The quaint little farming town of Hazyview, located in the province of Mpumalanga in South Africa, gets its name from the shimmering haze that covers the lowveld in the summer. It is popularly known as the gateway to Kruger National Park, as it is located...more
The quaint little farming town of Hazyview, located in the province of Mpumalanga in South Africa, gets its name from the shimmering haze that covers the lowveld in the summer. It is popularly known as the gateway to Kruger National Park, as it is located just a mere 10 kilometres from the closest park gate. Hazyview is also known for its banana farms which thrive due to the town having one of the most suitable climates in the world for growing bananas. Hazyview is the ideal place for those looking for a break from city life. It is a nature lover’s paradise and truly has something for everyone. Muslim visitors must be aware that finding Muslim-friendly facilities in Hazyview will prove to be quite difficult.
Since Hazyview is located so close to Kruger National Park, which is the largest game reserve in South Africa, it should be the first stop of every tourist visiting Hazyview. With nearly 2 million hectares of land to explore, this is definitely a wildlife sanctuary like no other. Filled with incredible animals and beautiful plants, and with so much to do and see, those visiting the Kruger National Park are sure to never get bored. The park is also home to Africa’s 'Big Five' which refers to the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
Also a must-visit is the Shangana Cultural Village, home to locals aiming to preserve their rich South African heritage. This cultural village is located between southern Kruger Park and the Blyde River Canyon. It is a fabulous way to experience the way Shangaan people lived several years ago and to observe their unique culture, customs and traditions. Those visiting the village learn about their beliefs and even get the chance to buy local handmade arts and crafts. There are guided tours that visitors can take, which will prove to be extremely informative.
One of the best ways to see the area and to enjoy the breathtaking views it has to offer is to go on a hot air balloon ride over the valley. Another great way is to take a hike into the lush green hills. Tourists also have the opportunity to take an elephant-back safari in one of the game reserves located nearby. Hazyview is also ideal for visitors looking for some adventure, as it provides opportunities for zip lining, whitewater rafting, tubing, quad biking, mountain biking, horseback riding, abseiling, and a variety of other activities.
Other must-visit family-friendly attractions in Hazyview include; Summerfields Rose Retreat, Blyde River Canyon, MonkeyBirds Zoo, Elephant Whispers and Perry's Bridge Reptile Park.
The closest airport to Hazyview is Hazyview Airport. This is however quite a small airport. The nearest major airport is the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport located in Nelspruit. International tourists could also use the services offered at OR Tambo International Airport, which is located in Kempton Park near Johannesburg.
There are no known Halal restaurants in Hazyview. There is however one restaurant, namely Thyme Restaurant which is said to serve a couple of Halal dishes. It is therefore best for Muslims to make inquiries about the dishes before ordering. Muslim visitors could also dine at local vegetarian and seafood restaurants after making sure the dishes served do not contain any non-Halal items.
There is one known mosque in Hazyview, namely the Hazyview Musallah, which is located on Korhaan Way. Muslim tourists can also ask the locals for other mosques located in areas nearby or, they are advised to pray in their hotel room before setting out on any excursion, if possible.