Mpumalanga, South Africa

“The place where the sun rises” is much easier to say than Mpumalanga! This province lies in eastern South Africa and is home to diverse flora and fauna in a range of nature and game reserves. It is the gateway to the Kruger National Park and numerous private reserves. Explore the spectacular Panorama Route, with its fascinating natural wonders and quaint towns.

Go back in time to the historic village of Pilgrim’s Rest and the gold rush days. If trout-fishing is for you, this region is well known for these tasty creatures and several beautiful old hotels and lodges will ensure a comfortable resting place. Horse-riding, hot air balloon rides, walks and hikes, quad biking and golfing are a few other active ways of witnessing the surroundings.

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The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park that crosses 3 international boundaries. The region is home to the Kruger Mpumalanga Airport located northeast of Nelspruit. This airport has domestic flights from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, and an increasing number of international charter airlines. It is also the perfect place to combine a safari and beach holiday to Mozambique.

The dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage of the Panorama Route have plenty to explore on a self drive trip or day tour. It is home to the Blyde River Canyon, the 3rd largest canyon in the world. Bourke's Luck potholes are a result of rocks and sand in swirling whirlpools. The towns of Graskop and Sabie have exquisite waterfalls. God's Window is aptly named for the magnificent views. Travel along the historical Long Tom pass through this majestic countryside.

Mpumalanga offers excellent activities for the whole family:Fly-fishing, balloon trips and game drives. Stay over in Mpumalanga after your safari in the Kruger area and enjoy the scenery of the Blyde River Canyon and remnants of the gold rush at Pilgrims Rest.
Our favourite places in Mpumalanga:
Critchley Hackle - for fly-fishing
Cybele Forest Lodge - for foodies and honeymooners
Timamoon - for sensational romantic retreats

The entire town of Pilgrim's Rest was declared a National Monument in 1986 to the early gold rush days. A dedicated team of historians, architects, curators and special interest groups closely monitor all developments and refurbishments in the village to maintain its historic appearance. Situated on the Panorama Route, this town is a fascinating window into the lives of gold seekers who settled in the region. Go back in time as you wander along the tree-lined streets.

Mpumalanga's mountainous well stocked trout streams and dams lure fishermen.  Visit Dullstroom, a quaint village only two hours from Johannesburg en route to the Kruger Park. Reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, with morning mist and high altitude fresh air in the quaint country lodges offering cosy log fire evenings. The area is also a nature lover's paradise with endangered cranes, wild flowers and rare mammals.

The majestic landscape and scenic beauty are excellent reasons to do something adventurous while exploring Mpumalanga. There are several horse riding trails through this pristine wilderness. Go on a sunrise hot air balloon flight and gaze at the Sabi River and escarpment below. Moving along at wind speed, you are part of the climate of the day. Quad biking trails winding through hills and streams offer something for beginners to expert riders where you can test your technical trail riding skills.