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The rich mix of culture
spills out on the streets in the
form of sensational street cuisine
2
2. TAKE THE PLUNGE IN
MPUMALANGA
Lisbon Falls is part of the iconic Panorama
Route – home to more waterfalls than any
other part of South Africa, according to SA
Forestry – and just one of many incredible
natural attractions in the area.
At 94 metres, it’s the highest waterfall
in the province, but what most visitors
don’t know is that it’s best appreciated
from below. Less than 10 kilometres from
the town of Graskop and easily accessible
as a day trip from Sabie, this picturesque
Fordsburg’s fabulous street food, and the spectacular Lisbon Falls.
mountain pool is perfect for summer
swims and a picnic on the river rocks.
Lisbon Falls is named after the
Portuguese capital, which is also the name
of a large farm nearby. Other farm names
in the area include New York and Berlin, so
named to honour the origins of the many
miners that flocked here to strike it rich
during the gold rush.
Although it looks drastic, the descent
into the gorge is an easy 40-minute hike
– but it might take a little longer to climb
out again. If the hike doesn’t appeal to
you, there are also lovely pools above the
falls. Don’t venture too close to the edge,
but stick about 100 metres upstream,
close to the concrete forestry bridge.
THE DETAILS: Best seen from the
bottom, ask at nearby Lisbon Hideaway
how to find the trail, as it’s not
signposted (www.lisbonhideaway.co.za).
Take a walking stick to navigate the
slippery bits and pack a picnic to enjoy
at the bottom. To see the falls from the
viewpoint costs R20 per person.
MAKE MEMORIES FOR LIFE // 3 7