Mpumalangas Highlands Meander is a nature lovers paradise, b

Mpumalangas Highlands Meander is a nature lovers paradise, boasting South Africas premier fly-fishing mecca, some of the sub-continents rarest birds, best rock climbing, and most spectacular wild flower displays -- all just two-hours drive from the metropolitan centres of Gauteng and Mozambique.

It is also home to Africas only breeding community of wild Black Leopard, who haunt the wild mountain ravines and streams that characterise the Highlands Meander.

The diversity of the highlands Meander and string of quaint historic towns have made it a popular weekend hideaway for well-heeled city sleekers, who flock to hamlets such as Dullstroom for South Africas best trout and fly fishing. The towns stone lodges nestle along cool trout dams and streams, where bright yellow arum lilies and 120 other species of indigenous wild flower carpet the region in a kaleidoscope of colour every spring.

The picturesque village wasnt, however, always such a haven. It was the scene of bloody battles during the Anglo Boer War 100 years ago, and was torched by invading British forces. The ruined forts, trenches and artillery placements are still visible around the village, as are the graves of Boer fighters and Imperial troopers.

Those interested in more peaceful pursuits should not miss the Verloren Valei Nature Reserve, which boasts the only habitat where all three of the worlds endangered cranes are found. The Blue Crane, which is South Africas national bird, can be spotted along with the Wattled Crane and Crowned Crane at the reserve, which has been declared an international RAMSAR wetlands site.

But Dullstroom is just one of the attractions in the Highlands Meander.

Nearby Machadodorp and Waterval Boven are also rich with Boer War history. Both towns are built along the Transvaal Republics major railway line to Delagoa Bay (modern-day Maputo), and were fiercely contested by the British as the Boers retreated towards the end of the war. Visitors can take a walk through the historic ZASM tunnel through which the trains used to pass, and see a beautiful waterfall that cascades along the Elands River course. The route drops to the little town of Waterval Onder, where President Paul Kruger lived for a month before finally fleeing into exile and a lonely death in Austria in 1900.

Accommodation in and around Highlands Meader