Magoebaskloof, a mountainous region in South Africa’s Limpopo Province between Polokwane and Tzaneen, is referred to on its tourism website as “the Land of the Silver Mist”. It didn’t take me long to figure out why.
Fly-fishing at sunrise on Magoebaskloof’s misty Stanford Lake.
I arrived in Magoebaskloof on Friday afternoon with a bunch of Instagrammers, on a mission to visit as many interesting places as possible in less than 48 hours. On our first morning we rose at the crack of dawn (actually before the crack) and walked down to Stanford Lake, where a magical, misty dreamworld unfolded before us.
Reflections and lily pads on the glassy lake, just before sunrise.
I’ve got hundreds of Magoebaskloof photos, and I’m actually still here (I decided 48 hours wasn’t enough) and accumulating more and more. But for now I’m just posting my favorite pictures from that first morning.
Morning Mist in Magoebaskloof
Fly-fishing is the most beautiful thing in the world to photograph on a misty morning. Who knew?
A teenage boy fly-fishing.Â
I don’t think he caught any fish. But really, who cares?
Mist, reflections, and a hint of sun.
More fly-fishing. I’m glad I wasn’t the one in that freezing water. But it sure was fun to photograph from the shore.
Peaceful perfection.
As the fly-fishing wound down, I walked up into the pine forest.
Asma (@_asma_b), one of the Instagrammers I was hanging out with over the weekend.
Samantha (right) and her daughter Hunter (left), local Magoebaskloof residents enjoying a walk through the foggy forest. The light got better and better as the sun grew stronger.
Finally I walked over to Ebenezer Dam, which is connected to Stanford Lake via a waterfall.Â
Another view of the waterfall, still surrounded by mist even though it was well after sunrise.
Zain (@zaindee) and Soraya (@sueno_adventures) compare photos of the dam.
I think these are my favorite nature shots I’ve ever taken. But my trip to Magoesbaskloof isn’t over yet and I’ve got a few more adventures planned before I return to Joburg. Prepare for a lot more beauty.
My accommodation in Magoebaskloof is courtesy of Magoebaskloof Tourism. Opinions expressed are mine. For more photos from our weekend (and the rest of my time in Magoebaskloof), check out #visitmagoebaskloof on Instagram.
beautiful….enjoy your visit and thank you for sharing…while in the area you could also look into a visit to the village of the Modjadji Rain Queen….utterly fascinating…
Thanks Catherine. I’m heading up to Venda after this 🙂
Lucky you! one of my favorite places…if you have time, try to meet Noria Mabasa and Thomas Kubayi, very talented sculptors.Also the Dancing Fish Gallery at the Madi A Thavha guesthouse near Louis Trichardt.
I think there’s a chance that I might do those things 🙂
These pics are all so beautiful! Looks like such a perfect morning 🙂 enjoy the rest of the your stay there!
Thanks Bridget. Hope you’re well!
Stunning photos of a beautiful part of the country that so often gets overlooked.
Yes. I guess that’s why I’m here – this area definitely deserves more love.
Wow! It brings back so many memories – what a beautiful country and your photography is outstanding.
Thanks so much Rosemary. I love it here!
Just lovely. Mist is magical.
It really is. And this was the most perfect layer of mist I’ve ever seen.
Ahhhh. Makgobaskloof is my fave, right after Haenertsburg. The latter has a cemetery with a view to die for 🙂
I went to school there, and our cross country route would lead us past the cemetery. To say it was spooky running past there is an understatement, especially on misty days with the pine forests whispering.
My friend who lives here just took me to the cemetery last night. Really beautiful. Did you go to the boarding school in town? My friend lives right next to it.
Indeed, I did. I have very fond memories of my time there.
Ooooo. I love mist.
Me too!
Been exploring your site and your Instagram. Your photos are stunning. I especially like your people photos – you really connect with the people you’re photographing.
Thanks Lisa!