Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve is situated in the heart of Mpumalanga's grass and wetland's region. It has a rich biodiversity, being home to numerous species of fish, plants and birdlife.
The dam, which is the central attraction of the reserve, hosts the Morala Festival, an annual fishing event earmarked on the social calendar of the local community. Visitors can take part in a myriad of water-based activities, including fishing, water skiing and boating. Those wishing to relax can enjoy a picnic around the water's edge.
Adventurists looking to explore the area can embark on a mountain bike trail - a route that snakes around the plateau of the dam and into the surrounding reserve.
While a lengthy cycle, approximately 43kms in distance, it is a pleasant and relatively unchallenging bit of exercise.
Twitchers can bask in the bird-haven that is the Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve, where 200 recorded species can be found throughout the park. Keep your eyes peeled for some rare, protected varietals that are endemic to the area such as Rudd's lark. Visitors who are looking to spot a bird of prey can visit the 'vulture restaurant'. At the right time of day, you'll see the Cape griffin and the white backed vultures feeding.
The area is also home to numerous game, including zebra, wildebeest, eland, gemsbok and a variety of antelope who graze in the grassland and wooded terrain. If you're lucky, you may be able to spot the elusive leopard skulking around the area.
While numerous activities and hikes can be enjoyed, the reserve boasts beautiful scenery along the Komati gorge, a sweep of cliffs through which a river flows between the neighbouring areas of Carolina and Machadodorp.
Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling distance.