Routes and Destinations

It is Friday and I am not about to allow the unusually cold weather in Mpumalanga to curb that deep down excitement as my partner and I turned onto the R40 towards White River and Hazyview. Ahead of us, a weekend that would offer both tranquillity, and also entertainment for our adventurous spirits, was awaiting us.

Along the route, names like Plumbago teased our senses as we enjoyed the various green landscapes and before long we arrived in Hazyview and turned right towards Sabie. Twenty five kilometres from the town we turned right and snaked down into the valley, at times, driving through thick forest greenery on the paved two-track road. The scenery promised many delightful moments and experiences during the weekend.

Riverbend Cottages used to be a coffee factory but was converted to chalets by its owner, Tim buckland when he moved his business to three Rivers, a place that used to be an old trading post.

The cottages are self-catering, spacious, offer minimalist but elegant decor and no TV!

Being this low down in the valley meant that nightfall arrived earlier than usual. We were invited to join Tim and his wife, Kim at Sabie Valley Coffee at Three Rivers for an introduction into the world of this passionate and knowledgeable coffee master. I deem the title appropriate as he has been growing coffee for about 30 years and they pick, process and distribute their products themselves.

Walking into the large open-plan shop which leads onto a wonderful outdoors entertainment area, the aroma of coffee - real coffee master. I deem the title appropriate as he has been growing coffee for about 30 years and they pick, process and distribute their products themselves.

Do they do Ricoffy, a tourist once asked? Imagine their quiet sense of humiliation - NO, absolutely not! Tim prepared a coffee similar to what is generally known as a latte. It was, however, not - it was a light coffee with a wonderful roast and realness that no latte will ever offer. A slice of home-made carrot cake and mild tart, good conversation and the evening was made.

"People have this perception that the Italians grow coffee and happily pay a hefty price at the till for their coffee, but the Italians do not grow theirs - they buy the beans, roast, process and then resell it," says Tim and then he explained the coffee bean philosophy and process. One, among many interesting facts, is that the darker the bean, the less caffeine it contains.

We retired to Riverbend with the knowledge that we would continue the conversation at breakfast the next morning.

For breakfast ordered omelettes from the healthy and functional menu while engaging in more small talk.

Part of the original trading post is still being utilised at this time including the bridge (trekker Drift) behind the business and over which many merchants would cross Maputo. This is also the spot where the three main rivers of this area, the Sabie, Mac Mac and the Sabaan meet.

Then it was time for us to join Jaco Lubbe at Induna Adventures. Jaco, a biokineticist and a man with a gentle disposition, started there some 10 years ago. He believes that by exposing people to nature and adventure sport in a controlled and safe environment, he can make a difference in their lives. Well, he (Induna Adventures) does just that!

Other than a large of activities that cater for the whole family, the adrenalin junkie, corporate team building and children, safety and a respect for nature and people, are the fundamentals of this adventure company. This is confirmed in the fact that Induna prefers to employ people with passion - people who live from the heart. Although they teach their guides themselves, they also receive external training and certification as required by law.

Do not entertain the idea that you will be able to participate in all the activities in one day - it will be quite impossible. Be selective or plan to stay over for a weekend.

The guide who assisted us, or rather my partner Annalize, on the zipline, spoke 10 languages and exuded genuine pride while attending to all the elements involved in this activity. Then, accordingly and with a loud excited yell, it was over before it started. If you weigh 80 kilos or less, you travel down at 100 kilometres per hour and it is sheer magic!

Next we took a longish and not too challenging quad ride to the Sabie Cascades. Although I would prefer a quieter mode of transport, it took us through the most beautiful, unspoilt and dense forests and plantations you can imagine. One can but do nothing else than to breathe deeply and be grateful for the experience, which brought this thought: to experience the magic of Mpumalanga, you have to get off the road and once you are there, get off it again with the help of those, like Induna. Their intention, in terms of what they offer, is as pure and honest as the environment they do it in!

Induna offers the following activities: Quad biking, abseiling, white water rafting, mountain biking, kloofing, horse trails, zipline, hiking, paintball, geckoing and mountain boarding. For corporates there are outdoor strategic games, GPS development and much more and can accommodate groups of up to 300 at a time. Visit www.indunaadventures.com or call 013 737 8308.

Our Saturday evening's dinner was at the Kuka Restaurant and Cocktail bar at Perry's Bridge in Hazyview and we were privileged to chat with the exuberant head chef and general manager, Antoinette Myer. Antoinette grew up in Graaff Reinet. Kuka offers an afro-chic cosmopolitan vibe with an interior decor as vibrant as the chef herself. My chicken livers with bacon, brandy, spring onion and some, was deliciously different and gentler on the pallet than what I am used to. Main course was beef fillet with avo and sweet patato chips and the pear and apple crumble in strawberry soup dessert was superb - I would suggest an extra scoop of ice cream though or better still, just indulge in the dessert menu and leave the rest.

The name Kuka is derived from the baobab tree, of which the leaves are edible, believe it or not!

The barman, charles Magunje's alcohol-free party cocktail containing orange, cola tonic and grenadine proved a real but delicious taste-bud tantaliser.

The day proved to be the recipe to acquire a tired but rejuvenated body and soul, only to be tried even further the next morning with a walk along the river, through dense forest and guided by James Buckland. We were touched by this young man's alertness and knowledge about his environment. He took us to a rock which offers the only natural crossing across the Sabie River, used by the inhabitants of a long-gone era. It is called Ntshaba and means "to be afraid of".

The drive back was a reflective one. When you go off the road to explore - like we did, you will meet the custodians of nature -people with passion - people with heart and this is where you will find the magic of Mpumalanga - off the road and deep within nature's embrace in the company of real people. So, what are you waiting for - get going - start you Mpumalgana experience with a bean to cuppa tour presented by real coffee master and then medium roast your weekend with an Induna blend of adventure.

"No two beans are created equal"! What kind are you?

Medical Report

The report highlights a very successfull outcome of the treatment of Bilharzia and other ailments identified in the medical sceening of 381 children that attends 4 of our care centres located in bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The treatment was made possible through the kind donations of the following people and organisations:
- Schistosomiasis Control Initiative; Imperial College of London - Prof. Alan Fenwick
- Clientele Limited - Mr Gavin Soll
- Lowveld Toy Run - Renate Wagner
- Dr. Chakanga Banda

All but 11 of the 216 children identified wre treated and most of them were reviewed or re-examined after treatment. 97% of the children were confirmed cured!

We deeply appreciate your contribution to make a difference in the lives of these very needy children.

See full report

Touching Hearts

While on a mission trip to South Africa, the Touching Hearts team from eastern North Carolina, USA, visited Induna in Hazyview. Team Leader, Steve le Roux grew up in South Africa and went to college with Oudts, who is part owner of Induna. After finding out about the local orphanage (Sizabantwana - "Care For The Children) they are involved with, the team wanted to visit with the children.

So, after an exciting morning at Induna consisting of quadbiking, ziplining, water rafting and horseback riding, and a nice lunch at the Sabie Valley coffe Shop, the team headed to the orphanage to spend a couple of hours with the kids.

Joco introduced us to Frank Mashego, general Manager. He gave us a little history of the center and how he got involved, then left us to play

with the kids.

Team members had a great time taking pictures of the kids, playing soccer and teaching some of the kids the Hokey Pokey song. It was really hard to say goodbye to the kids but the team had to leave for Piet Retief early the next moring. It was hard to tell who had the most fun, the kids or the team!

Gayle Lucas
910-284-1237

Madiba Day 2010

What a privilege! This year's Nelson Mandela day turned out to be a life-changing experience for the kids of Sizabantwana and everybody involved.

One hundred overexcited kids, predominantly orphaned by aids, were picked up by Induna Adventures for a memorable day at the local Southern Sun resort, Sabie River Sun. This rich and rewarding experience was filled with food and drink, fun in the sun and presents to cherish and take home.


On arrival, Damien and his PA system further fanned the kids' excitement by announcing this long awaited day open! The mini soccer world cup got off to a flying start, while the volley ball matches made sure that no one was left out of the fun. Shakira could certainly have learned some new moves in the "hold nothing back" dancing competition, while the water balloon volleyball provided many laughs! Prizes were handed out through the day as an accolade of victory over life's difficult curveballs that torment these underprivileged children. A spoon-and-egg run, cricket games and other traditional African games all had a part to play in stimulating the deepest of our emotions, muscles, and laughter faces.

Somewhere in between these games the chefs of Sabie River Sun brought in trays and trays of boerewors rolls to feed the hungriest of mouths, as well as juice and bottomless ice cold water to keep everybody hydrated. This might have been the last and only meal they would have for the day... "Six months ago we improved the kids' dietary intake, and you can just see the difference! Some had red hair as a sign of malnutrition, but today everybody looks in good shape!' said Frank Mashego - the initiator and heart behind the nonprofit organization, SizaBantwana.

The gifts and presents was spot to the needs that these children experience day by day. Pillows and blankets, soccer balls and vuvuzelas, books and magazines, pens and toys. Imagine how you felt when you got your first bike! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone involved in making this Nelson Mandela Day one to remember for years to come. "This was so far one of the highlights of my year" said Jaco Lubbe from Induna Adventures. Roger Petyt, GM of Sabie River Sun said. "As a corporate entity, we would like to extend our involvementon a regular basis".

From the organizers to the children felt changed and rejuvenated! To give away to those in need leaves you with a feeling of meaningfulness. If you want to be involve as an individual or a corporate entity visit http://www.sizabantwana.org/ and start making a difference.

(The boy in the right was still an infant when he joint SizaBantwana.
He had no parents to suport him and lived with his granma who's deaf-mute)

The Children of SizaBantwana want to extend their thanks to:

Sabi River Sun Lifestyle Resort

Induna Adventures

Sunbake

De Rust Butchery...Johan

Pine Lake Lifestyle Resort

Sandra Humpkins of RagbagSA

Holly, Vallery and all at castrol

360 view of Induna Adventures

Induna Adventures 360 panoramic view

Rafting.AVI

Hendrik.AVI

2 hour Quad Biking

Induna Adventures 2 hour quad trails.

Quad Trials run through the most scenic Sabie River Valley, winding along the Sabana river, indigenous vegetation, hills and other streams. The tracks vary from technical to very easy, so we have something to offer the expert as well as the beginner! Halfway we have a quick stop for soft drinks and snacks before we get back to serious Quad Biking

Induna Adventures Moutain Bike Trails

The Sabie Valley between Sabie and Hazyview is a world class Mountain Bike destination. Trails are not only smooth but also very scenic and characterized by river crossings, single tracks and sights of breathtaking waterfalls. Induna Adventures is also home of the Big Induna Mountain bike race (2011) that take s place anually.

Options:
Guided Trails
Bike Rentals
Self Guided Trails
Mountain Bike Weekends
Mountain Bike Training Camps

Trails

Green - 5km - This route on farm roads, flowing quad tracks and meanders along the Sabaan River. It covers alot of indigenous forest sections.

Red - 8km - This is the official Induna X-Fest lap race route. Trail takes you through indigenous forest and though a fast flowing bush tunnel.

Gray - 15km - Mostly on blue gum plantation roads with steep up and downs. Alot of climbing but the 2 waterfalls with lookout points make it worth all the way.

Blue - 10km - The flattest trail we have, with only one steep up hill at the beginning and a great view of a breath taking cascade water fall.

Yellow - 10km - Probably the best 10km ride of your life! To be opened officially on 26 June 2010 on the Big Induna Social Ride.

Black - 35km - Lots of single tracks, forest roads, river crossings and waterfalls. To be opened in July 2010

Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is the home of adventure and breath-taking views! It links the popular towns of Hazyview, Graskop, Pilgrim's Rest and Sabie and provides a variety of activities for young and old.

There are a variety of tour operators that offer guided tours along the Panorama Route to visit popular attractions such as God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, a variety of Waterfalls and the old mining town of Pilgrim's Rest. If it is adventure you are looking for there are more than enough activities to keep your adrenaline levels up for a few days. Enjoy scenic Microlight flights, Helicopter flips, The Big Swing, Hot Air Ballooing, Quad Biking, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, Horse Trails and hiking to mention but a few! If you want to get in touch with nature, enjoy a special time interacting with elephants. This includes activiites such as touching, feeding and even riding these majestic giants under the supervision of well trained guides.

If you want to indulge in wildlife at your own time and leisure, a self drive in the Kruger National Park is a must! Be sure to pack a pair of binoculars and a bird book, and keep your eyes peeled for interesting and often overlooked smaller insects, reptiles and plant life. Other worthwhile tours include the Mashova Owl Project as well as the Reptile Park in Hazyview. You can also visit the Shangana Cultural Village to experience some traditional dancing and African cuisine.

There's no doubt you'll find something for everyone to do on the Panorama Route. We look forward to hosting you in the land of adventure and magnificent sunrises!

Western Kruger

The Western Kruger is Synonymous with the Big 5 and the rich African Bush. This is the perfect opportunity to experience our wonderful wildlife up close and personal!

A wide variety of game viewing tours and activities are available from Morning Drives, Night Drices, Full day Safaris, self drives and even guided walks among the Big 5. Experienced guides will share their wealth of knowledge about plants, birds, dung and their interaction with other wildlife. There is nothing better than the exhilarating smell of the crisp morning air just as the sun rises, and the sound of the untainted world waking around you. Night drives safaris will take you to a mystical world where the predator is king, while a guided walk will heighten your senses to every sound and movement around you.

There are also various opportunities to enjoy wildlife tours outside of the Kruger. Visit the Hoedspruit Endangered Species centre where you can learn more about the graceful cheetah and other endangered birds and animals that have been rescued as a result of poisoning and ilegal hunting. Your contribution will also support wildlife conservation.

If you want to add some adventure to your breakaway, Hazyview is just a stone throw away. Here you can enjoy a wide variety of activities such as Microlight Flights, Helicopter flips, Hot Air Ballooning, Quad Biking, Mountain Biking, River Rafting, Horse Trails and Hiking as well as the Shangana Cultural Village where you can experience some traditional dancing and African cuisine.

Be sure to make the Western Kruger part of your itinerary. The animal kingdom will not disappoint!

Soccer Experience

On Sunday 20 June a bunch of enthusiastic Indunas gathered at the Shell Garage in Hazyview before departing for Mbombela Stadium to watch the Italy/New Zealand game. Everyone had on a bright yellow soccer shirt and those armed with a Vuvuzela made themselves heard loud and clear! We were a sight and sound to behold!

Our two Quantum mini-busses hit the road and it was great to see the spirit and excitement on fellow Sellow South Africans' faces. Now and again a spontaneous Vuvuzela contest would erupt as we passed other vehicles occupied by soccer fans. When we reached Nelspruit we made a very welcome pit stop for lunch at McDonald's. We each wolfed down a Big Mac, chips and Coke. Some of us decided that it would be a good idea to come prepared and acquire a set of ear plugs, and we all made sure we had an Italian flag painted somewhere on our faces, or in some cases, heads!

We parked at the Riverside Mall and made our way to the "Park-and-Ride" facility. Needless to say there were hundreds of others who were waiting for a ride to the stadium. Many were eccentrically dressed and most were proudly blowing on their Vuvuzelas in anticipation. We were impressed at the rate at which empty busses arrived to pick up loads of spectators and transport them to the stadium. Soon we were on our way! On arrival, the stadium was already buzzing with excitement and we made our way to our seats just in time to watch the teams warming up. Soon after, anthems were sung and the whistle blew. It was like being in a bee-hive! New-Zealand scored a goal during the first few minutes and things grew a bit more silent. It was no secret that most South Africans were rooting for Italy. Not long after Italy scored from a penalty and the stadium erupted all over again. Mexican waves ran through the crowds and Vuvuzela choruses chimed in.

In the end the game was a draw and we hurriedly left our seats to secure an early bus back to the mall. Everyone was talking excitedly about the game and the atmosphere was jovial. Soon we were on a bus and enthusiastic conversations continued between people of all colours and nationalities. In a way, a game of soccer had united us for a few hours- our common purpose to enjoy what our beautiful country has achieved despite the reservations of many. Well done South Africa!

A Scenic Balloon Flight

Getting out of bed in the early hours of the morning is what Kevin, our balloon pilot does. Every aspect of ballooning revolves around the weather, and it's the first thing Kevin checks every day.

Balloons flights take place at sunrise, in cool and stable air, so Kevin and the crew arrive in the dark, and get the balloon ready for inflation. By the time passengers arive coffee is ready, and they can watch the inflation, take pictures and enjoy the excitement.

Once airborne, passengers float above the valley, riverine forest, bush and orchards, small hills and hidden waterfalls. The distant views to the west are of the mountains, and to the east the landscape gradually flattens towards the sunrise. A balloon flight will always provide spectacular views, but remember - this is about the experience - nothing compares with a balloon flight!

When the balloon lands sparkling Cape wine is served to celebrate the flight in the champagne ballooning tradition. Afterwards passengers join the pilot at a nearby country lodge for breakfast, and the presentation of flight certificates.

We recommend casual clothes, with long pants and closed shoes. Once the sun rises, the day warms up quickly, so light clothing under the jacket is ideal.

Passengers can make their own way to the launch site or if they prefer, a transfer will be arranged.

White Water Rafting

White water is formed in a rapid, when a river's gradient suddenly drops resulting in unstable current and frothy water which appears white.

River difficulty grades range from 1 to 6. In a grade 6 river rafters can encounter substantial white water, many rocks and high drops.

Lone Creek River Lodge in Panorama Route, South Africa | Check out our Rates

Lone Creek River Lodge in Panorama Route, South Africa Check out our Rates

I was there!!!

Induna Adventures can say "I was there", Induna Adventures went as a team and together we was there 2010 soccer.

Viva Camera Man!!

Who's at greater risk: the rider of the Camera man?

Two wheeler trails at Induna Adventures have proven to be world class. Saturday the 19th saw some very avid riders testing their skills against the more technical routes on offer at Induna Adventures. This time, even the camera guy was at risk. In the end, everybody had an awesome day and lots of stoties to tell.

Viva Camera man!!

Ps: A longer video soon to follow...