 The town of Sabie offers much more than
just the traditional sport & recreation facilities. Our
indoor and outdoor facilities caters for both the adventure and the
sport enthusiast, and promises great fun and entertainment for the
whole family.
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Webmaster's Note:
We still have a
small problem accommodating surfers and whale watchers (sorry about that) - but the rest is on the list !
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Adventure
4x4 Trips
There are literally thousands of kilometres of plantation roads in the
Sabie area, most of which are closed to the general public. A
number of 4x4 tour operators offer unforgettable self-drive trips to
breathtaking scenery not often seen by tourists. For more
information see our special 4x4 Adventures page.
Abseiling
The sheer vertical cliffs around Sabie lends itself to exhilarating rock climbing and abseiling
for those with the right equipment, courage and know-how. A popular venue is
at the Sabie waterfall in town. Equipment and instructors are available.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Ballooning (45 km from Sabie)
Trips with a view - go where the wind takes you. Hot-air Balloon trips depart from Hazyview, piloted by experienced hot-air
balloon pilots.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Bird Watching
The Sabie area is truly a birders paradise. Not only is there a huge variety
of the more common bird species, but a number of globally and nationally threatened species
also occur in the area. See our special Bird Watchers
page for more information.
Boating & Sailing
A number of dams (all less than a hour's drive from Sabie) is a haven for power-boat and sailing enthusiasts. For more information contact
the Lowveld Angling and Boating Association (LABA) on (013) 753-3336.
Da Gama Dam (42 km from Sabie)
Home of the Forest Sailing Club. Motorised crafts limited to a
maximum of 5kw. Camping is allowed, but there are no ablution
facilities.
Contact:
Forest Sailing Club (Ken Grossmith) on (082) 600-2252 or Des
Drake on (083) 225-8359
Klipkoppie Dam (?? km from Sabie)
The turnoff to the
dam
is 34.4 km from Sabie on the R537 road towards White River.
No restriction on size of motorized crafts. A camping site with
ablution facilities is available.
Contact:
Chris Schutte (083) 626-6293.
Longmere Dam (52 km from Sabie)
Access to this small dam is restricted to LABA club members, owners of
the time-share units and hotel guests. Only pedal-boats and canoes are
allowed.
Contact:
Pine Lake Inn on (013) 751-5036 or
Alex Price on (082) 448-1888
Orighstad Dam (51 km from Sabie)
Take the R532 towards Graskop and then the R533 via Pilgrim's
Rest. The turnoff to the dam is 19.1 km beyond Pilgrim's Rest on
the R533 and the dam a further 3.9 km. Canoeing, rowing and angling from powerboats are permitted on the dam.
A picnic site
with ablution facilities is available.
Contact:
Department of Water Affairs & Forestry on
(013) 238-0201
Primkop Dam
Motorised crafts limited to a maximum of 5kw. A camping site
with ablution facilities is available.
Contact:
C.P. Nel on (082) 922-9432
Witklip Dam
The turnoff to the dam
is 31.7 km from Sabie on the R537 road towards White River.
This 188ha dam is mainly a fishing dam. No motorised crafts (other than electric bass fishing
boats) are permitted. Only small, slow moving rowing and sailing
boats are allowed, due to the danger of submersed debris.
Contact:
Department of Water Affairs & Forestry on (013)
764-2871
Caving
A broad band of Dolomitic rock occurs less than a kilometre west of Sabie. It contains a large
number of caves on private land.
One of the largest caves in the area is the Lone Creek cave. It
is not a tourist cave, but it is (unofficially) open to the public.
It is situated just off the main road on the way to Lone Creek Falls - 7 km from Sabie.
There are no facilities and no lights. Cave disease (Histoplasmosis)
may be present. Some caving experience and adult supervision is
advised. Dress up in old clothing as this
is a very muddy cave. The entrance to an old horizontal mine
shaft is located 30 m north-west of the cave entrance. Do not
enter the mine as the old tunnels are extremely unstable and
dangerous.
The Echo Caves is 130 km from Sabie on the R36 road, north of
Ohrigstad. The Sudwala Caves is located 45 km from Sabie (turn
left on the R37 road to Nelspruit at Rosehaugh and follow directions
on the R539). This is a large and spectacular cave system
that is well worth a visit. Guided tours are conducted daily. Also enquire about
their special Crystal Chamber tour (for the brave of heart).
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Fishing & Fly Fishing
The Sabie river, and all its tributaries above the Sabie waterfall, is declared trout waters.
The Sabie Trout Angling Club stock 7 km of the river with
rainbow and brown trout to supplement the natural breeding population of trout in the river.
This section of the Sabie river is arguably the best river fly-fishing venue for trout on public
waters in the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. Non club members need to purchase daily rod permits,
obtainable from a number of businesses and accommodation establishments in town. Fly-fishers
also have to be in possession of a provincial trout angling license. Strictly fly-fishing
tackle and artificial flies only.
For more info see our special Fly Fishing
page.
Fishing for trout is also available from a number of small dams at the
Horseshoe Trout & About trout
farm.
Fishing tackle can be rented and any bait may be used. The fish
caught are charged by the kilogram. Excellent fishing venues for Bass,
Carp, Catfish, & Tilapia include the da Gama, Klipkoppie, Longmere,
Orighstad, Primkop and Witklip dams - all of which are but a short drive
from Sabie.
Contact:
Lowveld Angling and Boating Association (LABA) on (013) 753-3336
Flying
The Sabie aerodrome is a well maintained grassed runway at an altitude of
1140m (3740 feet). It is mostly used by private air planes and micro-lights, as well as by
"water-bomber" planes when combating forest fires.
Gold Panning (38 km from Sabie)
"There are still gold in them hills ....." So why not try your hand at panning
for gold - just like the old-timers did. Visit Pilgrim's Rest to try it first hand.
Gorge Swinging & High Wire (32km from Sabie)
Experience the adrenaline rush of the world's highest cable gorge swing with a 68 metre (18 storey
building) freefall.
0-160km/h in 2.3 seconds!
Or fly across the 80 metre high gorge on the High Wire slide.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Webmaster's Note:
Figures obtained from the brochure, but the calculations don't
add up - perhaps the gravitational force is higher here than anywhere else on our planet.
Even so - there are no miss-calculations on the adrenaline levels - it is a
not-to-be-missed experience of a lifetime for the adventurous and the brave at heart! |
Gorge swinging from the Sabie bridge is also practiced.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Helicopter Flips (35 km from Sabie)
Hover over breathtaking views of waterfalls, Blyde Canyon, God's
Window, and Sabie River Valley. Various options - 15min, 45min, 1hour
and 2hours.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Hiking and Backpacking
The concept of National Hiking Trails was invented in Sabie with the launch of the Fanie Botha trail
in 1973. Hiking trails around Sabie cater for everyone - whether you are a bird watcher, a fauna
and flora enthusiast, or merely want to experience the delight of relaxing within sight of sparkling
waterfalls or meandering streams.
The hiking trails around Sabie range from easy walks of a few hours to grueling hikes over several
days. See our special Walks & Hikes page for more
info.
Horse Riding
Experience some pleasant outdoor equestrian moments riding through the forest or along the Sabie
river. From one hour to two day rides.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Motor Cycling
The
good quality, winding tarred roads in the Sabie area offer a challenge
to all motorcyclists, no matter what your level of experience. The
ultimate experience is the 22km stretch on the Sabie-Hazyview R536 road
- known as "To The Halfway Mark". Experience the sensational feeling of
freedom (no cops) through the bends and curves as you expand and hone
your riding capabilities.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Mountain Biking
Sabie has for the last ten years been at the forefront of mountain bike racing in South Africa,
regularly hosted National Championships and pioneered many event design innovations. The Sabie
Classic is an annual event hosted by the Mpumalanga Mountain Bike Association (MaMBA). For this
prestigious race the more than 1 000 competitors race through the mountains surrounding Sabie,
passing waterfalls and panoramic views over some of the most breathtaking scenery in South Africa.
For more information see our special Mountain
Biking page.
Fully equipped mountain bikes for men, ladies & children can be rented in town on an hourly,
daily or weekly base.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Quad Biking
Quad Biking trails are available on the Long Tom Pass (25 km from
Sabie), in the Sabie River Valley (40km from Sabie), as well as between
Sabie & Graskop (15 km from Sabie). All of the trails are
guide by experienced guides on rented quads, whilst one of the operators
also accommodate private quads. The trails include 1, 2 or 4 hour
rides through some of the most scenic landscapes the region has to
offer.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
River Rafting, Canoeing, Tubing
The Sabie River is one of the few unpolluted rivers left in South Africa
and around the town of
Sabie the river is bilharzia free. You can leisurely float down the
Sabie river on an inner tube or sign up for a river rafting experience. Access to the river is
free of charge and inner tubes can be rented in town. A
popular run is from Ceylon bridge (where the road to Bridal Veil Falls crosses the Sabie River) down
to Castle Rock Caravan Park.
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Webmaster's
Note:
The Sabie River can be
extremely dangerous when in flood!
Floatation jackets are advised at all times. |
Professional, trained tour operators - with a full compliment of safety
equipment - also offer adrenalin pumping trips on the Sabie River in
rafts or on specially designed tubes.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Rock Climbing
The sheer vertical cliffs around Sabie lends itself to exhilarating rock climbing and abseiling
for those with the right equipment, courage and know-how. A popular venue is
the Gorge at the Sabie waterfall in town, where close to 40 routes are
bolted and well described.
For more info see Climb
ZA's wiki web site.
Scuba Diving
There is no scuba diving club in Sabie, but the Big 5 Dive Club from Phalaborwa regularly visits the
7.7 m deep water-filled quarry at Spitskop (10 km from Sabie). Permission to dive here must be
obtained from the Komatiland Forester at Spitskop on (013) 764-3388.
Contact:
Big 5 Dive Club (Mario or Vauneen van Heerden) on (082) 413-6822 or (082) 809-6386
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FREE
BOOKING SERVICE
The
Sabie Info Office offers a Free Booking
Service
for
most of the
Adventure Activities.
No commission added! No agent fees!
Give them a call on (013) 764-1177
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Sport
Aerobics
Aerobic sessions are held in the Glynn Hall on Mondays & Wednesdays.
Contact: Elma Olivier on (013) 764-1949
Archery
Learn to shoot with bow and arrow under the expert guidance of Springbuck FITA archer Dr. Josef Preisser (National Coaches Chairman
of the SA National Archery Association - SANAA). Equipment
available, or bring along your own
equipment to the Sabie shooting range.
Contact:
Sabie Info Office on (013) 764-3599
Basket-ball
Basket-ball matches are played in the Bambanani indoor sports centre.
Recently the practice games for the Lowveld Provincial teams were held in Sabie.
Bowls
There is an excellent bowling green with viewing deck at the Sabie Country Club.
The Sabie Bowls Club play on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Visitors are welcome.
Contact:
Adriaan Rouvoet on (013) 764-1607
Cricket
Sabie sports a cricket oval with an unbeatable setting. The Sabie Cricket Club
is in the process of upgrading the outfield and once completed
(Aug-Sept 2002) it will be one of the best ovals in the area.
Contact:
Ian Patterson on (083) 625-8929
Cycling
The good tarred roads, undulating
topography and clean, fresh mountain air amidst breathtaking scenery,
places Sabie and the surrounding area high on the venue selection for
both the amateur and professional cyclist. Professional cycling
teams visit the area regularly to train for big cycling events.
The local cycling club (Long Tom Trappers) regularly hosts social rides
and can provide you with all the necessary information, as well as a
companion or guide, should you require one.
For the less energetic, the 9 km level tarred road between Sabie and Lone Creek Falls is popular
for a leisurely family cycling outing.
Contact:
Crissie van der Merwe on (082) 341-4916
Gaming & Gambling (60 km from Sabie)
The Emnotweni Casino is situated in the Riverside Mall, on the outskirts of Nelspruit.
Golf
Sabie Country Club boasts a challenging nine hole course (par 68, 5,457m), considered by many as one of the best 9-hole courses in the
area.
Carts and caddies are available from the Pro Shop or from the office.
Contact:
Sabie Country Club on (013) 764-2282, or visit their web
site.
There are also a number of golf courses within a hour's drive, making Sabie a central base
for a memorable golfing holiday. So why not take a swing at some of the following excellent golf
courses:
Kruger Park Lodge (Hazyview): 9-holes
White River Country Club: 18-holes
Pine Lake Inn (White River): 9-holes
Sabie River Sun (Hazyview): 18-holes
TGME Golf Club (Pilgrim's Rest): 9-hole
Nelspruit Golf Club: 18-hole
Lydenburg Golf Club: 9-hole
Skukuza (Kruger National Park): 9-hole
Indoor Cycling ("Spinning") & Gym
Sessions and instructions are available at the Sabie Country Club - Monday to Friday (4
classes/day). Visitors are welcome
Contact:
Debbie Möller on (082) 222-2204
Karate
The W.S.K.F. Karate Club meets every Monday & Thursday in the Town Hall for Shotokan
Karate.
Contact:
Sempai Thea Herbst on (083) 769-5189
Marathon Running
Sabie's high altitude (between 1 000 and 1 200 metres above sea level), combined with it's healthy
clean air, low traffic volumes, low crime rate and scenic surroundings, makes it an ideal training
venue for marathon runners. Every year teams of top Comrades Marathon runners frequent the area
as part of their training programme. For general information about
marathon running in the Sabie area, contact the
Sabie Shufflers Marathon Club (Grant Bosman) on (072) 892-6062.
Annual Marathon Events:
Long Tom Ultra Marathon
The toughest 56km ultra marathon in South Africa is held in March/April between Sabie and
Lydenburg via the Long Tom Pass. Up to 1 500 runners participating in this grueling
event. A standard 21km marathon, in which up to 600 runners participate, is also hosted on
the same day.
Contact:
Paul Davies on (082) 655-3421
Global Forest 2 in 1
Every August/ September is the time for 800 athletes to take to the woods, running past
some of the most scenic waterfalls in the area in either the 32 km or
the 10 km race.
Contact:
Danie Louw (013) 764-1389
Graskop Road Relay
This event is hosted every year in July/August. More than twenty teams,
with six runners each, from Secondary Schools participate in the relay
from Graskop to Sabie.
Contact:
Dawie Oberholzer (013) 764-2148 or 764-1367
God's Window Marathon
This half-marathon is run in October in the scenic Graskop area by up to 500 athletes.
Contact:
Salome van Rensburg on (084) 208-3269
Putt-putt (Mini Golf)
There is a challenging course at the Smokey Restaurant - always popular with children and adults alike.
Squash
There are two squash courts (one with glass
back) at the Sabie Country Club.
Contact:
Sabie Country Club on (013) 764-2282
Swimming
There is a half-Olympic sized swimming pool at the Sabie Country Club
which is open all day in season.
Contact:
Lionel Schroeder on (084) 510-4756
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Walks & Hikes
