Mpumalanga highlights

KKruger National Park,  Mpumalanga 
The largest game reserve in Africa, the Kruger National Park stretches for 352 kilometres from north to south along the Mozambique border. 

It offers South Africa’s richest and most comprehensive wildlife experience in 2-million hectares of unspoiled African bush. There are 16 different eco-systems and, along with the much sought after Big 5 there are 147 species of mammals and 507 species of birds. Going on a safari in ‘The Kruger’ is a major highlight of any trip to sunny South Africa. 

Luxury safaris 
As in Limpopo, Mpumalanga is bushveld country, and it offers a wide selection of award-winning luxury game lodge experiences – particularly in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Here you can enjoy deluxe accommodation, with world-class service and cuisine, guided safaris and bush walks. 

Many of these exclusive lodges have their own spa facilities so you can enjoy a massage or treatment surrounded by the African bush. Most of these luxury establishments have small conference areas, ideal for secluded meetings in the bush. 

The Panorama Route 
The magnificent Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is best known for its dramatic landscapes. Major highlights en route include Blyde ‘Motlatse’ River Canyon (the third largest canyon of its kind in the world), Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Long Tom Pass and the exquisite outlook spot known as God’s Window. Life in this part of the world is to be savoured slowly and make sure you bring your camera along. 

The Sudwala Caves 
The Sudwala Caves are the oldest known caves in the world, and date back some 2 000 million years. Here you will find an array of awesome rock displays including dramatically-lit stalactites and stalagmites and fossils of the first oxygen-producing plants on earth. 

The Sudwala Caves were used as a hiding place for the Boer’s ‘Long Tom’ guns during the Anglo-Boer War, and many people believe that this is where the legendary Kruger Millions are still hidden. 

Pilgrim’s Rest 
If you like a bit of history and heritage as part of your travels, visit the mining village of Pilgrim’s Rest situated some 30km from Nelspruit. This is the place where gold was first discovered in South Africa. With its authentic old buildings and shops, Pilgrim’s Rest offers a fascinating insight into the gold rush days. Stop off at the bar at the Royal Hotel and listen to the stories of old, or book yourself on a bona fide gold panning expedition. 

Cultural Villages 
For those wishing to experience the tribal culture of Mpumalanga, the village of Botshabelo (place of refuge) has an excellent open-air museum, providing an authentic look at the colourful Ndebele culture. 

The village houses Ndebele huts, decorated with beautiful traditional geometric paintings that are so well-known in this part of the world. Another notable cultural experience is the Shangana Cultural Village, which again – will give one insight into the life of the Shangaan people. 

Mpumalanga highlights at a glance: 
• Kruger National Park 
• The Panorama Route 
• Sudwala Caves 
• Bourke’s Luck Potholes 
• Pilgrim’s Rest 
• Shangaan Cultural Village 
• Fun towns – Dullstroom, White River, Hazyview 
• Best pancakes in the country