Genesis Route, Mpumalanga | All you need to know

Mpumalanga’s Genesis Route is one of its best kept secrets. A hidden gem, the route is packed full of attractions that’ll keep the whole family entertained.

The 220km Genesis Route lies in the heart of Mpumalanga’s Makhonjwa Mountain Range. It connects the historic town of Barberton with the tourist town of Badplaas and the rich agricultural community of Low’s Creek. It is also the scenic alternative to the N4 for those travelling between Gauteng and the Kruger Lowveld.

Diverse landscapes, spectacular scenery and a wide variety of wildlife along the Genesis Route are what sets it apart. Explore the Genesis Route by car, on foot, by bike or even from the air. It’s just waiting to be uncovered!

The Genesis Route, Mpumalanga

1. Departing Nelspruit – the choice of two routes.

Perhaps the hardest part of exploring the Genesis Route is deciding which road to take from Nelspruit!

The R40 will take you straight to the historic town of Barberton, the central point in the Genesis Route. Allowing you to experience one of the most spectacular and winding passes in the province, as you head down into the Barberton basin.

The other option is to take the N4 out of Nelspruit and head towards Malelane. Just after the beautifully painted Nkomazi Silo in Kaapmuiden and before the toll gates, there is the R38 turning on the right sign posted, the Genesis Route.

2. The R38 between Kaapmuiden and Low’s Creek

While not part of the official Genesis Route, the R38 between Kaapmuiden and Low’s Creek provides the perfect precursor.

The road takes you through a patchwork of arable fields and wild expanses of pristine Bushveld. While in general the R38 is in good condition, it is worth keeping an eye out for the odd pothole!

There are two stops worth making along this section of the route.

The first is Boondocks Mountain Labyrinth, approximately 4km from the N4 turn off on the left hand side. Boondocks is perched high on top of an impressive rocky outcrop, providing an impressive 360 degree panoramic view of unspoiled Bushveld. Considered to be one of South Africa’s top spiritual tour sites, the labyrinth with its scenic backdrop, amazing nature walks and series of birding trails provides a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to relax and unwind.

Boondocks Mountain Labyrinth

Boondocks Labyrinth – Stuart Jensen: +27 (0)87 807 9880

The second is Nukain Mabuza’s Stone Garden, found approximately 5km further on from the Boondocks sign also on the left. Although the site is in need of some tender loving care, you will still be able to see Nukain’s artwork adorning his painted rock garden. Considered to be one of South Africa’s two official ‘outsider artists’, Nukain’s work is still gathering huge acclaim long after his death. His life and work has been celebrated in a play on Broadway, New York and his painted garden was the inspiration behind Barberton’s spectacular entrance gates.

3. R38 Low’s Creek to Barberton

Eureka City

The impressive Mountain-lands Nature Reserve dominates this section of the route, providing a beautiful scenic backdrop.

Hidden within the Reserve is one of the ‘Mining Wonders of the World’ Bray’s Golden Quarry, where the gold deposits were so rich, the rocks appeared to be cemented in gold. A tour of Sheba Mine and Bray’s golden quarry can be arranged through Barberton Odyssey Tours and will give you a real taste of what life was like for miners during the ‘Gold Rush’ era.

Barberton Odyssey Tours and Activities – Andrea Botha: +27 (0)79 180 1488

Another highlight of this part of the route is Eureka City, which has gone from ‘Boom Town’ to ‘Ghost Town’. Located high in the Makhonjwa Mountains above the mines, the journey to Eureka City is as exciting as the destination. The challenging 4×4 route takes you through the aptly named ‘Gates of Paradise’ before descending into the equally well named ‘Gates of Hell’. It is a must do route for any 4×4 enthusiast and can also be arranged through Barberton Odyssey Tours. Alternatively, a quad-biking tour of Eureka City can be arranged through Oppikoppi Eco Quad Adventures.

Oppikoppi Eco Quad Adventures – Valmari Maritz: +27 (0)12 712 2365 | +27 (0)82 458 5713

4. Barberton

The historic mining town of Barberton has a wealth of things to see and do, including a spot of Gold Panning at Digger’s Retreat. Follow in the footsteps of prospectors from the past, only now gold panning is a catch and release sport! Contact Barberton Odyssey to arrange an afternoon of prospecting.

Gold Panning at Digger’s Retreat.

Hidden amongst Barberton’s bustling streets are 24 relics of Barberton’s illustrious past that make up the town’s Heritage Walk. Collect a map from the Tourism Information Office on Crown Street and set off on a journey to uncover Barberton’s “golden past”. The Township Tour is another way Barberton is celebrating its vibrant heritage. The aim is to break down barriers and bring communities together by showcasing the beauty, warmth and rich heritage of the Emjindini Township. To book a tour, contact the Barberton Tourism Information Office or Barberton Odyessy.

Barberton Tourist Information Office – Astrid Christianson: +27 (0)79 180 1488

The 2km circular Rimer’s Creek Birding Trail, situated behind the Fernlea Museum House, has become a bit of a mecca for bird lovers. If you are lucky, you will get a glimpse of the Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Narina Trogon or even the Knysna Touraco. To find out more about birding in the area contact the Barberton Birding Club.

Barberton Birding Club – David Mourant: +27 (0)82 923 5366

If you find yourself peckish after a morning of birding, Restaurant Josephines serves up a host of Belgian classics alongside some South African favourites that have earned it the reputation of being one of Mpumalanga’s top restaurants.

5. The Geotrail

Introducing the Geotrail

Found just outside Barberton along the R40 to the Swaziland Border. The Geotrail is the Genesis Route’s newest and oldest attraction! The Geotrail allows you to step back in time and explore what the surface of our planet would have looked like 3.5 billion years ago. Before man, before the dinosaurs, when the first life forms were only beginning to appear and the planet was a far more hostile place. There are 11 stops along the route, each with a beautifully interpreted information board, where you will get to see evidence of superhot volcanoes, ancient tsunami’s and the first life forms visible to the naked eye. The Geotrail takes around 5 hours to do, and can be done as a guided tour or a self-drive. So pack a picnic and make use of the scenic picnic sites along the route. Tours can be arranged through the Barberton Tourism Information Office.

6. Following the R38 from Barberton to Badplaas

If it is spectacular scenery you are looking for, the R38 between Barberton and Badplass is the road for you. As the Nelshoogte Pass produces a string of breath-taking vistas that have earned its reputation of being one of the most scenic drives in South Africa.

Learn to fly fish at Dawsons Lodge

Situated within the Nelshoogte Nature Reserve is the Queen Rose Hiking Trail. Like the pass it is known for its scenic beauty. The 2-day, 26km hike takes you amongst indigenous forests, over mountain passes and along the Queens River. The suspension bridges, 20+river crossings and various splash pools, make the Queen Rose hike much more than simply a nature walk, it’s an adventure. To book the hiking trail contact Barberton Odyssey.

If you are looking for a weekend break away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life where you can unwind, relax and recharge. The tranquil paradise that is Dawsons Game and Trout Lodge is the perfect destination. Framed by rolling grassland and impressive mountains, this is the ideal place to learn to fly fish, soothe your soul or simply read a book. For the more adventurous there is the 2 hour hike to the waterfall, quad-biking, clay pigeon shooting and even archery.

7. Badplaas

The holiday resort of Badplaas is renowned for the healing springs that have been drawing tourists to the town since the ‘Gold Rush’ days. These are now part of the Badplaas Forever Resort’s hydro-spa, which is just one of the many attractions the resort has to offer.

Just before Badplaas on the R38 is Vygeboom Dam. Here you can spend a night aboard a houseboat. You can hire a day boat, enjoy fishing, canoeing, and paddle boating or simply watch the world go by while having a braai. Boat owners can launch their vessels here and enjoy a spot of wake boarding, jet skiing or even parasailing! The sheer size of Vygeboom Dam means it can accommodate everyone.

Scuba Diving at Komati Springs.

Finally, for something totally unexpected how about scuba diving? Komati Springs is South Africa’s premier inland dive site. A playground for recreational and technical divers, the flooded mine shafts and quarry pit provided the perfect environment to explore an underwater world.

Komati Springs Dive Centre – Andre: +27 (0)82 650 2294

There is so much to do along the Genesis Route that one day or even one weekend will not be enough, you will keep coming back for more. So while the Genesis Route may be Mpumalanga’s biggest secret, once discovered it is never forgotten.