Must-see places to visit in Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa.
Kruger National Park
Stretching over more than two million hectares, the Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination. Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife.
The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species. Visitors can look forward to learning about the area’s prehistoric past, enjoying a host of accommodation options, and viewing abundant wildlife, including the famed Big Five. The diversity and sheer density of wildlife makes Kruger National Park an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience.
Situated along the southern border of the world-famous Kruger National Park, on the banks of the Crocodile River, Marloth Park is a tranquil holiday town and wildlife sanctuary in the beautiful province of Mpumalanga. This 3000-hectare park is inhabited by abundant wildlife and is home to four of the Big Five. The rhino, lion, and buffalo are kept in Marloth Park’s Lionspruit Game Reserve, while the kudu, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, ostrich, impala, and warthog roam freely between holiday houses, lodges and hotels. Visitors can watch elephants play in the river, catch a glimpse of some magnificent wildlife from the lookout points and watch the spectacular sunset over the African bushveld.
This park offers a string of wonderful activities, including guided game walks, game drives, night safaris, mountain biking, fishing, quad biking, horse riding, bird watching, and even golfing inside the Kruger Park at Skukuza.
Southern Kruger National Park
The southern region of the Kruger is defined by the shapes of smooth granite koppies, rare trees like the Cape chestnut, coral and fever-berry, and the prevalence of White Rhino.
It has a history that can be traced back centuries. Attractions and sightseeing activities include the San (Bushmen) paintings which adorn an overhanging sandstone rock near the Hippo pool, the only remnants of the San People who once lived and hunted in this area.
Historically, 18th-century European explorers ventured inland in search of gold from Monomotapa. Constructed along with the Sabie Reserve (a forerunner of the Kruger National Park) in the late 19th century, Crocodile Bridge was originally a ranger post.
Panorama Route
Connecting the Lowveld and the spectacular Drakensberg, sandwiched between the Kruger National Park and the Highlands Meander, the historical Panorama Route is a scenic road in the Mpumalanga Province.
The route features sensational views of breathtaking natural wonders, fascinating rock formations, impressive waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and a myriad of fauna and flora. The quaint little town of Graskop serves as the gateway to this wonderful route.
Panorama’s undoubtable highlight is the verdant splendour of Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest green canyons featuring lush subtropical vegetation. Some other popular natural attractions along the route include the spectacular Lisbon, Berlin, and Mac Mac Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and the astonishing God’s Window. Don’t miss the world-famous Kruger National Park and the picturesque gold rush town of Pilgrim's Rest, a historic living museum.
Manyeleti Game Reserve (Shalati)
The Manyeleti Game Reserve shares its borders with Kruger National Park, Timbavati Game Reserve and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, forming part of a huge area of land in which wildlife roams free.
It is managed by the Mnisi people, who have lived on this land for many generations. In Shangaan, the language of the most dominant tribe in the area, Manyeleti means ‘Place of Stars’, and in the evenings, when the sun’s light is replaced by that of the moon and countless bright stars, one can understand why. A dry area for most of the year, Manyeleti offers spectacular scenes of wildlife as they gather at water holes. Aside from the spectacular game-viewing opportunities, the reserve also offers insight into the culture and traditions of the Mnisi people.
Located in Kruger National Park, South Africa, Shalati Safari Camp is situated in a rural area of pristine bushveld directly adjacent to the Manyeleti Game Reserve. Guests can experience the Big Five on the daily game drive and bush walks; some animals may even be spotted while guests are relaxing at the onsite swimming pool.
Marloth Park
Situated along the southern border of the world-famous Kruger National Park, on the banks of the Crocodile River, Marloth Park is a tranquil holiday town and wildlife sanctuary in the beautiful province of Mpumalanga.
This 3000-hectare park is inhabited by abundant wildlife and is home to four of the Big Five. The rhino, lion, and buffalo are kept in Marloth Park’s Lionspruit Game Reserve, while the kudu, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, ostrich, impala, and warthog roam freely between holiday houses, lodges and hotels.
Visitors can watch elephants play in the river, catch a glimpse of some magnificent wildlife from the lookout points and watch the spectacular sunset over the African bushveld. This park offers a string of wonderful activities, including guided game walks, game drives, night safaris, mountain biking, fishing, quad biking, horse riding, bird watching, and even golfing inside the Kruger Park at Skukuza.
Pilgrims Rest
Set along the spectacular Panorama Route in the Lowveld region, the charming town of Pilgrims Rest will soon have guests plotting their search for gold.
The well-preserved town is seemingly frozen in time, and today it is a living museum which has been declared a National Monument to commemorate the gold rush days of South Africa during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The town's history is evident throughout its antiquated shops, hotels and museums. Visitors can look forward to a host of activities, including enjoying the Prospector's Hiking Trail, a five-day hike stretching over 60 kilometres, visiting the historic Alanglade House Museum, the former residence of the mine manager, as well as panning for gold, sampling local cuisine and cycling through the scenic countryside.
Hazyview
Surrounded by subtropical fruit orchards, Hazyview is a small farming town and a gateway to the southern part of the Kruger National Park and the Panorama Escarpment.
The town and its spectacularly scenic surroundings serve as a popular adventure capital with a remarkable array of exhilarating outdoor activities on offer to suit all ages, tastes and fitness levels. These include, among others: mountain biking, quad biking, ziplining, tubing, abseiling, and river rafting.
Whether you are eager to hike the Panorama Route with its breathtaking views and impressive waterfalls, visit the Shangana Cultural Village, or horse ride along the banks of the magnificent Sabie River, Hazyview has something for just about everyone.
Sabie
Situated in a valley on the escarpment of the Drakensberg, overlooking the Sabie River, Sabie is a quaint country town surrounded by stunning natural scenery, such as cascading waterfalls and tranquil mountain streams.
It is the centre of the local timber industry and home to the statues of the famous dog, Jock of the Bushveld.
Connecting the Lowveld and the spectacular Drakensberg, sandwiched between the Kruger National Park and the Highlands Meander, the historical Panorama Route is a scenic road in the Mpumalanga Province. The route features sensational views of breathtaking natural wonders, fascinating rock formations, impressive waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and a myriad of fauna and flora. The quaint little town of Graskop serves as the gateway to this wonderful route.
Panorama’s undoubtable highlight is the verdant splendour of Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest green canyons featuring lush subtropical vegetation.
Some other popular natural attractions along the route include the spectacular Lisbon, Berlin, and Mac Mac Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and the astonishing God’s Window. Don’t miss the world-famous Kruger National Park and the picturesque gold rush town of Pilgrim's Rest, a historic living museum.