Lothair

Surrounded by wetland lakes, Lothair is a small town near the Swaziland border, about 40km from Ermelo and just south-east of Chrissiesmeer. It is most famous as a destination in itself for the Giant Footprint, but also for the Lake District that lies between Chrissiesmeer and Lothair – a famed birding destination and a unique and delicate ecosystem – for both, birds animals and people.

Besides the lakes, Lothair is surrounded by farms, pine and eucalyptus plantations, and is as quietly, charmingly rural as they come. Though the town itself is mostly centred on agriculture and forestry, it is close to various attractions and towns. Besides Chrissiesmeer the Lake District, Lothair is also close to Badplaas, Carolina and the Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve.

Stop in Lothair on your way from the Lake District to Swaziland, if at least to see the Giant Footprint.

Getting there: For spectacular en-route bird-watching, photo opps and soul-inspiring misty scenery, take a sunrise drive south-east along the N17 from Chrissiesmeer, through the heart of the Lake District. Total travelling time is 40 mins.