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River deep, mountain high
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, Mpumalanga
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Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge.
© Kate Turkington
Did you know?
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge has been named one of the top 5 big resorts in South Africa.
Once upon a time, at the top of Mpumalanga’s Robbers’ Pass, highwaymen held up coaches carrying gold bullion to the coast from the mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest.
Today, however, you’ll find the award-winning Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge, filled with treasures of another kind – purple-patched mountains and lush valleys, softly nibbling giraffe and zebra, thatch cottages that cling to the sides of rocky outcrops, and pure, invigorating mountain air.
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge is tucked away amidst some of Mpumalanga’s most spectacular scenery, with many dramatic natural attractions less than a 100km away.
If you can tear yourself away from your own personal viewing deck outside your cottage, follow the Panorama Route and head off to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the aptly named God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon or the Sabie Waterfalls, before coming home to sundowners at the pub or a delicious meal in the Pointer’s Rest restaurant.
If you’re still full of energy, take a dip in one of 4 swimming pools, including 2 that are heated for those chilly nights.
Although a few rarely seen leopards silently stalk the 5 000ha game reserve adjoining the resort, the game is generally of the gentler kind. You’ll see giraffe, mountain reedbuck, blue wildebeest, kudu and waterbuck on guided game drives. Keep an eye out for the elegant little klipspringer antelope, which bounds about among the high boulders and rocky slopes.
Don’t be fooled by the antics of the vervet monkeys that gambol around your cottage and provide great photo opportunities. Forget to close just one window and they will be inside in a shot, gobbling up all available food and generally having a good time at your expense.
When the sun begins to sink, sit on your deck, drink in hand, and watch the stars begin to pulse in the African sky as baboons bark in the encroaching darkness.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge
Tel: +27 (0)13 768 5024
Email: info@crystalsprings.co.za
Web: www.crystalsprings.co.za
How to get here
From Johannesburg take the N12 towards Witbank. Pass Witbank and take the Belfast/Dullstroom turn-off (R33/R540) to the left and drive through Belfast. At the last stop street in Belfast turn right and follow the signs to Dullstroom (R540). Drive through Dullstroom (R540) and head towards Mashishing (Lydenburg). Once there, turn left at the 2nd traffic light and continue straight. Go towards Ohrigstad (R36). Turn right onto the R533 towards Pilgrim's Rest. Left after 17km at the Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge sign.
Around the area
The historic mining town of Pilgrim's Rest is nearby, as is the spectacular Panorama Route and the world-famous Kruger National Park.
What will it cost
Approx. R400-R600pp per night. Dinner, bed & breakfast approx. R800-R1 000pp per night.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes, swimming gear, sunhat and sunscreen.
Where to stay
There are over 100 self-catering thatch cottages and 42 suites at Crystal Springs.
What's happening
In spring the mountains are alive with the riotous colours of spring flowers.