We sat down with Carol, owner of Laughing Waters Guesthouse, to find out exactly what Hazyview has to offer. She shared some of the fantastic family spots and eateries, that you don’t want to miss out on.
- Favourite thing about the area:
If you are a lover of nature, then this is the place to be! We have an abundance of wildlife, birds, waterfalls, and loads of activities to keep all ages occupied. Nothing beats waking up in the morning and taking a look at the fantastic scenery around you – and bear in mind we’ve got God’s Window not too far away, called that for good reason.
2. When the weather is good, I recommend:
We’re very much an outdoor and activities area. You definitely should take advantage of the incredible scenery, so travel the Panorama Route which will take you to the spectacular Blyde River Canyon; you’ll also get to see the breath-taking views available from God’s Window. Along the Blyde River Canyon, you’ll see the meeting of the river of joy and the river of sorrow, as well as marvel at the swirling waters and unique rock formations at Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
3. When the weather is bad, I recommend:
Just because the weather may be bad in Hazyview, does not mean you’ll experience the same conditions in the Kruger National Park – so take a self-drive down there or arrange a safari. If you’ve never viewed wildlife before, you’ll be amazed – and so many visitors rave about the incredible experience of looking deep into the eyes of one of the numerous wildlife species in the park. Most visitors get to view the Big 5, but they’re sometimes a little shy, so if you miss all of them on your first trip, you’re likely to see them on your second.
4. Some great places to eat:
Pioneers restaurant – serves the best steak in town! They’re perfect for families as they offer an indoor and outdoor play area for the little ones; with a guest lounge and bar for the adults to enjoy. There are also three plasma televisions for those all-important sports matches. With an attached Butcher, guests are free to pick their own cut of meat! They’re found within the Rendezvous Tourism Centre.
Sabi River Sun Lifestyle Resort – offers a great all-round buffet! They’re found along Main Sabie Road, and serve buffet-styled breakfasts and dinners from their Hippopotamus Restaurant. Being on a golf course, the terrace is a popular spot to enjoy the hearty fare, and the lush views are great at soothing away tension. The on-site bar, the Waterhole, is also a great place to escape the heat, and unwind in the social atmosphere.
5. Where to take the kids:
Induna Adventures – found along the Panorama Route, caters for adventures for all ages and traveller types, especially children! From quad-biking and zip-lining, to geckoing and white water rafting, they’re certain to offer something that will appeal to the adventurer in you.
Reptile Park at Perry’s Bridge – children are always delighted after a trip to visit the cold-blooded reptiles found within this animal park. Species on site include alligators, crocs, frogs, lizards, snakes and tortoises. Found at Perry’s Bridge Tourist Centre, on the corner of the R40 and R536.
Skyway Trails – has a new adventure trail on site. This aerial cable trail / zipline canopy tour is a big hit with locals and foreigners. It’s an exhilarating and terrifying feeling the first time you launch yourself into the air, hurtling towards a platform that seems to be quite a distance away. Found at Perry’s Bridge, along Main Road, Hazyview.
6. Where the locals hang out:
This is a tough one to pinpoint, as you will find the locals frequenting all the tourist places – we love our little town!
7. The best kept secret:
There are no secrets in this town – we love to share everything with our visitors, though if you explore the Panorama Route, you’re sure to find a nook or cranny that hasn’t been visited or seen recently.
If you’re heading to Hazyview in the near future, you’ll love a stay at Carol’s beautiful establishment, Laughing Waters Guest House. It’s situated just outside of Hazyview town, allowing visitors to escape the city noises, and enjoy the fresh country air, within a garden featuring subtropical flowers, a swimming pool, and private trails alongside the Sabie River. There are three tastefully decorated rooms which sleep two guests each, while a fourth room can accommodate three guests. The rooms all have en-suite bathrooms and tea and coffee facilities.
Let us know what your favourite activity in Hazyview is.
Main image courtesy of eiger (Flickr)
