Page 14 - Amajuba brochure 2024

Amajuba Balele Route
Looking down from the Balele Mountains.
Journey to the Wilderness
The Balele Mountains form part of the spectacular escarpment between KwaZulu-Natal and the Mpumalanga Highveld. The 80km Balele Route climbs up off the level grasslands of the KZN middle veld and winds its way up a mountain pass out on to a ridge overlooking the Zaaihoek Dam.
Here the route splits – to the left it meanders through the hills to come out at Wakkerstroom, and to the right the route runs alongside the Slang River and into a long valley leading to Groenvlei. At Groenvlei the route turns to the right, climbing up and over the first row of mountains before dropping down another mountain pass which leads to Utrecht. At the highest point on this section is the Balele Mountain Lodge,
with self-catering chalets and a magnificent view south over the Amajuba District. In its final stage the route takes you past the Balele Game Park and winds its way down another steep, short pass to emerge in the town of Utrecht. The Balele Route traverses the border with Mpumalanga and is notable for its vast panorama and abundant birdlife. It connects to the Amajuba Bivane Route at Utrecht, making the two routes perfect for a day trip.
See game such as zebras at Balele Game Park.
12 EXPLORE THE AMAJUBA ROUTES