Mpumalanga

The name Mpumalanga means “the place where the sun rises” and this province is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s tourism hotspots. This province is home to the Kruger National Park, exquisite panoramic views, mountains, rivers, trout fishing and birding opportunities, ecotourism, adventure holidays and the rich offerings of the local Ndebele and Swazi cultures. Many travellers zip through on their way to Kruger National Park, but it’s well worth setting aside a few days to explore the historic towns, roaring waterfalls and some of the best hiking trails in South Africa.

Kruger National Park

Covering an area the size of Israel, the Kruger National Park has more than 140 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds, not to mention a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, flora and fauna on offer. The park is well equipped for ‘Big Five’ safaris and boasts a wide range of accommodation from affordable rest camps to luxurious 5* lodges. Kruger National Park also has an extensive network of sealed roads and comfortable camps, but if you prefer to keep it rough, there are also 4WD tracks, and mountain bike and hiking trails. Even when you stick to the tarmac, the sounds and scents of the bush are never more than a few metres away.

Pilgrim’s Rest

Carl Mauch once stood on the mountain now named after him and looking over the magnificent scenery said: “There is gold here”. Pilgrim’s Rest is now a living museum dedicated to the frenzy of the goldrush days, testifying to the truth of his words. The wooden miner’s cottages with their corrugated roofs are scattered all over the town, and you’ll hear some very tall tales about the good old days at the charming Royal Hotel pub. You can even try panning for your own piece of gold.

The Panorama Route

Another major draw to the province is the exquisite scenery found along the Panorama Route. One of the major highlights of the region is the Blyde River Canyon, home to spectacular wildlife, birdlife and plant-life and some of the best views in the country. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon of its kind in the world.

Along the Panorama Route, camera-touting visitors love to visit God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels – all of which offer breathtaking panoramas. Apart from its scenic beauty The Panorama Route also offers a wide spectrum of outdoor activities ranging from bungee jumping, white water rafting, hot air ballooning and hiking trails as well as gold panning. For the less adventurous, enjoy bird watching, game viewing, trout fishing, mountain biking or simply marvel at the splendours of the region.

Sudwala Caves

The oldest dolomite caves on the globe are the Sudwala caves and lie in the Drakensburg escarpment that separates the Highveld from the lowlands of Mpumalanga. Formed over a period of some 3,000 million years, these are amongst the second oldest sedimentary rocks on the earth represented in the caves are fossils of the first oxygen producing plants on earth.

Dullstroom

Explore Dullstroom-Emnotweni (meaning Dullstroom the place of prosperity). with its scenic hikes, horse riding trails and picnic spots beside breathtaking waterfalls. Walk through an abundance of wild flowers and catch a glimpse of secretive fauna.

This town is a fly-fishing mecca with its numerous lakes and dams and can be found on the panorama route, halfway from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park. The ideal stop over! You will find the village of Dullstroom to be a charming little hamlet situated in the heart of the Highlands Meander, a beautiful part of Mpumalanga, noted for it’s clear streams, lakes and breathtaking scenery.

Even if you’re not into fly-fishing, Dullstroom offers up the perfect weekend getaway. Its fabulous Bed and Breakfasts and have fun restaurants and pubs.

Sabi Sand Reserve

Adjoining Kruger National Park on it’s south western border, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve covers an area of 153,000 acres (56,000 hectares). It is an association of freehold landowners, many of whom manage commercially active photographic safari operations. Many of these private game reserves offer their guests outstanding levels of comfort and services as well as excellent game drives.

Shangana Cultural Village

Explore local culture at the famous Shangana Cultural Village. It’s a short hop away from the town of Hazyview. This user-friendly cultural village offers visitors the opportunity to interact with the local Shangaan people and to enjoy a taste of traditional cuisine.

A bustling African market village forms the centre of Shangana, where local craftspeople make and trade their craft. From here, trained guides lead guests down to villages on daytime tours, midday tours with lunch, and the famed Evening Festival in the Chief’s Kraal.

God’s Window

Of the many viewpoints, God’s Window, 1,829m above sea level, must surely be the most exceptional with stunning views across the Lowveld to Mozambique. It is situated at the southern extremity of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Paths lead among flowering plants and trees in the Lowveld Panorama and Nature Reserve. For the best lookout points and exotic forest plants, break away from the crowds and hike up up into the clouds and the misty Rain Forest. Here clearings afford heavenly views of the subtropical expanse far below at an altitude of 1,829m above sea level. Visitors to this venue will forever remember the aroma of mountain forest. Make sure you take a few refreshments along as it’s very humid and an exteremly steep and strenuous walk, especially for older people.

Blyde River Canyon

Graskop is known for its natural beauty and the Blyde River Canyon counts amongst the most magnificent. It is the third largest canyon system in the world and is the largest green canyon in the world. The Blyderiver Canyon nature Reserve covers an area of 22,664 hectares extending from the Pinnacle and Gods Window in the south to beyond Marieps Kop in the north, where the Blyde River Canyon ends at Swadini. The park is well known for its numerous endemic and endangered fauna including the rare Oribi. Five of the 71 different veld types of South Africa occur on the reserve. This attraction stretches from Graskop to just south of Hoedspruit – a distance of more than 50 miles.