Queen-sized bed, three single beds and a double bed sleeper couch. Buffalo has a fully...
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Emahlathini Guest Farm
Whether for work or pleasure, Emahlathini Guestfarm is the ideal place to stay! Located is 18 km out of Piet Retief towards the Swaziland border,...
Things to do in the area
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Randell's Ranch Tractor Museum
Tractors are more than just farming machinery. They’re rough, tough, powerful, and part of a farming heritage that goes back generations. Randell...
Noteworthy attractions
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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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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