LIKE most people who visit Mpumalanga for leisure, I wanted to see God's Window.

I was fixated on it.

But, like Woody Allen is believed to have said: "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans."

Not only was that famous Mpumalanga window closed, it was shrouded in mist, so I couldn't even get a peek at it.

But it was all for the good in the long run because other opportunities to explore more of the province presented themselves.

And I discovered the breathtaking waterfalls that dot this beautiful gem of a province and was bowled over.

Our first stop in Mpumalanga was a little town called Barberton.

Talk about a hidden piece of science in our very own backyard.

The mountains near this cosy town are among the oldest in the world. The ancient rocks of the Barberton Greenstone Belt yielded clues to the nature of the earth in its infancy.

So next time you want to do a road trip to Swaziland, I suggest you go via Barberton to experience a fascinating scenic route.

Being a bit of a novice in the exploration of Mzansi, I was convinced we were off to see huts when I was told the next morning we were visiting the Three Rondavels.

Laugh if you must, but when was the last time you explored outside the urban jungle?

The drive there was a bit of a bore, but the rondavels turned out to be something beyond human crafting: three mountains next to each other looking like beautiful rural homes, and flowing beyond them the tranquil Blyde River.

It was one of those moments when trepidation and excitement collide to bring you a moment of such awe that you can't help but believe in a higher power.

Plans are afoot for a cableway that will allow tourists to experience more than just the scenic view.

Next, we headed to Bourke's Luck Potholes, formed from two rivers. It's a love story that will put a smile on the faces of romantics, but the wonders of the earth and the gushing waters riveted my attention.

Legend has it that if you throw money into the water your wish will come true.

The trip to Sabie, which was a detour, has to be my absolute best. I had asked to see a waterfall on the way to God's Window and, though it wasn't on the programme, we ended up going.

I fell in love with the Lone Creek Falls.

The sound of gushing water and loud splashing was reminiscent of distant drumbeats at a ceremony, and the sight of the falls was beyond my expectations.

The luscious greenery and rock formations were so inviting that, despite the light rain, I couldn't resist dipping a toe or two into the water. It was cold and I could only imagine its warmth in summer.

I was told that when it rains hard the water rises up the riverbank and is a sight to behold.

There were steps leading to the top of the waterfall and you could feel the spray as you climbed. But people were prohibited from jumping. Hey, it's death after all.

One can swim and meditate next to the falls, like some scene out of Eat Pray Love. I didn't want to leave.

As much as I loved seeing and feeding elephants afterwards, it's the waterfalls and the rivers, the mountain climbing and nature walks, that really made my trip.

Ndawo was a guest of SA Tourism