The Highveld and Cosmos are characterised by flat open grasslands interspersed with low undulating hills. In the late summer the hedgerows are covered with masses of pink and white Cosmos. The region has a vast coal deposit on which much of Mpumalanga's economy depends on. Coal is primarily gathered by opencast mining and has several coal powered power stations which generate electricity for a large area of South Africa. It is generally a mining and farming area with the main farming produce being maize.
The Highveld and Cosmos is home to the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve. The reserve surrounds the 24 km long Loskop Dam situated on the Olifants River. Many animal species have been re-introduced into the area, and most species can be seen here including the white rhino. There is also a public resort at Loskop with large areas for camping and caravans.
The town of Marble Hall lies towards the north and just outside the town center you will find the Lowveld Fisheries Research Station. The station contains about 50 small fish dams and ponds where researchers study the feeding and breeding habits of fish in order to tabulate results and provide advice to fish farmers on the best ways of obtaining maximum yields. Visitors are welcome to visit the station, which is open daily.
Information on towns in the Highveld and Cosmos Region
Middelburg, Secunda, Standerton, Stoffberg, Valschfontein, Villiers, Witbank / Emalahleni
