Sabie, Mpumalanga — Town Info

History

Gold was found near Sabie in 1871 on an expedition led by H.T. Glynn, and the Glynns-Lydenburg Gold Mining Company was formed. Joseph Brook Shires planted the first commercial trees in 1876, starting what became one of the largest man-made forests in the world. Sabie became a health committee area in 1916 and a village council in 1924. The name is usually traced to the Shangaan word for the flooding, crocodile-filled river.

Getting there

About 360 km east of Johannesburg. Reached on the R37 from Mbombela or over the Long Tom Pass from Mashishing (Lydenburg), on the R536 from Hazyview, and on the R532 from Graskop (28 km north). Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is roughly 55 km away.

Weather & climate

Summer-rainfall area at about 1,100 m; summers are warm and wet and winters dry and cool, with a fire risk in the plantations in late winter.

Things to do

Fanie Botha Hiking TrailOvernight forestry hiking trail in 2 to 5 day options.
Fly-fishing on the Sabie RiverTrout fishing on club water and dams around Sabie.
Forest FallsWaterfall reached only on foot by a 7 km circular forest walk off the R532 between Sabie and Graskop.
Loerie TrailCircular day walk from Ceylon Forest Station near Sabie.
Mac Mac PoolsNatural rock pools with picnic and braai areas; the 3 km Secretary Bird trail starts here.
Mac Mac Summit 4x4 TrailScenic 4x4 route through the forestry area near Sabie.

Things to see

Bridal Veil Falls70 m waterfall reached by a 750 m forest walk, about 6 km from Sabie off the old Lydenburg road.
Horseshoe FallsHorseshoe-shaped falls on a gravel road off the old Lydenburg road.
Komatiland Forest Industry MuseumMuseum on the history of forestry and the timber industry; also sells MTB and Forest Falls permits.
Lone Creek FallsWaterfall surrounded by indigenous forest.
Long Tom PassHistoric mountain pass on the R37 between Sabie and Mashishing, with a Long Tom cannon replica and Devil's Knuckles.
Mac Mac FallsTwin waterfall plunging 70 metres into a forested gorge.
Maria Shires FallsSmall waterfall and picnic spot on the escarpment route north of Sabie.
Sabie Falls73 m waterfall beneath the bridge over the Sabie River on the R532 at the edge of town.
St Peter's Anglican ChurchHistoric Anglican church in Sabie.