Rock upheavals millions of years ago, constant weathering by wind and rain have formed the unique region known as the Highlands Meander.

From the almost treeless Highveld to the spectacular rock formations of the escarp
ment, the valleys and mountains tell their own story. Later came the Hunter-gatherers, followed by the agriculturists and pastoralists. Today's traveller can still see many signs of where Stone Age and Iron Age habitation occurred.

Welcome to the Highlands Meander
Situated only two to three hours from Gauteng, the Highlands Meander has become a popular tourist destination, attracting nature lovers, flyfishers, and adventure addicts to the many climes located within the Meander. From majestic mountains to the bushveld, rolling hills, pristine rivers, bush clad kloofs, spectacular scenery, quaint towns - the Meander has it all for the family.

GET HOOKED ON THE HIGHLANDS

Dutch immigrants began settling on the farm Grootsuikerboskop and Elandslaagte 1884 and 1887. Today Dullstroom, as the town became known, named after the Chairman of the group, Wolterus Dull is a vibrant, bustling hub of restaurants, pubs, charming shops and much more for the erudite traveller to experience.

Regarded as a flyfishers' Paradise, the contrasts of climate and altitude allow for a variety of fish species to be caught on the fly, from rainbow and brown trout to indigenous yellowfish and barbel. Bass, carp and kurper provide exciting challenges for the more adventurous flyfisher. Trout were introduced in the early 1900's to many of the rivers in the area, and today many a keen angler is grateful to the foresight of those early immigrants. A day battling the elements to catch the elusive BIG one provides many an exciting tale to be told at the end of a day.

The first spring rains brings a kaleidoscope of colour to the veld as the flowers burst into bloom. In summer the bright red Scarlet River Lily flowering in profusion along the river banks contrasts well with the blue of the Agapanthas and white and yellow of the Arum lillies. Aloes are at their most spectacular on the high areas of the Meander, during the autumn/winter months, their bright orange colour radiating a warmth to the otherwise rugged landscape. And the bushveld areas - they have a magic of their own, all year round.

But looking for something else to provide some excitement and a challenge? Hiking (gentle and strenuous), rock climbing, abseiling, paragliding, 4x4 trails, mountain biking, horse riding, canoeing, mountain biking - all are available for the adrenaline seekers.

Birding is one of the fastest growing hobbies and diverse ecozones from montane grassland, rocky outcrops, vleis, marshes, ams, pine plantations, riverine forests, sheer cliffs and bushveld offers a wide variety of habitats to the keen birder. Congratulations to the Highlands Crane Group for their outstanding work towards preserving the endangered crane speciesuropean occupation of the Meander is relatively 'young'. Lydenburg, the first town to be settled in 1849. In its short history it has been a Republic, was involved during the Sekhukhune (Frontier) wars, besieged during the 1st Anglo Boer War 1880-1881, garrisoned during the South African war 1899-1902 and since then has become a thriving commercial centre serving a large rural community and has much to offer the discerning tourist.

Richard O'Neill settled on the farm Tweefontein 1890 and called the town Belfast, after his ancestral home in Ireland. Garrisoned by the British during the South African war 1899-1902 it was also the location of a concentration camp. Belfast is the Gateway to our Meander, and is well known not only for its fishing but for the brilliant splash of colour when the daffodils and tulips are in bloom each September - come and join in the fun at the annual Trout/Tulip festival.

The railway line built from Delagoa Bay (Maputo) to Pretoria reached the beautiful Elands River Valley, 1893/4. It includes the hamlet of Waterval Onder, where President Paul Kruger stayed during the South African War 1899-1902. Today his house, Krugerhof is a national monument and museum - well worth a visit. 'Above the waterfall' was reached later in 1894 and the depot established grew into the town of Waterval Boven. Today, one is able to enjoy a trip back in time on the Oostelijn Steam train. But, the valley, besides being known for its spectacular scenery, the Five Arch Stone Bridge, the old NZASM tunnel, is fast becoming recognised as our adventure tourism ' hotspot', rock climbing their speciality.

The next railway station was Machadodorp, and the town was named after the Portuguese surveyor of the line, Joachim Machado. During the South African war 1899-1902 Paul Kruger declared it the last capital of the free Boer republics.

Today, besides going fishing, delight in the idyllic atmosphere of the town, or benefit from the healing powers of the natural sulphur hot springs.

After their defeat at Bergendal 27 August 1900, the Boers split up and Louis Botha was to take the route through the beautiful Badfontein valley, today known as the Kwena Basin. Today the 'Basin' is known as the place 'where friendships are formed' and where it all happens for the adventure seeker or for the one pursuing the peace and tranquillity of life in the country.

WHAT THE TOWNS HAVE TO OFFER
Lydenburg
Situated at the foothills of the Long Tom Pass.
Thriving commercial town serving large farming area.
Fishing, hiking, mampoer, golf, birding, Stone Age, Iron Age, rock engravings, Frontier wars, S.A. war 1899-1902 sites.

Dullstroom
Nestled in the Steenkampsberg mountains 2,100 m a.s.l.
Flyfishing, for brown and rainbow trout.
Birding, wild flowers, hiking, fresh air, fireplaces and fun.
Restaurants, pubs, charming shops, pancakes.
Mampoer, lavender, arts and crafts.

Belfast
Gateway to Mpumalanga, Escarpment and Highlands Meander.
September and fields of tulips and daffodils in bloom - unforgettable!
Flyfishing for trout, black bass, carp, barbel and yellow fish.
Hiking, birding and golf . Sites S.A. War 1899-1902

Waterval-Boven
Situated on the edge of the beautiful Elandskrans.
Adventure tourism at its best.
Fishing, hiking, horse riding.
Steeped in history, travel back in time on the Oosterlijn Steam train. Rock climbing, abseiling. Breathtaking scenery

Machadodorp
Surrounded by gentle hills, the Elands river running through it, Paul Kruger chose an idyllic town to be the last capital of the Boer republics.
Superb trout fishing waters, natural sulphur hot springs, adventure and eco tourism.
And has Major Cotton's ghost finally been laid to rest?

Kwena Basin
Where friendships are born.
Kwena Basin is a unique valley surrounded by
majestic mountains - the place to experience life in the country.
Fishing, hiking, 4x4 trails, abseiling, paragliding, water sports and much more.
Archaeological and S.A. War 1899-1902 sites.

Ezrom Sekgobela
Mpumalanga Tourism sends out monthly External newsletter, which is received by 4070 people Worldwide, and each month we focus on a different region/subject. This is an opportunity to market your region. Grab it with both hands and supply Mpumalanga Tourism Authority with information...PLEASE!!

If you have missed out on the past newsletters you will find copies of The Lowveld Legogote and The Wild Frontier e-newsletters at
www.mpumalanga.com/newsroom/letter.asp.

For more information on the External e-News please contact Kathleen Greeff at
kgreeff@mta.mpu.gov.za or esekgobela@mta.mpu.gov.za

Fishing conditions in the Dullstroom area have definitely improved of late, despite the low rainfalls experienced over summer. Most water temperatures have dropped to an acceptable level, allowing successful catch and release. River levels are alarming ly low, with few producing any significant catches. With colder weather and hopefully more rain on route, a productive and enjoyable fishing winter lies ahead. On a more positive note, we can look forward to a host of fly-fishing events, which promise to attract all levels of fly-fishers to the area. May brings us both the Dullstroom Classic (undoubtedly the premier fly-fishing event of the year) and the first Belfast Ladies Classic.

A recent fly-ant hatch on Dullstroom Dam proved once again how easy we as anglers underestimate day fishing waters. A late afternoon drizzle and warm weather conditions combined to produce one of the largest hatches that I can recall. Although selective feeding was the order of the day, a well-placed imitation resulted in a brown cock fish tipping the scales at over 5 lbs. Other patterns which have been successful include the faithful Woolly Bugger, Hammils Killer and Red Eye Damsels. A DDD or para-Adams should be just effective late afternoon.

For more information, please contact Bruce at the Village Angler on 013 254 0045 or e-mail at theangler@dullstroom.net.

The Definitive Collection signs up two new properties

The Definitive Collection, a development and consulting group in South Africa that concentrates on the FIT & leisure market locally and internationally; have added two new properties to its portfolio, Kloppenheim Country Estate, situated in the Machadodorp area in Mpumalanga and Sediba Private Game lodge in the Welgevonden area in the Northern Province.

Belfast, the Trout & Tulip Capital of Mpumalanga and "Gateway to the Highlands Meander"!

Belfast was founded in 1890 by R C O' Neill who named the town after the birthplace of his grandfather - Belfast in Ireland.

Known as a friendly little town enriched with beautiful tree-laned streets, wild flowers, dams & rivers, its has become a lure not only for fly-fishermen but also for weary travellers& tourist. Belfast District is high lying, will watered and has a crisp, healthy climate. It is situated on the Eastern Plateau.

Some 2025 meters above sea level 2 hours drive from Gauteng, on route to all major tourist attractions of Mpumalanga, the fascinating town Belfast can be found.

The various sub habitats support good populations of certain bird species and the area is the last strong hold for the wattle crane.

The high grasslands remain botanically unexplored to a large extent, as does the area along the Escarpment where frequent mists are imported in supplying moisture for small plants living in rock crevices. The avid unexpected treasures in the meadows , vleis and on riverbanks.

Belfast is renowned for its excellent fly-fishing conditions of mainly trout but also black bass, carp, Babel in the many rivers / dams rising to this watershed. Not only does the town boast with 6 dams managed by the Belfast Fly Fishing Association, the largest fly fishing association in Mpumalanga, but it also has a picturesque waterfall that forms part of one of the most popular hiking trails in the country, "rapids" also open for day visitors who would like to take a leisure stroll in the splendid natural surroundings.

Another major attraction is the "flower farm" which is an unforgettable sight during September when the tulips and daffodils are in full bloom.

The other unique feature of Belfast is the black granite which is a highly valued product as it is the only known and purest granite deposit in the world; one of 2 open quarries in the world.

Belfast is also rich in history with the Anglo - Boer War monument Berg- en -Dal" and the second oldest covenant ground in the country. A number of historical houses and other buildings have been preserved, with antiques and a photographic history of the era during which the Nederlandshe Zuid-Afrikaanse spoorweg maatschappy. (NZASM) built the railing line linking Pretoria to Delagoa Bay

Kwasinkhulu, a newly discovered ethno-archaeological terrain-founder king of Ndzundza's Ndebele grave and kraal complex more than 100ha- can be explored.

Activities
The Major Attractions for Belfast are the following:
· Hadeco Tulip Nursery - Only in bloom in September with the annual festival
· Berg & Dal Anglo Boer War
· Anglo Boer War Cemetery
· First School / Church - Built in 1894
· British Headquarters
· English Barracks
· First Police station
· Concentration Camp Cemetery
· Second oldest Covenant Festival Grounds

The Great Outdoors & other facilities:
· Hiking trails · Trout Fishing
· Horse Riding · Sport Facilities
· 4 x 4 trails · Hunting
· Bird watching · Fishing
· Conference centre's · Team Building Facilities
· Restaurants · Bar's
· Tourist Market · Historical Sights
· Heavin' Forge Knifemaking

Accommodation
There is a Hotel, Luxurious Lodges, Farm Guest Houses, Guest House in Town (bed only, dinner bed & breakfast or self-catering), Luxurious Chalets and Cottages with private trout dams, back packers in the Country Side and Caravan Parks.

Proposed Development
Belfast is ideal situated with a very well infrastructure as from Banks, several shopping centre, doctors, pharmacy and only 2 hours drive from Gauteng and the Kruger National Park.. Belfast are the head quarters of the Highlands Municipality with a very crisp healthy climate.

The town Belfast has experienced a huge growth in development during the last few months with the enquiry and movement of property in the Belfast area from business people, retired couples and people who need a weekend property moving into this territory.

The intensive planning,, meetings with local bodies are on track for the One Stop Engen garage, small shopping mall for the tourist trade and Formula 1 Hotel on the N 4, on the slip way to Belfast. This development promise to create jobs local people.

The Hotel & Golfing Estate on the N 4 on route to Nelspruit only 10 km outside Beflast are in a fairly well progress, the environmental studies and impact will be available shortly. The Estate will be a replica of the Sir Andrews Golf Course in Scotland it will consist of 2, 18 hole golf course, hotels and restaurants.

The development for a security town house complex is in progress, contact Glenn Tweedie on 013 253 0474 for more information.

For more information on any of the above do not hesitate to contact Jo-Ann at the Belfast Accommodation & Info Centre on Tel 013 253 0408; e-mail: belfast@lando.co.za

These include my own home trout waters, which, lie between the temperate highveld of Mpumalanga and the steamy Lowveld. Like much of South Africa this is an intensely historical area in which the observant angler often comes across reminders, not only of the endeavours of the Dutch-speaking pioneers (voortrekkers) to move northwards, but also of the fighting of the Anglo-Boer War.

BELFAST
Belfast is, alphabetically, first in line at this point in time, but the town also happens to mark the commonly recognised border of trout country if you travel eastwards from Johannesburg or Pretoria.

You could spend some time guessing why, in 1890, Richard O'Neill, decided that his settlement should be called "Belfast", but there's no great prizes for your answer. Indeed it is a pretty countryside, especially in summer when at least twenty of the thousand hues of Irish green begin to emerge. It has also been called "the coldest place in the Transvaal" but if cold also means the presence of trout then its elevation is sufficient to encourage the fly fisher trout.
Belfast Fly Fishing Association P O Box 799 Belfast 1100. Tel: (013) 253-1953.

The Belfast Fly Fishing Association has recently been infused with life by the enthusiasm of its members and great strides have been made to re-establish the town as a significant venues for visiting anglers. To this end, angling on seven dams ranging in size up to 250 acres and a shared section of river is available to association members. The visiting angler is welcome though some waters are for the exclusive use of members.

DULLSTROOM
So you suspect you know how Dullstroom got its name? Nope, it was through the administrations of one Wolterus Dull that a settlement was started. Dullstroom has grown a bit since then, especially as it was pretty much burned to the ground during the Anglo-Boer War. As you freewheel down the dip into the town, ignore the useless information about how far it is to Phalaborwa, (since you probably won't want to go there) and concentrate on the trouty looking places emerging from the trees.

Dullstroom has experienced phenomenal growth due to the homage it pays the lowly trout. There are now enough places of refreshment to ensure that dehydration does not set in with ease. If you think the Tonteldoos Bistro an intriguing name, you may be startled to know that they were awarded the coveted Chaine des Rotisseurs Blazon and National Platter for their cuisine. And if you make use of their restrooms be sure to understand a little basic Afrikaans before you decide which door to proceed through.

You'll enjoy a ramble through Dullstroom and not only because it is trout country.
Dullstroom Flyfishers P O Box 72291 Parkview 2122. Tel: (011) 788-4571

Some six years ago the Dullstroom Flyfishers took on the task of resurrecting a once fine dam - the Dullstroom Municipal dam - to its former glory. In addition, the building of a sister dam, Suikerboschkop dam, has also resulted in excellent flyfishing.

Over the years the main dam had fallen into disregard by many who had previously been addicts in the early Seventies. Fortunately, with a reasoned stocking policy and the introduction of brown trout as well as rainbows, the dam now provides quality angling for the serious flyfisher. Suikerboschkop dam is reserved for Flyfishers' members only and it is planned that this dam will provide bigger naturally grown-on trout. Day angling in the main dam is available. Enquiries can be made at the Tonteldoos Bistro and any tackle shop in Dullstroom.

MACHADODORP
If you happen to be travelling along on the national highway (N4) past Machadodorp, you may well be struck by the unusual architecture of the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk in the town. The Eastern Transvaal towns have already betrayed their cosmopolitan heritage and Machadodorp is no exception. This time it is a Portuguese influence as Joachim Machado was entrusted with the task of building the railway line to Lourenco Marques (now Maputo) in Mozambique.

Machadodorp Flyfishing Club Tel: (013252) Ask for 16
Once you've torn your eyes away from the N.G.Kerk structure, you may notice that there are trout streams in the vicinity and even catch a glimpse of the Elands river running not far from the road. The Club, which is extremely active in bringing the town to the forefront of trout fishing in the area, can offer flyfishing on a generous stretch of the Elands and the recently constructed Centenary dam. Stocking in both the dam and the river is done by the Club. Portion of the river is designated "catch-and-release".

WATERVAL BOVEN
The name gives the clue. "Above the waterfall" to distinguish it from the town of Waterval Onder. The waterfall in question lies on the Elands river which skirts the town and which has its fair share of trout. Indeed the Elands river at times is a fairly substantial (by South African standards anyway) river.

History as previously promised is never far away and it was near here that Winston Churchill spent an uncomfortable night after a daring escape. If you are of the treasure-seeking kind, you will be intrigued to know of the strong suspicion that the "Kruger Millions" were reputed to be buried somewhere along the railway line between Boven and Machadodorp.
Fortunately Boven's trout are easier to find than the "Kruger Millions".

Waterval Boven Trout Association P O Box 28586 Kensington 2100 Tel: (011) 393 3521
The WBTA was formed some years ago to provide reasonably priced river and dam angling for flyfishers and as such controls a long stretch of the Elands river as well as three conveniently placed dams near the town. The Association's waters remain open throughout the year and are stocked on a regular basis. Enquire at the Boven Trout Lodge for details of how to get a legal fly in the water.

November 2002 Edition