Journey through Mpumalanga province, an environment of mountains, forests, steep valleys, rivers and waterfalls, where big game roam and outdoor sports are pursued. See a colossal river canyon and one of the world’s most famous game reserves. Camp out in the bush, track lions and leopards and climb or hike through rugged terrain.
Mpumalanga has two contrasting regions: the mountain peaks and high plateau grasslands of Highveld and the bush-clad plains of Lowveld. Visit Blyde River Canyon and marvel at how the forces of nature have gouged out this huge chasm. Trek along the valley floor and organise a whitewater rafting trip on the river.
Take the Panorama Route through the mountainous area known as the Escarpment. From different viewpoints soak up the scenery, including Bourke’s Luck Potholes, smooth cylindrical holes carved into the rock by water. Check out the large rock formations known as the Three Rondavels.
Enjoy wildlife with a visit to Mpumalanga. Covering nearly 4.9 million acres (2 million hectares), Kruger National Park is the biggest national park and game reserve in South Africa. Drive around on your own or sign up for a guided open-safari-vehicle tour. See South Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos. Stay in a luxury lodge or spend the night in a safari tent.
This inland province is predominantly a wilderness with no large cities. There are, however, numerous villages and small towns dotted around the place. Graskop is a mountain village close to the Panorama Route and its spectacular sights. Spend time in Sabie, a small forestry town that’s surrounded by countryside and has a number of very close waterfalls. From here you can organise hiking and climbing trips and adventure sports activities.
It is served by Kruger Mpumalanga Airport that connects to several South African cities, including Cape Town and Johannesburg.
