Descending down from Long Tom Pass (2150m), one of the highest and most scenic passes in South Africa, towards the picturesque mountain village of Sabie the impression jumps to mind that this landscape with its rolling green hills, waterfalls and forests looks so attractive. Sabie with its laid back charm and friendly inviting vibe welcomes everybody to “paradise country” thus making it an excellent tourist destination.

Officially declared as a town on 1 January 1916, the Sabie area started off as a hunter’s paradise where in 1871 gold was discovered through a stray bullet chipping a rock, thereby revealing the presence of gold. Demand for mine props and firewood increased during the mining era and in 1876 Joseph Brook Shires planted the first commercial trees also called “green gold” and today the forestry industry is one of the biggest in the world.

The Forestry Industry Museum in Sabie is the only one of its kind with modern exhibits to be enjoyed by young and old. Cork oak trees planted in 1938 can still be admired opposite the Post Office. At the Post Office itself, a colourful handmade mosaic from 1926 depicts animals from the Kruger National Park. Across the road is the St. Peter’s Church built in 1913 and designed by Sir Herbert Baker, who is well known for the architecture of the Union Building in Tshwane (Pretoria).

Four waterfalls are also dotted around the Sabie area.

Settled comfortably in a deep valley, at an altitude of 1100m, surrounded by the Mpumalanga Drakensberg, Sabie offers more than any other town for its size, and very few can rival the central locality, the rich history, culture, variety of attractions, activities,  facilities, amenities, the friendliness and of course, the impressive beauty of mother nature.

Springtime has a fascinating effect when nature springs to life again in all shades of green. In summer many roads are being flower-fringed when the “Sabie Lily” is in bloom. Then autumn displays an array of rich speckled colours, and winter (May - August) with its crisp clear air and sunny days makes it an ideal hikers’ paradise. Thus it can be seen that malaria free Sabie is the perfect all year round destination.

Here, in clean, healthy mountain air, one can enjoy a stroll through town with coffee shops, banks with ATM machines, Internet Café, Laundromat, Post Office and chemists. At the Market Square Shopping Centre SIM-cards, mosquito repellent, sun lotion, batteries, memory chips, DVD’s/CD’s and other useful articles can be obtained whilst the many other village shops cater for all the visitors needs. In the street several vendors are active producing and selling their curios and crafts. There is also a dentist, a doctor and a small hospital in Sabie as well as petrol stations and workshops. Nearly everything is within walking distance from Villa Ticino Guest House.