map of tourist attractions in mpumalanga

Mpumalanga Attractions Map

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Attractions Map in Mpumalanga

Map showing the most popular tourist attractions, destinations and sites of interest in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Mpumalanga covers nearly 80,000 km² from rolling highlands to the lofty escarpment and the lush wetlands. Know as "Paradise Country", few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the ... See our comprehensive Mpumalanga Attractions pages for more information.

Maps of Mpumalanga

Provincial maps, street level maps, special interests by map, in the vicinity, hotels & other accommodation options.

Fitzpatricks Villa at Jock

The intimate Fitzpatrick's Lodge is stylishly appointed to offer the ultimate private villa experience, accommodating small groups and families o...

Simbambili Game Lodge

Simbambili Game Lodge offers guests sophisticated accommodation with outstanding views over woodland savannah that is brimming with wildlife. Ch...

Marula Sunrise Lodge

Marula Sunrise Lodge is nestled on the Crocodile River on the southern side of the Kruger National Park in the 4000 hector Mjejane Private game r...

Inyati Private Game Reserve

Situated on the scenic banks of the perennial Sand River, Inyati is set in 65000 hectares of the most diverse and beautiful bushveld, in one of t...

Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge is the first private lodge set in the heart of Africa's premier wildlife reserve, the Kruger National Park. Situated in the sou...

Umganu Lodge

Umganu Lodge is an idyllic retreat for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This beautiful Lodge is open to the Kru...

Lodge 23 offers accommodation in an ultra-luxurious and exclusive Moroccan-styled villa, situated on the banks of the magnificent Sabie River. Th...

Kambaku Lodge

Kambaku Lodge offers Kruger Park accommodation at Elephant Point Estate. The estate takes its name from the elephant that can frequently be seen ...

Nkorho Bush Lodge

Situated in the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve and shares an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. This unspoiled Savannah offers an abunda...

Noteworthy attractions

Blyde River Canyon

The fresh mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment are quite spectacular and give the area its name of 'Panoram...

Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve

This has to be one of the most beautiful locations in the world. The reserve is 2200 hectares and the Klipgatspruit cuts the mountainous area int...

Kruger National Park

The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is larger than Israel. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 ...

Loskop Dam Nature Reserve

The well known Loskop Dam Nature Reserve can be found deep in the Cultural Heartland of South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province. The Loskop Dam is a 2...

Mthethomusha Game Reserve

The magnificent Malelane Mountains, and the 8,000 hectare Mthethomusha Game Reserve bordering the world famous Kruger National Park at its feet, ...

Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve

Lying between the town of Ohrigstad and the historical village of Pilgrim’s Rest in Mpumalanga, Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve is situated on the e...

Kruger National Park Tours

Guided day trips to the Kruger National Park: The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is nearly 2 million hectares of ...

Sabi Sands Game Reserve

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is undoubtedly the most exclusive private game reserve in South Africa. The 65,000-hectare Sabi Sands Game Reserve is...

Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve

The Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve, outside the town of Dullstroom, provides sanctuary for the rare wattled crane which is a major attraction, tou...

Mpumalanga as a destination

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Must-see attractions in Mpumalanga

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Blyde River Canyon

This stunning 260-sq-km reserve centres on the 30km-long Blyde River Canyon, where epic rock formations tower above the forested slopes and eagle-eye…

Three Rondavels Viewpoint

The area's highlight, with a staggering view of these enormous rounds of rock, their pointed, grassy tops resembling giant huts carved into the side of…

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

These bizarre cylindrical holes were carved into the rock by whirlpools at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Bridges span the rivers,…

Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre

Drakensberg Escarpment

This centre, south of town off Rte 540, teaches visitors about raptor species and the dangers facing them – you can even spend a morning learning the art…

Lowveld Viewpoint

Affords stunning views up the canyon, to the glistening Blydepoort Dam at the far end surrounded by forested slopes. The rocky cones of the Three…

Painted Stone Garden

These rocks at the entrance to town are painted in the style of 'outsider' artist Nukain Mabuza, who turned his humble labourer's accommodation on a…

Lydenburg Museum

The town museum is well worth a stop, going back to the Pedi, who arrived here in the 18th century, and the Voortrekkers, who founded the town the…

Graskop Gorge Lift

This glass viewing elevator travels 51m down the sheer cliffs of Graskop Gorge, with views of the Big Swing opposite, to an elevated forest boardwalk,…

Belhaven House

This beautifully restored prefab house, built between 1899 and 1904, shows the lifestyle of the privileged in the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras…

Nelspruit (Mbombela)

This is a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees, which have survived everything from the bush-meat trade to being traumatised for entertainment in circuses,…

Lowveld National Botanical Garden

North of the city centre, this 2-sq-km botanical garden (established 1969) is home to tropical African rainforest and is a nice place for a stroll among…

Barberton Museum

The town museum has interesting exhibits on local history, culture and geology, including a great black-and-white photo display of Barberton through the…

Diggings Museum

Just southeast of town along the Graskop road is the open-air Diggings Museum, where you can see how gold was panned. You need to visit on a tour, which…

Barberton History and Mining Museum

In the old Transvaal Hotel (1882), this treasure trove of local history exhibits a hotchpotch of items from weaponry and greenstone samples to some fool's…

God's Window

A viewpoint offering amazing vistas. Take the trail up to the rainforest (300 steps), where you might spot rare birds, including the elusive loerie, on…

Lisbon Falls

This waterfall is a highlight of the Blyde River Canyon area, especially in summer (October to March), when the water flows hardest.

A striking skyscraper-like rock formation.

Songimvelo Game Reserve

This beautiful 560-sq-km reserve sits in lowveld country south of Barberton, with high-altitude grassland areas on its eastern edge along the mountainous…

Shangana Cultural Village

This touristy recreation of a traditional Shangaan community features – depending on the time of day – a market, farming activity and house building…

Komatiland Forestry Museum

This museum has displays on local forests and the history of the South African timber industry. There's a historical examination of the use of timber and…

Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve

Gustav Klingbiel is 20 sq km of prime birdwatching territory, and you might spot zebras, giraffes, jackals, servals, warthogs and numerous antelope from…

Stopforth House

At the top of the town, with incredible views from its wraparound stoep, this house was built in 1886 and reconstructed in 1892. It shows the life of a…

Stone Age relics have been found in these caves, which were discovered in 1923 and named after dripstone formations that echo when tapped. The one-hour…

A former mine-manager’s residence at the northern edge of town, beautifully decked out in 1920s style with original artefacts. Tours need to be booked 30…

Central Garage Transport Museum

Great for classic-car enthusiasts, this museum illustrates the development of transport in Pilgrim's Rest from 19th-century ox wagons to Ford, Bedford and…

Pilgrim's & Sabie News Museum

This museum explores the history of printing in the town and has a collection of old presses. A section covers the impact of the Anglo-Boer War, WWI and…

Dredzen Store

The Dredzen Store is a general store recreated as it would have been in 1930s, complete with vintage advertisements and chairs hanging from the ceiling.

Victorian House Museum

This restored Victorian home is full of B&W photos, old dolls and furniture, including a wooden carved commode in the main bedroom.

Berlin Falls

Crashing down the cliffs, this waterfall is at its most impressive in summer (October to March), when there is most water.

Wonder View

A viewpoint offering amazing vistas of the lowveld far below.

Fernlea House

In a beautiful wooded location, this 1890s house was built for founding matriarch Emily Lee, 'mother of Barberton'. A one-room exhibition covers the…

The British built this overgrown corrugated-iron and wood fortification in 1901.

Thelwall's Museum

This former fruit shop dating to 1946 has interpretive panels on the local gold rush and conflicts.

St Peter's Church

This pretty church was built in 1913.

More destinations you need to see

The Top 18 Things to Do in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Dirk Bleyer/Getty Images

Located roughly in between Johannesburg and the Eswatini and Mozambique borders in northeast South Africa, Mpumalanga province is the country’s second smallest. However, it packs a serious punch with world-famous game reserves, historic gold rush towns, and some impressive highland scenery. Mpumalanga is divided into two halves by the Drakensberg escarpment, with the high-altitude grasslands of the Highveld to the west, and the Lowveld savanna to the east. Its diverse landscapes make the province a playground for adventure-seekers, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, and more. 

Go on Safari in Kruger National Park

TripSavvy / Anna Haines

A vast expanse divided between Mpumalanga (in the south) and Limpopo, Kruger National Park is often considered the ultimate South African safari destination. It’s home to the Big Five , including both species of rhino, and 142 other kinds of mammal. Birders will be in their element as well, with more than 500 avian species to spot. The park offers self-drive safaris , guided game drives, and accommodation that ranges from public campsites to five-star private lodges. Entry costs 372 ran per adult and 186 rand per child, per day. 

Look for Leopards at Sabi Sands Game Reserve

Grant Ordelheide / Aurora Photos / Getty Images

The Kruger is surrounded by private game reserves, of which the most famous is undoubtedly Sabi Sands–with which it shares an unfenced border. A more exclusive destination than the Kruger itself, Sabi Sands offers guided game drives and excellent Big Five sightings. In particular, it’s renowned as one of the best places for leopard spotting in Africa . If seeing these spotted predators is at the top of your bucket list, head to the Londolozi area where rangers have been studying the cats for more than 40 years.

Marvel at the Blyde River Canyon's Incredible Scenery

Hougaard Malan Photography / Getty Images

Part of the Drakensberg escarpment in northeast Mpumalanga, Blyde River Canyon is the third-largest canyon in the world. It meanders for 16 miles and has an average depth of 2,460 feet. Over the millennia, erosion has created some extraordinary geological formations in and around the canyon, and people travel from all over to admire its scenery. Some of the best lookout points include Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and God’s Window. Contact Blyde River Safaris for ways to experience the canyon, from hiking and rappelling to hot air ballooning.

Get Your Adrenaline Flowing at Graskop Gorge

Courtesy of Graskop Gorge Lift Company

To the south of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve lies picturesque Graskop Gorge. Here, the Graskop Gorge Lift Company runs a series of adrenaline-inducing activities, including the world’s highest cable gorge swing (a 230-foot free fall in under 3 seconds). You can also cross the gorge on a highwire zipline or ride 167 feet down its face in a glass-fronted viewing lift. The lift takes you into the indigenous forest below, where a network of walkways and suspension bridges await.

Ride Hazyview's Aerial Cable Trail

Caiaimage / Trevor Adeline / Getty Images

If the Graskop gorge swing gives you a head for heights, continue your aerial adventure with a visit to Skyway Trails in nearby Hazyview. The attraction boasts the province’s longest aerial cable trail, which takes you on a thrilling journey through the trees on eight different zip lines. Alternatively, you can take on the Tree-Top Challenge, an elevated obstacle course with 19 challenges that’s suitable for all ages. Skyway Trails is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 

View Majestic Falls on the Sabie Waterfalls Route

Jennifer Sophie / Getty Images

To enjoy the Sabie area’s beautiful riverine scenery at a more sedate pace, plan a drive along the Sabie Waterfalls Route . There are more waterfalls in this region of Mpumalanga than anywhere else in South Africa, and most of them are easily accessed via a short hike. Some of the highlights include Lisbon Falls (the province’s highest falls at 308 feet), misty Bridal Veil Falls, and double-plumed Mac Mac Falls. The route runs for approximately 30 miles along the main road to the north and south of Sabie town. 

Take a Drive Along the Panorama Route

Shams / Getty Images

The best way to see the highlights of the Mpumalanga highlands is to take a drive along the scenic Panorama Route . It follows the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment from Nelspruit to the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, stopping at many of the province’s top natural and historic attractions on the way. These include the Sabie waterfalls, the gold rush town of Pilgrim’s Rest, and the iconic Blyde River Canyon lookout points. You can hire a car from companies like Avis, Europcar, and Hertz at Nelspruit’s Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

Descend Underground Into the Sudwala Caves

 Shaen Adey / Getty Images

Mpumalanga’s Sudwala Caves are over 240 million years old, making them one of the oldest cave systems on Earth. That’s still young in comparison with the 3-billion-year-old Precambrian rock that surrounds them, however. Descend 490 feet below the surface on a guided tour, stopping to admire illuminated rock formations including stalactites and stalagmites en route. Keep an eye out for horseshoe bats, and for the Stone Age tools displayed at the entrance. The caves are open every day and are located a 30-minute drive from Nelspruit. 

Go Whitewater Rafting on the Sabie River

The Sabie River Valley is a another must-visit destination for thrill seekers, with operators offering all kinds of activities from quad biking and horse riding to paintball, archery, and more. However, the area is best known for whitewater rafting on the Sabie River. Induna Adventures (based near Hazyview) offers half-day trips down Grade 2 and 3 rapids in rubber inflatables. You’ll be accompanied by qualified rafting guides, while calm periods in between rapids afford the opportunity to enjoy gorgeous forest scenery. The rapids are at their fastest and most fun from October to March. 

Learn About Gold Rush History in Barberton

Neil Overy / Getty Images 

The historic town of Barberton was founded after the discovery of gold in 1883 inspired prospectors to rush to the area in search of fortune. Their camp grew into a thriving town with its own mining companies, stock exchange, and railway. Barberton’s golden years were brief and prospectors soon moved on to new reefs. To experience the excitement of those years for yourself, start at the Barberton Museum . Then, take a stroll along the Heritage Walk which connects period buildings, a steam locomotive, and other gold rush points of interest.

Drive the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail

Michael Hofmann / EyeEm / Getty Images

There’s more to Barberton than gold. In 2018 the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , because at 3.6 billion years old, they represent one of the world’s oldest geological structures. The Barberton Geotrail (a 24-mile self-drive route) introduces visitors to Archean period rock formations, which can be seen in very few other places on Earth. There are 11 geosites and viewpoints, each with an information board explaining how the landscape shows what the planet was like at the very beginning of early life.

Explore Nelspruit's Lowveld National Botanical Garden

KarelGallas / Getty Images

Recently rechristened as Mbombela, Nelspruit is the provincial capital. There are many reasons to visit, one of the foremost being the beautiful Lowveld National Botanical Garden . The garden is characterized by the Nels and Crocodile Rivers, which form cascading waterfalls before converging inside the reserve. On their banks, natural riverine vegetation flourishes; while the landscaped section of the garden includes manicured lawns and a profusion of indigenous plant species. The garden offers guided tours and facilities include a nursery and tea garden. Entry costs 35 rand per adult. 

Visit Jane Goodall's Chimp Eden

 Afrika Force / Flickr /  CC BY 2.0

From Nelspruit, drive 20 minutes south to Chimp Eden. Set within Umhloti Nature Reserve and run by the Jane Goodall Institute, it is the only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. It continues the famous primatologist’s work by providing a home for chimpanzees that have been rescued from the bush meat and illegal pet industries. These endangered animals are man’s closest living relative, and you’ll be surprised by how human-like their behavior is as you observe them in their semi-wild enclosures. Tours cost 210 rand per adult and 95 rand per child. 

Discover Ndebele Culture at Kghodwana Cultural Village

ManoAfrica / Getty Images 

Located in the far west of the province near the Gauteng border, Kghodwana Cultural Village offers an immersive insight into the lives and traditions of the Ndebele people. The Ndebele are known for the striking geometric patterns that adorn their houses and clothing, thanks to painting and beadwork skills that are passed down through the generations. You can purchase their handiwork, take a tour of the village, and even visit one of its royal kraals. The village is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

Head to Dullstroom for World-Class Fly Fishing

The highlands town of Dullstroom is known as the fly-fishing capital of South Africa, with excellent still water and river fishing to be found throughout the surrounding area. Most of the local dams and streams are stocked with both rainbow and brown trout. Some can only be accessed via private lodges and guided tours; however, there are two town dams that are open to the public. Permits can be purchased from the Dullstroom on the Dam caravan park. Remember that the lower dam is strictly catch-and-release only. 

Go Birding on the Lakes Around Chrissiesmeer

Chrissiesmeer , a small town in Mpumalanga’s Lake District, is surrounded by pans and wetlands. These include Lake Chrissie, one of the largest freshwater lakes in South Africa. The lakes attract no fewer than 287 different species of birds. Many of them are seasonal waders that visit between September and March. In particular, the region is famous for the huge flocks of flamingos that arrive during the summer breeding season. Head to the Chrissiesmeer Information Centre to pick up a birding route map with details of the best spots in the area. 

Tee Off on Mpumalanga's Top Golf Courses

Mpumalanga is also a great destination for golfers, with several high-quality courses to choose from. Two of the best are Leopard Creek (on the edge of Kruger National Park) and Highland Gate (near Dullstroom). The former is an 18-hole, par-72 Gary Player course that adds another level of excitement with water hazards inhabited by crocodiles and hippos. The latter was designed by Ernie Els to make the most of the magnificent highland scenery, and earned 15th place in Golf Digest’s ranking of the top 100 courses in South Africa.

Plan a Day Trip to Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

Shem Compion / Getty Images

Although it’s part of Limpopo province, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre is well worth a trip across the border. Through rehabilitation, breeding programs, and education, the center aims to ensure the future of some of South Africa’s most vulnerable species. Day visitors can take part in a 2-hour tour, stopping to meet resident animals along the way. You can also watch cheetahs being taught to run and marvel as rare African vultures come to feed at the Vulture Restaurant. The center is just over an hour’s drive from Graskop or Hazyview. 

South Africa Guide: Planning Your Trip

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Sudwala Caves, South Africa: The Complete Guide

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Breathtaking scenery

7 attractions to visit in mpumalanga.

W W hat do you do when you’re in of South Africa’s incredible provinces that boasts pristine beauty, offers ample outdoor activity spots and inspiring cultural experiences? Head out with your cell phone fully charged (for perfect photo ops), a group of fun-loving friends to enjoy the day with and an itinerary to tick off every wild experience had. Here’s a list of the top seven places to visit in Mpumalanga.

Kaapsehoop Scootours

Explore Mpumalanga’s countryside with Kaapsehoop Scootours . Start your adventure in the historical town of Kaapsehoop, make your way up into the region’s forest and rugged terrain before finally descending to the finish point. It’s an unforgettable scenic forest experience.

Matsamo Cultural Village

Dance to the beat as the locals of the Matsamo Cultural Village wow visitors with their incredible dance sequences, such as the traditional Swazi dance. Here you can learn about their vibrant culture through stories about famous legends of their tribe.

Highland Giants Estate

Considering Dullstroom, Mpumalanga is considered the fly-fishing capital of South Africa, there’s no better place than Highland Giant’s Estate in this quaint town to cast your rod. Settle in for the night in one of the charming cottages on this 500-hectare estate.

• When to visit
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S S abi Sands Game Reserve

Experience the magic of the bush at Sabi Sands Game Reserve . Whether you’re in the mood for a real outdoor experience or just a getaway to enjoy nature and wildlife, this game reserve is for you.

Sudwala Dinosaur Park

Feel like a kid again at the Sudwala Dinosaur Park and be in awe of the life size models of pre-historic animals. These range from amphibious ancient reptiles and dinosaurs to pre-historic mammals. Travel towards the Sudwala Caves, 30 minutes from Nelspruit, for a prehistoric adventure.

Pilgrim’s Rest

Take a tour through the historical town of Pilgrim’s Rest . From museums and historic sites to quaint old buildings, each has a story to tell of how this town evolved during the gold rush days of the 1900s.

Sudwala Caves

Sudwala Caves is a popular tourist attraction in Mpumalanga. Be in awe of the incredible rock formations that have transformed these caves of millions of years.

Next time you’re in Mpumalanga, be sure to visit these and many more attractions when you’re on a Sho’t Left to this incredible province.

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Outdoor Guides , South Africa , Tips & Inspo · August 21, 2021

16 Incredible Things to do in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Mpumalanga might be one of South Africa’s tiniest provinces, only taking up about 6.3% of the country’s land area, but did you know it’s home to incredibly diverse landscapes full of wildlife, stunning scenery, and fascinating things to do?

Whether you’re keen to spot the Big 5, wander through ancient caves, see the world’s largest green canyon, or learn more about South Africa’s gold rush, you’ll never be bored in The Place Where the Sun Rises !

However, with so many incredible things to do in Mpumalanga, deciding what attractions to add to your bucket list can be tricky. To help you out,  here are 16 of the very BEST things to do in Mpumalanga!  

If it’s your first visit to the Rainbow Nation, make sure to also read these handy travel tips and this guide on best travel apps for South Africa .

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

The Best Things to do in Mpumalanga

Spot the big 5 at kruger national park.

Let’s kickstart this list of epic things to do in Mpumalanga with the province’s top tourist attraction, and one of the most famous landmarks in Africa – the Kruger National Park.  

Best known as one of the world’s finest game reserves and the largest national park in Africa, the Kruger National Park covers a massive area of nearly 20,000 km 2 filled with diverse wildlife and the most incredible scenery imaginable. 

The easiest way to get acquainted with all of the Kruger’s best bits is by joining a guided safari tour , but you’ll be able to get so much more out of your trip if you choose to self-drive. That way, you can  really  slow down and take it all in! 

If you’re only visiting on a day trip, stick to the southern and central corners of the park. Skukuza and Lower Sabie have one of the highest concentrations of leopard globally, and there’s a good chance to spot the Big Five here. The central grasslands is another popular game-viewing area, thanks to its large lion population. It’s also home to an abundance of other African animals , including some of the biggest herds of zebra, buffalo, impala, giraffe, and wildebeest in the Kruger. 

For those with a bit more time during their Mpumalanga itinerary, book a few nights’ stay at one of the awesome rest camps or gorgeous bushveld lodges. There’s much more to see further north! In particular, the Letaba and Olifants Regions. Here you can trade the hardy bushveld and expansive grasslands for lush mopane veld full of elephants! 

No matter where you go in the Kruger, though, you’re guaranteed some of the best game viewing in Africa accompanied by spectacular unspoiled landscapes. And with a bit of luck, spot all of the Big Five in one go! 

• Entrance fee: SA Citizens: R122 per adult per day | International Visitors: R486 per adult per day
• Where to Stay:   Kruger Shalati – The Train on The Bridge near Skukuza in Kruger National Park
• Get directions

Explore the Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon , also known as the Motlatse Canyon, is another must-visit place in Mpumalanga. Believed to have formed more than 200 million years ago, it is the world’s third biggest canyon and the largest green canyon on Earth! 

With its long, deep valley stretching 26 km in length and soaring cliffs covered in lush greenery, the scenery here is simply breathtaking. The Nature Reserve spans over 290 km² and is home to abundant animal life, picturesque viewpoints, excellent hiking trails, and an array of adventure-packed activities for thrill-seekers. Hiking, horse riding, white water rafting, kloofing, hot-air ballooning, fly-fishing, and biking are just some of the fun things to do here. However, if you just want to take it easy, book yourself into one of the private lodges so that you can spend a few days immersed in nature.

• Where to stay: Blyde River Canyon Lodge

Visit Sudwala Caves

Another unmissable attraction in Mpumalanga is the Sudwala Caves, located roughly 37km west of Nelspruit. 

Considered to be the oldest caves in the world, the Sudwala Caves are part of the Malmani Dolomite Ridge and began to form some 240 million years ago.

The caves consist of an intricate network of chambers and tunnels full of ancient geological treasures. The main chamber, known as the PR Owen Amphitheatre, is the biggest (known) chamber in the cave. It measures about 70 meters in diameter and looms 37 meters high. Within the caves, you can spot various stalagmites and stalactites, and even a colony of horseshoe bats! 

While the main chamber is nothing short of magical, be sure to join the Crystal tour for something truly extraordinary. The tour takes you deep into the caves to a crystal chamber that is blanketed with shimmering aragonite crystals! It’s a tiring trek involving crawling through narrow passages, wading through water, and scrambling over rocks, but the effort will be more than worth it!  

Don’t forget to bring a light sweater/jacket as it’s quite chilly inside the caves.

• Entrance fee: R110 per adult and R60 for kids | The Crystal Tour costs R750 per person (advance booking only). 
• Where to Stay:  Southern Sun Emnotweni in Nelspruit

Hop in the Graskop Gorge Lift

The Graskop Gorge Lift is a cool viewing lift that travels 51m down a gorge and into a thick Afromontane forest. Once at the bottom, you can walk along various wooden walkways, gawk at the Motitsi Waterfall and learn more about the diverse plant life that makes this part of Mpumalanga so famous. The entire trail only takes an hour to complete, but you can easily spend more time here. 

If the gorge lift isn’t enough action for you, well, then you’re in for a real treat! You can also zip across the gorge on a 120m long zipline, freefall 70m into the depths on the Big Swing, or walk across the ravine on a 52m-long suspension bridge!

Afterward, enjoy a cuppa at the Lift Café or shop for souvenirs at the onsite craft market. Here you can pick up everything from colorful bags to beaded jewelry to handcrafted wooden bowls. 

Oh, and travel tip – Back in town, don’t miss the lip-smackingly delicious ice cream & chocolate sauce pancakes at Harry’s Pancakes.

• Entrance fee: R65 person | Lift R240 per person | Big Swing & Zip-line Combo R750
• Where to Stay: Rustique in Graskop

Drive the Panorama Route

Driving the Panorama Route is an activity that should be on everyone’s South African bucket list !

The Panorama Route is a stunningly beautiful route that takes you over highlands and parts of the Drakensberg Escarpment. With endless views over mountains, canyons, and valleys, it’s easy to understand why this is one of South Africa’s most scenic self-drives. 

Although the route can be accessed at various points throughout the Lowveld, one of the easiest entry points is near White River. Along the way, you’ll find some of the best gems in Mpumalanga, from the Three Rondawels to Blyde River Canyon to Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve and much more. 

The best way to enjoy the Panorama Route is to explore the area at your leisure. There’s so much to do and see here, and it would be a pity not to see it for yourself!

See the Wild Horses at Kaapsehoop

Kaapsehoop is a tiny village located roughly 1468m above sea level along the Highveld Escarpment. The town came into existence during the late 1800s when gold was discovered in its streams. While there’s no gold left in Kaapsehoop , this National Heritage Site is well worth a visit. Interestingly, the town is today best known for something completely different – wild horses. The best part? You won’t need to wander far to spot these beauties either. Just walk through town, and you’re bound to see them grazing in the veld or someone’s lawn! 

Besides seeing the horses, there are surprisingly many things to do here. You can browse the charming stores, hike along the escarpment, chase waterfalls or just chill in one of the restaurants. Koek ‘n Pan makes the most amazing pancakes imaginable, while Salvador’s is a cool place to relax with an ice-cold beer! Try the prego too – it’s delicious! 

• Where to Stay:   Silver Mist Country Inn

Marvel at the Three Rondawels

The Three Rondawels are three rounded peaks resembling traditional round huts and are iconic sights along the Mpumalanga Panorama Route.

The lookout point sits within the Blyde River Canyon Reserve and offers sweeping views over the northern edges of the Drakensberg escarpment. Come at golden hour to witness the changing skies and enjoy this scenic spot sans the crowds. 

• Entrance fee: R35 for adults and R20 for kids

Hike to God’s Window

Sitting 1700m above sea level, God’s Window is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Mpumalanga. Not to mention, a HUGE must on your Lowveld bucket list.

What really makes this viewpoint so special is that it offers incredible views over the escarpment and lower-lying valley. With emerald green hills that seem to go on forever, towering cliffs covered in lush greenery and deep ravines – the scenery here is breathtaking! The best part? On a clear day, you’ll even be able to see all the way to Maputo! 

While God’s Window is beautiful any time of day, come just before sunset to watch the sun melt away over the horizon. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, because it’s a steep walk up! 

Oh, and travel tip – Bring cash as cards aren’t accepted. 

• Entrance fee: R20 for adults and R10 for kids

Hunt for Waterfalls

With so many beautiful waterfalls in Mpumalanga, it’s hard to keep track of them all. While you can spot some waterfalls right from the road, others involve following pothole-studded gravel roads deep into timberland. 

The Sabie Waterfall Route, in particular, is a great place to start. This 50km route, which begins right outside Sabi along the R532, is dotted with an incredible selection of waterfalls often touted as the best waterfalls in South Africa. 

Some of the most iconic falls include Bridal Veil, Lone Creek, Lisbon, Horseshoe, and the Berlin Waterfalls. Each one is unique and definitely deserves a spot on your list of things to do in Mpumalanga! However, if you only have time to see one or two, make sure it’s one of these:

The 90m high Lisbon Falls ( Google Maps ) is the most popular and the highest waterfall of the lot, but if you’re looking for a secluded spot totally off the main tourist track, head to Lone Creek Falls ( Google Maps ). This 68m is an impressive sight, and the waterfall pool is perfect for splashing around and cooling off in. 

Just a heads up, there’s a small entry fee to each waterfall, which usually ranges between R10-R30. Bring cash because you won’t be able to pay with a card. 

• Where to Stay:   Tanamera Lodge just outside Sabie

Swim at Mac Mac Pools

Another cool thing to do in Mpumalanga is to pop by the Mac Mac Pools – a set of natural rock pools between Sabie and Graskop. Here you can swim in fresh mountain streams, have a braai, or just relax under the trees. 

While one could easily spend hours here splashing around in the pools, rock hopping, or just chilling out, the 3 km loop Secretary Bird Walk trail is a good alternative for the more adventurous. Nearby, you’ll also find the Mac Mac Falls – a set of 65m high falls and a National Monument. The pools are only 5 minutes drive from the falls, so it’s easy to combine these two Panorama Route attractions on one trip.

Just a heads up, Mac Mac Pools is a very popular tourist spot in Mpumalanga, especially in summer. Don’t come too late because the picnic area fills up quickly. Oh, and remember your swimsuit! 

• Entrance fee: R30 per person (cash only)
• Where to Stay:   Lush Guesthouse in Graskop

Visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes

There are loads of geological wonders in Mpumalanga. And Bourke’s Luck Potholes, just 35km outside of Graskop, is one of them. 

Here you’ll find a series of giant bizarre-looking rock sculptures formed by centuries of water erosion. The 700m trail takes you over walkways and bridges with loads of viewing points offering different angles to snap pictures.

The potholes also mark the start of the Blyde River Canyon, and it’s a lovely place to take photos, test your imagination and enjoy the crisp air. While it’s really cool to see the potholes for yourself, you should know that it is a rather expensive attraction in Mpumalanga.

• Entrance fee: R65 per person (cash only)

Visit Pilgrim’s Rest

A visit to Mpumalanga would simply not be complete without exploring the beautiful historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest.

Pilgrim’s Rest is a South African National Monument, best known for its gold rush days in the late 1800s, lovely Victorian architecture, and various museums and historical attractions. 

The entire town is a living museum oozing old-world charm no matter which way you turn. Some of the must-visit sights include the Police Station, the Printing Museum, the Dredzen Shop & House Museum, The Royal Hotel, and the Anglican Church, with many of them more than 100 years old. If you get tired of exploring all the historical sights, you can also go gold-panning or dress up in old-fashioned clothing! Oh, and if you’re brave enough, head to the historic graveyard where you can find out why one grave faces a different direction than all the others! 

• Where to stay: The Royal hotel

Wander around the Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Just behind the Nelspruit Value Mart Complex en route to White River, you’ll find one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in South Africa – the Lowveld National Botanical Garden. 

The sprawling garden covers roughly 159 hectares of land and features an incredibly diverse selection of plant life consisting of 600 indigenous species and more than 2000 non-native varieties of vegetation. 

There are many points of interest within the gardens, from a jungle-like African rain forest to incredible cycad and fig tree collections and stunning views over the Nels and Crocodile rivers that flow through here. The Cascades Viewpoint, right next to the Visitors’ Centre, offers a great view over the Crocodile River and its cascading waterfall, but for something really special, don’t miss the Nels River Viewpoint! 

Even if you aren’t into plants, the gardens are a great add-on to your Mpumalanga to do list. You can take a relaxing stroll along various trails, enjoy a picnic and immerse yourself in nature. 

However, if you simply want to kick back and enjoy the scenery, the Tea Garden is a lovely spot with an amazing selection of cakes! The Tindlovu Restaurant, located at the Visitors’ Centre, is another nice place to unwind. The restaurant sits right on the banks of the Crocodile River and offers great views over the river and lush vegetation across its banks. What’s more, spotting crocodiles and even hippos aren’t uncommon here!  

• Entrance fee: R55 per person
• Where to Stay:   Southern Sun Emnotweni in Nelspruit

Relax at Casterbridge

Just on the outskirts of White River, you’ll find one of the quaintest shopping centers in Mpumalanga – the Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre. 

This tiny center is jam-packed with beautiful galleries, quirky shops, restaurants, a spa, and even the Barnyard Theatre. It’s a great place to stroll around, shop for all kinds of goodies, catch some live music, or simply just soak up the relaxing vibes. Don’t miss the boozy cocktails at Magnolia Restaurant and the craft gin tastings at Gin & Co! Oh, and for the absolute BEST sangria and Mexican food, slip into Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria. 

• Where to Stay:   Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel

Visit the Jane Goodall Chimp Eden

Mpumalanga is famous for its continued conservation efforts and sustainable eco-tourism, and one of the best examples is the Jane Goodall Institute South Africa Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Situated in the Umhloti Nature Reserve, near Baberton, the sanctuary is home to numerous rescued chimpanzees that have been displaced from their natural habitats.

If want to learn more about the chimps and the efforts to safeguard them, you can join a guided tour. Along the way, you’ll get to see the chimps in semi-wild enclosures from various walkways and viewpoints. A visit to this sanctuary is a truly unique thing to do in Mpumalanga, but more importantly, also helps support chimp conservation efforts.

Tours take 1 hour, and reservations are essential.

• Tour & conservation fee: R290 per person
• Where to Stay:   Nirvana Country House

Visit the Land of Kings

If you’re looking for something entirely unique to do in Mpumalanga, then why not visit a country within a country?

Swaziland or Eswatini is a landlocked country in the eastern corners of South Africa and borders Mozambique. It is one of the tiniest countries in Africa , stretching only 130km from east to west and 175km from north to south.

Famous for its world-class nature reserves and national parks full of diverse wildlife, stunning scenery, rich cultural traditions, and turbulent history of kings, a visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While you could definitely visit independently, the easiest way to visit would be on a guided day tour from Nelspruit . That way, you can simply sit back and enjoy the scenery without planning a thing!

• Where to Stay: Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge
• Google Maps

Where to stay in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga covers a land area of roughly 76 000 km 2 , so deciding where to base yourself is key. 

Nelspruit (also known as Mbombela) is the province’s capital city and also where you’ll find the widest variety of accommodation to match any budget. While it’s the perfect base to explore most of the gems included on this list of things to do in Mpumalanga, it’s important to plan according to your itinerary. If you really want to get acquainted with Mpumalanga’s best tourist attractions, it’s a good idea to book accommodation at various locations. (See my recommendations under each attraction above).

With that in mind, here are the best places to stay in Nelspruit .

Luxury:  With the Riverside Mall right on your doorstep,  Southern Sun Emnotweni  is the perfect choice for travelers looking for an upscale stay. This 4-star hotel sports clean, elegant rooms with the comfiest beds under the sun. There’s also a great fitness center and an outdoor pool. The breakfast isn’t is bad either! 

Mid-range: La Roca Guest House is a 4-star retreat hidden in the hills. The guesthouse features lavish rooms and neatly-kept gardens. What’s more, the shimmering pool is the perfect spot to watch the sunset with an ice-cold beer in hand.

Budget: Execustay offers beautifully decorated rooms with rustic touches at surprisingly affordable rates. The glimmering pool and lovely outdoor area is perfect for relaxing after a day out exploring all of Mpumalanga’s top attractions.

How to get to Mpumalanga

• Plane:  The fastest way to get to Mpumalanga is by direct flight from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport just outside Nelspruit. Flights only take about 45 minutes but can be pricy if booked on short notice. 
• Car:  If you prefer to self-drive, it’s a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg to Nelspruit via the N12 and N4. There are several toll gates along the way, so remember to budget accordingly. Take the Schoemanskloof Road (R36) just after the Machado Toll Gate for sweeping views and a slightly shorter drive. 
• Shuttle Bus:  If you’re traveling solo or don’t feel like driving to Nelspruit, it’s best to book a seat on a shuttle bus. CityBug is reliable and has several daily departures from OR Tambo as well as Pretoria. The ride takes slightly longer than self-driving, but you won’t need to spend all that money on toll fees. 

What to do in Mpumalanga in Conclusion

While this post barely scratches the surface of amazing things to do in Mpumalanga, it will give you a well-rounded glimpse of the very best tourist attractions on offer. 

There you have it – a whole host of awesome things to add to your Mpumalanga to do list! If you think I’ve omitted any must-do activities, let me know in the comments below! 

If you liked these things to do in Mpumalanga, don’t forget to pin this post to your favorite board!

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Mpumalanga Travel Guide

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Mpumalanga, “the land of the rising sun” to its Siswati- and Zulu-speaking residents, extends east from Gauteng to Mozambique and Swaziland. To many visitors the province is synonymous with the Kruger National Park , the real draw of South Africa’s east flank, and one of Africa’s best game parks. Kruger occupies most of Mpumalanga’s and Limpopo Province’s borders with Mozambique, and covers over 20,000 square kilometres – an area the size of Israel or El Salvador. Unashamedly populist, Kruger is the easiest African game park to drive around on your own, with many well-run restcamps for accommodation. On its western border lie a number of private reserves, offering the chance – at a price – to escape the Kruger crush, with well-informed rangers conducting safaris in open vehicles.

The Escarpment

The lowveld, blyde river canyon, kruger national park, brief history of the kruger national park, kruger flora and fauna, game viewing and picnic sites in southern kruger, game-viewing tips, wilderness trails, game viewing and picnic sites in central kruger, game viewing and picnic sites in northern kruger, wildlife in the private reserves.

Apart from the irresistible magnet of big-game country, Mpumalanga also has some spectacular scenery in the mountainous area known as the Escarpment, usually passed through en route to Kruger. The most famous viewpoints – God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Three Rondavels – are along the lip of the Escarpment, which can be seen on a 156km drive from the lowveld known as the Panorama Route. The views of Blyde River Canyon are most famous of all and, while you can’t drive into the canyon, there are some fabulous hiking and river-rafting opportunities in this area. None of the Escarpment towns merits exploration, but they are fine as night stops.

Jammed between the mountains and Kruger are the former African Bantustans, created under apartheid: Lebowa for Sotho-speakers and Gazankulu for Shangaan- and Tsonga-speaking people. Mozambique is a short hop away, there is daily transport to Maputo, and you’ll see cars with Mozambique number plates, especially in Nelspruit, the modern capital of Mpumalanga, taking advantage of the superior medical care and shopping. Nelspruit also connects with the road south through Barberton to Swaziland.

Descending the Escarpment on one of four mountain passes takes you into the tropical-fruit-growing and bushveld country of the lowveld, with impressive views back towards the towering massif of the Escarpment. A number of places close to the Blydepoort Dam at the foot of the Blyde River Canyon can be taken in as bushveld breaks on the way to or from Kruger. Closest to this area is the small but growing centre of Hoedspruit (actually in Limpopo Province, but covered here because of its proximity to Kruger) with its own airport, a jumping-off point for safaris in the central and northern section of the park, and yielding access to the Manyeleti and Timbabavati private game reserves. Note that malaria is a potential hazard in the lowveld and Kruger, particularly in summer.

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Explore the North of South Africa: Sun City and Madikwe game reserve

For those short on time, staying close to Johannesburg may make sense. On this trip, you'll arrive and depart in Johannesburg and then transfer to the theme park Lost City before continuing to Madikwe for a few days of game drives to spot plenty of wildlife.

Four hours’ drive east of Johannesburg International Airport is one of the city’s favoured mountain retreats: the waving grasslands and luxury guesthouses of the Mpumalanga Drakensberg, generally known as the Escarpment. While most travellers visit the region purely because of its proximity to the Kruger National Park , it provides some of the most dramatic views in the country, which can be enjoyed with little effort, even if you are simply passing through en route to Kruger. This tour of these highlands, known as the Panorama Route, can also be taken as an organized day-trip by numerous tour operators in Nelspruit. The main draw of the Escarpment is the Blyde River Canyon , whose dizzying views into one of the world’s great gorges appear in countless South African tourist brochures. In addition to a number of viewpoints along the Escarpment lip, the canyon has hiking trails which give access to the flora and (if you’re quiet and lucky) fauna of the reserve, including zebra, hippo, kudu and numerous primates – baboons, vervet and samango monkeys and bushbabies.

South Africa’s lowveld, wedged between the Mpumalanga section of the Drakensberg and Mozambique, is part of a vast subtropical region of savanna that stretches north through Zimbabwe and Zambia as far as Central Africa. Closely associated at the turn of the last century with fortune-seekers, hunters, gold-diggers and adventurers, these days the South African lowveld’s claim to fame is its proximity to the Kruger National Park and the adjacent private game reserves. Although several of the towns on the game park fringes are pleasant enough, most people come here to get into big-game country.

Largest of the lowveld towns, and the capital of Mpumalanga, is Nelspruit, accessible by air and bus (including buses from Maputo in Mozambique). East of Nelspruit, the N4 runs close to the southern border of the Kruger, providing easy access to its Malelane and Crocodile Bridge gates; the latter is just 12km north of Komatipoort, a humid frontier town on the border with Mozambique. From Nelspruit, you can also head 32km south to Barberton, an attractive settlement in the hills with strong mining connections, or continue another 41km to Swaziland.

The R40 north of the provincial capital passes through White River, Hazyview, Klaserie, Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa, a series of small towns that act as bases for exploring Kruger. Each town is well supplied with accommodation, and has a Kruger entrance gate nearby; tours are available from some. The closest to Nelspruit and an entry point into the Park, Hazyview is now leader of the pack. Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa actually fall within Limpopo Province, but for the sake of continuity have been included in this chapter.

BARBERTON, 36km south of Nelspruit, began its urban existence after gold was discovered in 1883. An influx of shopkeepers, hoteliers, barmen, prostitutes, even ministers of religion, soon joined the diggers in the growing frontier town, which consisted of tents, tin, thatch and mud, with nearly every second building functioning as a boozing joint. During the fabulous boom of the 1880s the mines slipped out of the grasp of the small-time prospectors and came under the control of the large corporations that still own them today. There are seven working mines around Barberton, each with its own entertainment venue for miners only, which means you won’t find miners packing out public bars as in the wild days of old.

This is the best place in the country to take an underground gold-mining tour, in a working mine, or learn to do gold panning. This attraction aside, Barberton also has a colonial backwater charm, reasonably priced accommodation, a handful of historical sights, tropical vegetation and an attractive setting in a basin surrounded by mountains.

Kruger’s western flank

The R40 heads north from Nelspruit along the western border of the Kruger National Park , passing through prosperous tropical-fruit-growing farmlands and crowded, poverty-stricken African areas. The only reason you’re likely to find yourself heading north along this road from Hazyview is to access the private game reserves – Sabi Sands, Manyeleti or Timbavati – that join up with the western flank of Kruger, or to reach the Orpen Gate, for the rewarding central section of Kruger National Park . Though marked prominently on maps, Klaserie, which lies on the border of Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province, is little more than an easily missed petrol station and shop, surrounded by a number of private game farms – poor cousins to the pricier lodges inside the game reserves to the east.

North of the Mpumalanga border, in Limpopo, you’ll pass little towns en route to the central section of Kruger National Park and the Manyeleti and Timbavati private game reserves. Coming down the Escarpment along the R36/R527 from the Blyde River viewpoints, you’ll encounter a fork in the road after about 75km. The more northerly road leads to the towns of Hoedspruit, which is not a desirable destination or place to base yourself, particularly in the area at the foot of the Escarpment, and Klaserie. Much further north and generally reached from Polokwane on the N1, the mining town of Phalaborwa is conveniently 2km from the Phalaborwa Gate into central Kruger and the rewarding camps of Letaba and Olifants.

Elephant Sanctuary

At the Elephant Sanctuary, 5km from Hazyview on the R536 road to Sabie, you can touch and feed the two orphaned elephants rescued from a culling programme. A variety of programmes offers close encounters with the elephants – the “Brush Down” Programme, where you groom the animals and feel the texture of their skin and ears, combined with “Trunk in Hand” where you walk alongside them, lightly holding their trunks, is recommended. Rides are also available.

There are few places in South Africa where you can enjoy such easily accessible and dramatic scenery as that of the colossal Blyde River Canyon , weathered out of strata of red rock and dropping sharply away from the Escarpment into the lowveld. The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (also known as Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve) stretches from a narrow tail near Graskop in the south, and broadens into a great amphitheatre partially flooded by the Blydepoort Dam about 60km to the north.

The drive along the canyon lip

The views of the canyon are wonderful from both above and below, but the nicest way to take in the vistas is on an easy half-day’s drive along the canyon lip. Some 3km north of Graskop, the R534 does a 15km loop past a series of superb viewpoints . The road winds through pine plantations until it comes to the turn-off to the Pinnacle , a gigantic quartzite column topped with trees, rising out of a ferny gorge. After another 4km the road reaches the sheer drop and lowveld views of God’s Window , one of the most famous of the viewpoints; it’s also one of the most developed, with toilets and curio stalls. The looping road returns to rejoin the R532, which continues north for 28km beyond the turn-off to reach Bourke’s Luck Potholes at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde rivers – a collection of strange, smoothly scooped formations carved into the rocks by water-driven pebbles. The best view of all lies 14km beyond, at the Three Rondavels . The name describes only one small feature of this cinemascope vista: three cylinders in the shape of huts with the meandering Blyde River twisting its way hundreds of metres below. No photograph does justice to the sheer enormity of the view, punctuated by one series of cliffs after another buttressing into the valley.

Three Rondavels to Blydepoort Dam

The 90km drive from the Three Rondavels viewpoint to the base of the canyon provides spectacular views of the Escarpment cliffs rising out of the lowveld and is easily incorporated into your itinerary if you’re heading to or from Kruger. The drive winds west to join with the R36 and heads north to begin its descent through the Abel Erasmus Pass and then the J.G. Strijdom Tunnel through the mountain, with the wide lowveld plains opening out on the other side. The road takes a wide arching trajectory to circumnavigate the canyon.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK is arguably the emblem of South African tourism, the place that delivers best what most visitors to Africa want to see – scores of elephants, lions and a cast of thousands of other game roaming the savanna. A narrow strip of land hugging the Mozambique border, Kruger stretches across Limpopo Province and Mpumalanga, an astonishing 414km drive from Pafuri Gate in the north to Malelane Gate in the south, all of it along tar, with many well-kept gravel roads looping off to provide routes for game drives.

Kruger is designed for self-driving and self-catering. Self-driving offers complete flexibility, though the temptation is to drive too much and too fast, leading to fewer sightings. Furthermore, rental cars tend to be low off the ground and aren’t as good for game viewing as those used by lodges or tour operators. However, you can hop in a car knowing you’ll find supplies at most of the restcamps – indeed self-driving is often the only way of seeing Kruger’s animals if you’re travelling with young children and want to manage time and food your own way. The park’s popularity means that not only are you likely to share animal sightings with other motorists, but that accommodation is at a premium, particularly during South African school holidays, when you may not be able to find anything. Book as far in advance as possible.

Outside the public section, big-game country continues in several exclusive and expensive private wildlife reserves, clustering on huge tracts of land to the west, often referred to as Greater Kruger. As far as animals are concerned, the private and public areas are joined in an enormous, seamless whole. The three major private reserves are Sabi Sands to the south, and Timbavati and Manyeleti, adjoining the central section of the national park. The private reserves are not places you drive around yourself, and they offer a greater sense of being in the wilderness as there are no tarred roads or buildings away from the lodges, and you will not be sharing your sightings with a bunch of other cars. The safari lodges are luxuriously romantic and beautifully set, and dedicated to finding you wildlife.

But whatever you choose, be sure to relax and don’t get too obsessed with seeing the Big Five. Remember that wildlife doesn’t imitate TV documentaries: you’re most unlikely to see lion-kills (you may not see a lion at all), or huge herds of wildebeest migrating across dusty savanna. The element of luck involved is exactly what makes game spotting so addictive.

It’s highly questionable whether Kruger National Park can be considered “a pristine wilderness”, as it’s frequently called, given that people have been living in or around it for thousands of years. San hunter-gatherers have left their mark in the form of paintings and engravings at 150 sites so far discovered, and there is evidence of farming cultures at many places in the park.

Around 1000–1300 AD, centrally organized states were building stone palaces and engaging in trade that brought Chinese porcelain, jewellery and cloth into the area, but it was the arrival of white fortune-seekers in the second half of the nineteenth century that made the greatest impact on the region. African farmers were kicked off their traditional lands in the early twentieth century to create the park, and hunters and poachers made their livelihoods here decimating game populations.

Paul Kruger, former president of the South African Republic, is usually credited with having the foresight to set aside land for wildlife conservation. Kruger figures as a shrewd, larger-than-life character in Afrikaner history, and it was James Stevenson-Hamilton, the first warden of the national park, who cunningly put forward Kruger’s name in order to soften up Afrikaner opposition to the park’s creation. In fact, Stevenson-Hamilton knew that Kruger was no conservationist and was actually an inveterate hunter; Kruger “never in his life thought of animals except as biltong”, he wrote in a private letter, and it was his tenacity that saved the animals that hadn’t been shot out, rather than Kruger’s.

The park has been extended into Mozambique with the establishment of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park in 2000, and two border posts linking Kruger to Mozambique have been created, one right at the north of the park at Pafuri near Punda Maria Camp, the other at Giriyondo, between Letaba and Mopani camps.

Among the nearly 150 species of mammals seen in the park are cheetah, leopard, lion, spotted hyena, wild dog, black and white rhino, blue wildebeest, buffalo, Burchell’s zebra, bushbuck, eland, elephant, giraffe, hippo, impala, kudu, mountain reedbuck, nyala, oribi, reedbuck, roan antelope, sable antelope, tsessebe, warthog and waterbuck.

The staggering 507 bird species include raptors, hefty-beaked hornbills, ostriches and countless colourful specimens. The birders’ "big six" are the saddle-billed stork, kori bustard, martial eagle, lappet-faced vulture, Pel’s fishing owl and ground hornbill.

Keep your eyes open and you’ll also see a variety of reptiles, amphibians and insects – most rewardingly in the grounds of the restcamps themselves: there’s always something to see up the trees, in the bushes or even inside your rondavel. If you spot a miniature ET-like reptile crawling upside down on the ceiling, don’t be tempted to kill it; it’s an insect-eating gecko and is doing you a good turn. If, however, you have a horror of insects or frogs, stay away from Kruger in the rainy season (Nov–March).

Common among the three-hundred-plus tree species are the baobab, cluster fig, knobthorn, Natal mahogany, monkey orange, raisin bush, tamboti, coral tree, fever tree, jackalberry, leadwood, marula, mopane, lala palm and sausage tree.

Game Viewing

Berg-en-Dal The focus of the camp is the Rhino Trail along the perimeter fence (with Braille facilities), meandering under riverine trees along the Matjulu dam, where there are resident crocodiles and nesting fish eagles. Game includes white rhino, leopards and lions, and plenty of kudu. Some say this is the best camp from which to set out on a morning walk, because of the high likelihood of encountering white rhino, and the pretty scenery.

Crocodile Bridge Try the tarred H4 north and dirt S25 east for elephant, rhino and buffalo. For cheetah, among the best places are the open plains along the S28 Nhola Road. If you’re pushing north to Lower Sabie, it’s worth taking the drive slowly, as this area, dotted with knobthorn and marula trees, is known for its herbivores, which include giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and buffalo, as well as ostrich, warthog and the magnificent black sable antelope. You should also keep your eyes peeled for predators such as lion, cheetah, hyena and jackal.

Lower Sabie The must-drive roads here include the H10 for lion and cheetah, the S130 for white rhino and the H4-1 for leopard. Sunset Dam, just outside Lower Sabie, is a favourite sunset spot, where you can get really close to the water, and is worthwhile at any time of day.

Pretoriuskop A decent focus for a day drive is Transport Dam, on the H1-1, a good place to see buffalo and elephant, and there’s invariably other game to be found.

Skukuza Most people drive along the Sabie River to Lower Sabie, on the H4, one of the best places to see game. The tangled riverine forest, flanked by acacia bush and mixed savanna, is the most fertile and varied in the park. Another great drive is northeast on the H1–2 to Tshokwane picnic site, stopping at Elephant, Jones, Leeupan and Siloweni water holes. The area around Skukuza is also one of the best places to see endangered African wild dogs; worth trying is the S114 between Skukuza and Berg-en-Dal, the S1 between Phabeni Gate and Skukuza, and the H11 between Paul Kruger Gate and Skukuza.

Picnic sites

One of the park’s nicest picnic sites is at Afsaal, between Berg-en-Dal and Skukuza on the H3, a good focus for a day drive. Once here, look out for the African scops-owl which sleeps in a tamboti tree nearly every day – the tree is marked so that you can try to spot the camouflaged bird. There’s a shop on site.

Another top picnic spot is Mlondozi, north of Lower Sabie on the S29, which overlooks a dam from a thatched lapa, with some tables and chairs under trees. Tshokwane Picnic Site, 40km north of Lower Sabie on the H10, is much busier, but you can buy meals here.

• The best times of day for game viewing are when it’s cooler, during the early morning and late afternoon. Set out as soon as the camp gates open in the morning and go out again as the temperature starts dropping in the afternoon. Take a siesta during the midday heat, just as the animals do, when they head for deep shade where you’re less likely to see them.
• It’s worth investing in a detailed map of Kruger (available at virtually every restcamp) in order to choose a route that includes rivers or pans where you can stop and enjoy the scenery and birdlife while you wait for game to come down to drink, especially in the late afternoon.
• Driving really slowly pays off, particularly if you stop often, in which case switch off your engine, open your window and use your senses. Stopping where other cars have already stopped or slowed down is probably the best strategy you could choose.
• Don’t embark on overambitious drives from your restcamp. Plan carefully.
• Binoculars are a must for scanning the horizon.
• Take food and drink with you, and remember you can only use toilets and get out at the picnic sites, where there’s always boiling water available, braai places powered with gas, and, at some sites, food or snacks for sale.

Undertaken with the guidance of an experienced ranger, Kruger’s three-night wilderness trails (eight in different areas) pass through landscapes of notable beauty with diverse plant and animal life. However, they don’t bring you nearer to game than driving; they’re really about getting closer to the vegetation and smaller creatures, though you have a good chance of encountering big game. Groups are limited to eight people staying in the same camp, comprising four rustic, two-bed huts, served by reed-walled showers and flush toilets; simple meals are provided. You walk for five hours in the morning, return to the camp for lunch and a siesta, and go walking again for an hour or two in the evening, returning to sit around a campfire. The trails are heavily subscribed. You can book up to thirteen months in advance through SANParks. The cost is around R3500 per person, including accommodation and meals. The only trail where you carry your own stuff is the Olifants River backpack trail, a guided, three-night trail, following the course of the Olifants River. If you want a more than average possibility of walking into big game, book Sweni or Metsi Metsi trails, while birding is best in the far north on Nyalaland Trail, and the trails that are closest to signs of civilization are Bushmans and Wolhuters near Berg-en-Dal in the south.

The S100 or N’wanetsi River Road is one of the best-known drives in the park, with a stop at N’wanetsi Picnic Site, and beautiful scenery of riverine trees and open acacia savanna. It passes through a variety of terrain, which besides being scenic, means it attracts large herds of buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, kudu and waterbuck and, in their wake, big cats. The S100 is one of the best roads to find lions.

Satara Rewarding drives are the Timbavati River Road (S39) and the drive east of Satara along the S100, which snakes along the N’wanetsi River towards the Lebombo Mountains marking the border with Mozambique.

About halfway along the tarred road between Satara and Skukuza, the area around Tshokwane picnic site can be good for lions, hence the number of motorists here.

The S52 Red Rocks Loop southwest of Shingwedzi is a favoured road for elephant sightings, and if you drive it in the early morning, look out for leopards.

Pafuri picnic site 46km north of Punda. This picnic site should on no account be missed, as it’s here that you’ll experience the true richness of northern Kruger, and it is rated as the top birding spot in the park. The site is a large area under the shade of massive thorn trees, leadwoods and jackalberry trees on the banks of the Luvuvhu River and is the ultimate place for lunch. An interpretation board gives a fascinating account of human history in the area. There are braai facilities, a constantly boiling kettle to make your own tea, and the attendant can sell you ice-cold canned drinks.

In terms of wildlife, if it’s leopards you’re after, Sabi Sands is best, especially in the south, where they have become quite blasé about people and vehicles. Timbavati is much quieter and wilder than Sabi Sands, and is known for its large herds of buffalo, with plenty of lions and elephants, though it’s not good for viewing leopards and cheetah. Timbavati’s name is associated with the extraordinary phenomenon of white lions, and while you may see some prides carrying the recessive gene which makes them look a little paler, the last sighting of an adult white lion was in 1993 – though a dozen cubs have been born since, but with the high mortality rate, it is not known whether two which were doing well in 2010 have survived. Manyeleti has a good spread of all game, with some stirring landscapes of open grasslands and rocky outcrops, where it borders Kruger. During the apartheid days, Manyeleti was the only part of Kruger black people were allowed in, and consequently is far less developed than the other reserves, with little accommodation, which works to its advantage in that there are fewer vehicles about.

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10 places to visit in mpumalanga.

Mpumalanga has reserves aplenty, cascading waterfalls and some of the most charming  dorps the country has to offer, so here’s a list of places to visit in Mpumalanga.

1. Blyde River Canyon

It would be amiss to go to Mpumalanga and take in the panoramic views of the Blyde Riber Canyon and peer through God’s Window.

Read: Get your head in the clouds on this Mpumalanga road trip

2. Kruger National Park

Pafuri Walking Trails Camp. Picture: Getaway Gallery

South Africa’s flagship and most popular national park is a destination in itself. If you’ve never been to Kruger before, don’t fret – we’ve got you covered. Be sure to read our first-time visitors’ guide to Kruger , our 7 tips for self-driving the Kruger and how to see the best of Kruger National Park in a 7-day road trip .

Read: Getaway’s top-voted spots to stay in Kruger and beyond

3. Visit some Bushpubs

The kind of places where people in khaki come to unwind – welcome to the real watering holes of the Lowveld. From The Bush Pub in Hoedspruit to Tanks Bush Pub in Hazyview, be sure to check out our list of the best bush pubs up north .

4. Pilgrims Rest

A waiter poses at the Vine Restaurant in Pilgrim’s Rest. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.

Pilgrim’s Rest was declared a gold field in 1873. Today it’s a quaint village frozen in time, saturated with nostalgia. You can even try your hand at panning for gold.

Read: Head in the Clouds: Road tripping the Panorama Route

5. Wakkerstroom

Famed for birding, Wakkerstroom claims rights to 370 different avian species in the area. But there’s more to the town than beautiful hides, guinea fowl roaming the streets and cranes feeding in the vlei with the church steeple poking the sky in the background. Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Wakkerstroom .

6. Dullstroom

Picture: Craig Smith/ Getaway Gallery

With clear air, cool climate and sparkling waters with trout and more than 7 000 clocks, Dullstroom may be small but there are plenty of things to do in Dullstroom to keep you occupied. It is affectionately known as the country’s trout mecca by fly-fishers.

7. Sabie waterfall route

Lisbon Falls. Picture: Getaway Gallery

A well-kept secret, likely because it is overshadowed by the nearby attractions of Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, the Sabie Waterfall Route encompasses eight of the province’s waterfalls along a 50km route along the R532.

Read:  5 waterfalls to visit in Mpumalanga

From Mac Mac Falls, with a steep drop of 70m to Lisbon Falls, which falls from an impressive height of 94m.

8. Kaapsehoop

Horseriding is a popular pastime in Kaapsehoop

Perched on a plateau high above the Lowveld, Kaapsehoop boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. This Mpumalanga village is known for its wild horses, which can often be seen grazing on the village outskirts. The surrounding Kaapsehoop Escarpment offers scenic hiking trails and stunning waterfalls.

9. Panorama route

It’s the gateway to the Kruger and in the Lowveld, winding roads take you through plantations, waterfalls, and thick forests. Taking you through Hazyview, Graskop and Pilgrims Rest among others, you can easily tick off many of the places to visit in Mpumalanga by following this winding road.

Read: Head in the Clouds: road tripping the Panorama Route

10. Hoedspruit

A pride of lions visit a Hoedspruit home

Conveniently situated between Kruger National Park and its surrounding lodges and the Blyde River Canyon, it’s the perfect place to base yourself if you want a diversity of safari options. Home to unique accommodation offerings, such as the Hoedspruit Aerotel, where you can stay in a repurposed Boeing.

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ALSO READ: Vine of the Times: exploring the KwaZulu-Natal wine route

Pictures: Getaway Gallery

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White River is a favourite holiday destination for both locals and foreign tourists looking to enjoy the beauty of the Crocodile River Valley and with three irrigation dams and a number of nearby forests there is plenty for outdoorsy types to enjoy. Fun activities in White River include visiting the St. Georges Anglican Church, visiting the Mission End Trading Post from which you can pick up antiques and treasures.

Tourist Attractions in White river

a Wonderful area located close to the Paul Kruger & Numbi gates of the Kruger National Park, Hazyview gets its name from the typical lowvelt summer haze over that area. Its conveniently situated location affords it to be the gateway to so many of the fantastic sights in the surrounding catchment areas. The closeness of the town to places such as the Panorama Route through the awe inspiring Drakensberg escarpment, includes places such as Bourke's Luck Potholes, The 3 Rondavaals - a magnificent & naturally formed sight which are even more imposing when looking down onto them.

Tourist Attractions in Hazyview

Mpumalanga is considered to be one of the most geographically diverse and unbelievably beautiful places in South Africa. Visit the world’s most famous game reserve, climb the world’s third- highest canyon, explore the world’s oldest cave and spend the night in the world’s best private game lodges

Tourist Attractions in Mpumalanga

Mbombela City, the capital of Mpumalanga , lies in the fertile valley of the Crocodile River and has been called the gateway to Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park . The Lowveld botanical gardens just outside Mbombela City boasts a rare collection of plant species and the first man- made rain forest which attracts the majority of Mbombela City visitors.

Tourist Attractions in the City of Mbombela

Welcome to Matsulu, Mpumalanga Find the best local shops, restaurants, hotels, bars & night clubs, and attractions in Matsulu. There's always something new in Matsulu , Mpumalanga

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Attractions in Mpumalanga, South Africa

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Fly Fishing

• Dullstroom> Escarpment> Mpumalanga

Dullstroom is considered to be the fly fishing capital of South Africa. Located in the Mpumalanga province the area is known for its abun...

Shangana Cultural Village

• Hazyview> Lowveld> Mpumalanga

Situated between southern Kruger Park and the Blyde River Canyon, the Shangana Cultural Village invites visitors to meet the local people...

Blyde River Canyon

• Blyde River Canyon> Escarpment> Mpumalanga

The Blyde River Canyon area is so spectacularly magnificent that those that write about it have run out of words to describe it. The thir...

Casterbridge Farm Shopping Centre

• White River> Lowveld> Mpumalanga

Located just outside the town of White River, Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre is set in magnificent gardens and offers specialist stores, e...

Sudwala Caves

• Nelspruit> Lowveld> Mpumalanga

The Sudwala Caves are the oldest known caves in the world. Located in Mpumalanga in the dolomite rock of the Mankelekele Mountain range, ...

Lowveld National Botanical Gardens

The Lowveld National Botanical Gardens are located in Nelspruit and cover over 159 hectares of land, crossing both the Crocodile and the ...

Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is the collective name given for the region in Mpumalanga where spellbinding sights such as the Blyde River Canyon, Go...

3 Provinces 4x4 Trails

• Volksrust> Grass and Wetlands> Mpumalanga

Located on the borders of the three provinces of KwaZulu Natal, Free State and Mpumalanga, the 3 Provinces 4x4 Trail offers a great adven...

Sabie Valley Coffee Tour

• Sabie> Escarpment> Mpumalanga

Just outside of Hazyview in Mpumalanga, where the Sabie, Sabaan and Mac Mac Rivers converge, is Sabie Valley Coffees. Here you can enjoy ...

Badplaas Golf Course

• Badplaas> Grass and Wetlands> Mpumalanga

Located in the foothills of the beautiful Hlumu-Hlumu Mountains, this 9-hole course promises an exciting golfing experience at each of th...

El Dorian Hiking Trail

• Grass and Wetlands> Mpumalanga> South Africa

Located between Carolina and Badplaas, the El Dorian hiking trail is a two day circular route. The first day is 15km and the second day...

Songimvelo Game Reserve

This 49 000 ha reserve is the largest provincial game reserve in South Africa and is home to about 1400 known species. It also has the ...

El Dorian Horse Riding Trail

Found between Carolina and Badplaas, this trail is set over 20 000 ha of beautiful mountains and is great for riders of all levels. Rid...

Ermelo Golf Club

• Ermelo> Grass and Wetlands> Mpumalanga

This 18-hole course is found in the town of Ermelo in the upper reaches of the Vaal River. With its lush surroundings due to high rainf...

Bosch Ceramic Studio

The Bosch Ceramic Studio is located on the outskirts of the town of White River and is owned by ceramic artists Anton and Hanlie. Alth...

Kaapsche Hoop

• Kaapsehoop> Lowveld> Mpumalanga

“Home of Blue Swallows and Wild Horses.” The discovery of gold in the streams around Kaapsche Hoop is what led to the establishment of...

Echo Africa Safaris

Specialising in day tours in the magnificent Kruger National Park, this company offers full and half day game drives as well as an exci...

Dullstroom Bird Of Prey Rehabilitation Centre

• Lowveld> Mpumalanga> South Africa

Established in 1997, the Dullstroom Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Centre aims to educate the public while rehabilitating as many injured ra...

Witbank Municipal Dam

The Witbank Dam is the largest municipal dam in South Africa. It is ideal for swimming and is also popular for water sports such as ski...

Barberton Museum

• Barberton> Lowveld> Mpumalanga

Established in 1884, the town of Barberton was built and established during the gold rush. The Barberton Museum is a historical gem wh...

Hans Merensky Nature Reserve

Established as a nature reserve in 1953 and found along the banks of the Great Letaba River, this reserve has a vast variety of wildlif...

Koek en Pan

Famous for their huge range of sweet and savoury scrumptious pancakes, the charming Koek en Pan restaurant caters for the whole family ...

Kruger National Park

The world famous Kruger National Park was established in 1898 and is almost 2 million hectares in size. This truly diverse park is home t...

The Three Rondavels

Named after Chief Maripi Mashile’s three wives: Magabolie, Magoladikwe and Maseroto, the ‘Three Rondavels’ are three astonishing peaks ...

Sudwala Dinosaur Park

Located near Nelspruit, this dinosaur park boasts life size models. The park is well maintained and promises a fun filled day for the ent...

Dullstroom Riding Centre

Enjoy and experience the scenic beauty of Dullstroom on horseback, along the Elandskloof Horse Trails. Dave and Rhoda, the owners of th...

Sterkspruit Nature Reserve

• Escarpment> Mpumalanga> South Africa

Located near Lydenburg, this beautiful reserve consists of grassland, forested kloofs, peaceful stream banks and majestic cliffs. It is...

God's Window

One of the most popular attractions in Mpumalanga is Gods Window which is located along the Panorama Route. This is said to be one of the...

Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve

Located on the eastern side of Lydenburg, this scenic reserve covers about 2200 hectares and is a bird lover’s paradise. The reserve is...

Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve

Translating to “lost valley’”, this is a protected area and is located 13 km from Dullstroom. It is one of the few places in South Africa...

Graceland Golf Club

• Highveld and Cosmos> Mpumalanga> South Africa

The Gary Player designed 18-hole championship course at Graceland features a variety of elevation changes, water hazards, rolling fairw...

Highveld Mall

The Highveld Mall near Witbank offers a range of shops, entertainment and services and has made every effort to be disabled friendly. T...

The Ridge Casino and Entertainment Resort

The Ridge Casino near Witbank has over 425 slots and 18 table games as well as a salon Prive for VIP guests. Families can also enjoy ...

Witbank Skydiving Club

• Witbank> Highveld and Cosmos> Mpumalanga

The Witbank Skydiving Club started in 1980 and is located about 1-hour away from Johannesburg. A variety of skydiving courses as well a...

Adam's Calendar

• Mpumalanga> South Africa

The Blaauboschkraal stone ruins, also known as Adam's Calendar are a provincial heritage site in Waterval Boven in the Mpumalanga provinc...