The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has opened two new hiking trials in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.

The Belvedere day walk is estimated at around five hours and will start at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, head to Belvedere Guest House and then back to Bourke’s Luck.

The Waterval trail is a three-day-long hike with hikers meeting at Bourke’s Luck before being transported to Paradise Camp. From there, hikers embark on a 3km hike to Waterval Hut where they overnight. Day two takes hikers from Waterval to Clearstream on a 13.5km hike, overnighting at Clearstream. Finally, day three sees hikers enjoy a 13.6km hike concluding at Bourke’s Luck.

Xolani Mthethwa, Executive Manager for Tourism at MTPA says: “These are self-guided trails and will afford the hiker an opportunity to appreciate the natural wonders on offer at this nature reserve.” He encourages tour operators and guides to explore the trails themselves, so that they can include the new attractions when packaging for tourists looking for adventure-based experiences.

A third trail is in development and will include the Old Mine, which MTPA is planning to revamp.

The hikes cost R450 (€27) per person per day. Contact the MTPA on +27 13 759 5432 or email for bookings.

Read more at Tourism Update