Alkmaar Farmstay is set in the heart of the Lowveld in the Schagen Valley on the Maputo Corridor 10 minutes from Nelspruit, the capital of Mpumalanga. This tranquil homestead and chalet of well-travelled Johann and Wanda Sippel, is within close proximity of the Kruger National Park. It is also perfectly located for exploring the Lowveld tourist attractions like Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim's Rest and Sudwala Caves. Alkmaar Farmstay is a birdwatcher's paradise with nesting white fronted bee-eaters, resident paradise flycatchers and long crested eagles being seen regularly. Hiking, bass fishing and kayaking are available as well as a scenic 4X4 route. It is also the ideal stopover enroute to Mozambique. NELSPRUIT: The dynamic provincial capital of Mpumalanga is also the largest town in the Lowveld. As such, it is well serviced with shops, restaurants and other facilities. It is attractively positioned in the valley of the Crocodile River and has a park like setting with many flowering trees. Oranges, sub-tropical fruit and nuts are grown extensively in the area. With extremely good access to the many attractions in the Kruger National Park, other attractions of the area include - the Lowveld Botanical Gardens adjacent to the Nelspruit Waterfall, Sudwala Caves with the Dinosaur park close by and Barbeton, where in the gold rush days of the last century, it is reported that a reef so rich in gold was discovered, that it sparkled in the sun. A bit about your hosts: Wanda is a retired teacher (tourism and physical education). She (and her daughter Huibrie) holds SA colours in under water hockey. Johann is a farmer, 4X4 (Landrover)instructor and scuba diving instructor. He specializes in 4X4 excursions to Mozambique. Their parents, Duncan and Marietjie Sippel, also live on the farm. Duncan is a radiologist. All the rooms have linen and towels, coffee and tea. Cottages and Lapa are serviced every day.