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Copyright Pride of South Africa 2008
Mpumalanga - which means 'place where the sun rises’- is one of South Africa’s tourism hotspots, loved by both local and international visitors for its beauty and diversity.
This province is home to The Kruger National Park (‘big five’ country), exquisite panoramic views, mountains, rivers, trout fishing and birding opportunities, eco-tourism, adventure holidays and the rich offerings of the local Ndebele and Swazi cultures.
This province is home to The Kruger National Park (‘big five’ country), exquisite panoramic views, mountains, rivers, trout fishing and birding opportunities, eco-tourism, adventure holidays and the rich offerings of the local Ndebele and Swazi cultures.
Overview
Mpumalanga is bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland in the east, and Gauteng in the west. It is situated mainly on the high plateau grasslands of the Middleveld, which roll eastwards for hundreds of kilometres. In the northeast, the land rises towards mountain peaks and then terminates in an immense escarpment. In some places, this escarpment plunges hundreds of metres down to the low-lying area known as the Lowveld. Even though it is one of the smaller provinces (79 490 km2 in surface area), Mpumalanga is home to some three million people.
Regions:
The Highlands Meander: a nature lover’s paradise for those who love fly-fishing and bird-watching.
The Panorama Route: all breath-taking views and natural wonders such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon.
Cultural Heartland: get in touch with the colourful Ndebele culture. Wild Frontier: gateway to Mozambique, Swaziland and the Kruger National Park
Grass and Wetlands: Tranquil times at Chrissiesmeer – SA’s largest freshwater lake.
Cosmos Country: this is mining territory that explodes into colour every summer when the pink and white cosmos flowers come into bloom.
Lowved Legogote: home to the oldest dolomite caves in the world and a serious adventure activity zone.
Major attractions in the area:
The Kruger National Park
One of the major tourist attractions of the country, the Kruger National Park is among South Africa’s finest assets. Well-equipped to offer big five safaris, the park includes a large number of accommodation options, ranging from five star lodges to affordable rest camps.
This famous park boasts over 140 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds, not to mention a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, flora and fauna.
Best game Lodges in the World
A number of private camps and lodges are on offer in the areas surrounding the Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands area is renowned for being home to some of the best African game lodges in the world, bar none. These lodges are known worldwide for their exclusivity and top-of-the-range accommodation.
South Africa ’s Premier Fly-fishing Capital
The perfect getaway for fly-fishing enthusiasts, Dullstroom and surrounds offer fantastic accommodation including everything from five-star hotels to modest Bed and Breakfast establishments. The spectacular beauty of the area and its many lakes makes Dullstroom the perfect weekend getaway spot (even if fishing is not your thing). A number of quaint restaurants and pubs dot the area.
Gold-Digger’s Delight
The little town of Pilgrim’s Rest offers a step backwards into South Africa’s history, complete with themed-museums, restored buildings… and the notorious Victorian-inspired Royal Hotel. The area is a favourite for overseas and local visitors and is well-equipped to handle all of the attention with a good offering of restaurants, bars and reasonably priced accommodation available.
Best pancakes in Africa
A short drive from Pilgrim’s Rest lies Graskop, famous for it’s scenic waterfall and for Harrie’s Pancake Shop, known to serve up the best pancakes this side of the Kruger National Park. It is an established tradition to stop off here for a favourite sweet or savoury pancake en route to the Blyde River Canyon.
Green Belt
The green belt of Sabie offers a wonderful base to explore Mpumalanga’s Escarpment. This is the centre of South Africa’s forestry region and boasts excellent lodges, bed-and-breakfast establishments as well as a rather fine backpacker’s lodge. Although the pace in Sabie is rather laid back, there are a number of activities and day trips for the adventure seeker.
Adventure Zone
Mpumalanga province is known for its fantastic adventure-tourism opportunities. Mountain-biking, horse-trails, hiking trails and river rafting are all offer. The Blyde River Canyon is known as one of the best hang gliding and para gliding sites in Southern Africa. For hard-core adventurers this is also 4 x 4 country, or if soft adventure is your thing hot air ballooning is also on offer.
Views of Paradise
One of the most scenic views in South Africa is undoubtedly offered up at the famous Blyde River Canyon – this colossal canyon is famous for its dramatic window on the world.
Along the Panorama Route, camera-touting visitors love to visit the God’s Window ledge, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels – all of which offer breathtaking panoramas. The Mac-Mac Falls and Lisbon Falls are also a keen favourite for visitors to Mpumalanga.
Arts and Culture
Explore the local Shangaan culture at the famous Shangana Cultural Village, 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.
Mpumalanga is bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland in the east, and Gauteng in the west. It is situated mainly on the high plateau grasslands of the Middleveld, which roll eastwards for hundreds of kilometres. In the northeast, the land rises towards mountain peaks and then terminates in an immense escarpment. In some places, this escarpment plunges hundreds of metres down to the low-lying area known as the Lowveld. Even though it is one of the smaller provinces (79 490 km2 in surface area), Mpumalanga is home to some three million people.
Regions:
The Highlands Meander: a nature lover’s paradise for those who love fly-fishing and bird-watching.
The Panorama Route: all breath-taking views and natural wonders such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Blyde River Canyon.
Cultural Heartland: get in touch with the colourful Ndebele culture. Wild Frontier: gateway to Mozambique, Swaziland and the Kruger National Park
Grass and Wetlands: Tranquil times at Chrissiesmeer – SA’s largest freshwater lake.
Cosmos Country: this is mining territory that explodes into colour every summer when the pink and white cosmos flowers come into bloom.
Lowved Legogote: home to the oldest dolomite caves in the world and a serious adventure activity zone.
Major attractions in the area:
The Kruger National Park
One of the major tourist attractions of the country, the Kruger National Park is among South Africa’s finest assets. Well-equipped to offer big five safaris, the park includes a large number of accommodation options, ranging from five star lodges to affordable rest camps.
This famous park boasts over 140 species of mammals and over 500 species of birds, not to mention a wide variety of amphibians, reptiles, flora and fauna.
Best game Lodges in the World
A number of private camps and lodges are on offer in the areas surrounding the Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sands area is renowned for being home to some of the best African game lodges in the world, bar none. These lodges are known worldwide for their exclusivity and top-of-the-range accommodation.
South Africa ’s Premier Fly-fishing Capital
The perfect getaway for fly-fishing enthusiasts, Dullstroom and surrounds offer fantastic accommodation including everything from five-star hotels to modest Bed and Breakfast establishments. The spectacular beauty of the area and its many lakes makes Dullstroom the perfect weekend getaway spot (even if fishing is not your thing). A number of quaint restaurants and pubs dot the area.
Gold-Digger’s Delight
The little town of Pilgrim’s Rest offers a step backwards into South Africa’s history, complete with themed-museums, restored buildings… and the notorious Victorian-inspired Royal Hotel. The area is a favourite for overseas and local visitors and is well-equipped to handle all of the attention with a good offering of restaurants, bars and reasonably priced accommodation available.
Best pancakes in Africa
A short drive from Pilgrim’s Rest lies Graskop, famous for it’s scenic waterfall and for Harrie’s Pancake Shop, known to serve up the best pancakes this side of the Kruger National Park. It is an established tradition to stop off here for a favourite sweet or savoury pancake en route to the Blyde River Canyon.
Green Belt
The green belt of Sabie offers a wonderful base to explore Mpumalanga’s Escarpment. This is the centre of South Africa’s forestry region and boasts excellent lodges, bed-and-breakfast establishments as well as a rather fine backpacker’s lodge. Although the pace in Sabie is rather laid back, there are a number of activities and day trips for the adventure seeker.
Adventure Zone
Mpumalanga province is known for its fantastic adventure-tourism opportunities. Mountain-biking, horse-trails, hiking trails and river rafting are all offer. The Blyde River Canyon is known as one of the best hang gliding and para gliding sites in Southern Africa. For hard-core adventurers this is also 4 x 4 country, or if soft adventure is your thing hot air ballooning is also on offer.
Views of Paradise
One of the most scenic views in South Africa is undoubtedly offered up at the famous Blyde River Canyon – this colossal canyon is famous for its dramatic window on the world.
Along the Panorama Route, camera-touting visitors love to visit the God’s Window ledge, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels – all of which offer breathtaking panoramas. The Mac-Mac Falls and Lisbon Falls are also a keen favourite for visitors to Mpumalanga.
Arts and Culture
Explore the local Shangaan culture at the famous Shangana Cultural Village, 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.
MPUMALANGA
