Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga, meaning 'place where the sun rises' encompasses huge areas of the famous and magnificent Kruger National Park as well as many private game reserves. Mpumalanga shares its borders with both Swaziland and Mozambique.
Even though it is one of the smaller provinces (79 490 km2), Mpumalanga is home to approximately three million people. It is frequented by both local and international tourists who enjoy beautiful panoramic views, mountains, caves, rivers, forests, trout fishing, horse riding, bird viewing opportunities and of course wildlife safaris.
Horse Riding
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Mpumalanga is mainly situated on high lying plateau grasslands, known as the highveld; however, it also encompasses some low lying areas known as the lowveld. Mpumalanga summers are hot (particularly in the lowveld areas) and the province experiences summer rainfall. Winters are generally mild, but can be very cold in the highveld regions.
Lodge Overlooking Sabie River
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Accommodation
A wide variety of accommodation is available in Mpumalanga, ranging from 5 star safari lodges to camping and quaint self catering cottages.
Nelspruit
Nelspruit is the capital of Mpumalanga, and some other major towns include: Barberton, Dullstroom, Ermelo, Hazyview, Komatipoort, Lydenburg, Malelane, Middelburg, Piet Retief, Sabie, Secunda, Standerton, White River, and Witbank.
A small portion of Mpumalanga is classified as a Malaria area - tourists visiting these areas are advised to take the necessary precautions. For more details please visit: http://www.malaria.org.za
Some tourist attractions in Mpumalanga include:
Lodge Overlooking Sabie River
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala Caves is situated about 35kms north west of Nelspruit and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mpumalanga. The caves were originally used by people during the prehistoric times, and were re-discovered early in the 9th century.
The Sudwala Caves house the largest dolomite chamber in the world (the Owen Hall) - 70m in diameter and 37m high. For more information please visit: http://www.sudwalacaves.co.za
Hiking
Mpumalanga offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities. For a list of hikes as well as relevant contact details please visit: http://www.mpumalangatourism.info/activities/index.html
Graskop Big Swing
For the more adventurous, Graskop offers the Graskop Big Swing - free fall 68m before swinging across the width of the Graskop Gorge. There is also a 'foefie slide' running across the gorge.
A Big Five Microlight Flight
Mpumalanga offers the opportunity to view the Big Five from another angle. A microlight flight will provide you with excellent game viewing opportunities and is bound to be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
Take a Ride on the Wild Side!
Riding on the back of an elephant through the African bush is guaranteed to be a memorable, not-to-be-missed experience. Enjoy wildlife viewing from an elephant's perspective!
Kruger National Park
Olifants Camp, Kruger National Park
Courtesy of South African Tourism
The Kruger National Park offers outstanding game viewing (including the Big 5) and a variety of excellent accommodation. There is also an extensive range of accommodation surrounding the Kruger National Park. Explore this world famous national park from the comfort of your own vehicle, by foot on an exhilarating guided walking safari, or from a luxury open safari vehicle.
Trout Fishing
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Fly-Fishing
Dullstroom and the surrounding areas offer excellent opportunities for fly-fishing enthusiasts. Accommodation (such as B&B's, hotels, guesthouses, self-catering chalets etc.) is also plentiful in the area making it an excellent spot for a weekend getaway. For those not so keen on fly-fishing the area boasts a number of quaint restaurants, pubs and shops.
Pilgrim's Rest
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Step back in time and visit Pilgrims Rest
The quaint little town of Pilgrims Rest allows one the opportunity to get a feel for what it might have been like to live in the gold rush days. It offers beautiful restored buildings and themed museums to set the scene, as well as bars, restaurants, arts & crafts, and accommodation.
Blyde Rivier Canyon
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon is undeniably one of the most scenic places in South Africa. It is not only the third largest canyon in the world (33km long) but also offers breathtaking panoramic views, lush vegetation, an abundance of wildlife and a large variety of birdlife.
Bourkes Luck Potholes - Blyde River Cayon
Courtesy of South African Tourism
Some not to be missed spots to visit are: God's Window, the Three Rondavels, and the Bourke's Luck Potholes.