There are so many unique things to do in Mpumalanga that make it a must-visit province in South Africa. See my recommendations below.
Mpumalanga is one of my favourite provinces in South Africa. Meaning "the place where the sun rises", it is blessed with breath-taking natural beauty and abundant wildlife - which attracts tourists from around the world. Personally, I become more enamored of this province every time I go there. I am also surprised by how many South Africans have not been there yet. There are so many amazing things to do in Mpumalanga that every South African should visit at least once. If you are visiting South Africa, then you should definitely add it to your itinerary.
The world-famous Kruger National Park is one of the oldest and largest wildlife reserves in the world. The size of a small country, the park is home to over 140 animal and 150 bird species, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard). The Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, South Africa’s most prestigious private game reserve, lies next to Kruger National Park, and shares unfenced borders with it along with other private reserves.
Between them, the area boasts some of the top luxury safari lodges in South Africa. The game viewing experience is unparalleled and it is not uncommon to see the Big Five and many more, in one game drive. You can also go on night safaris, photographic safaris and bush walks with armed guides.
Safari in Sabi Sands
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is one of the most spectacular routes on the African continent. Following the Blyde River, it is home to several unique natural geographic formations like the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, The Pinnacle and The Three Rondawels.
Road trip in Mpumalanga
Chasing waterfalls is one of the best things to do in Mpumalanga as it has more waterfalls than anywhere else in southern Africa. Some are on the Panorama Route. They are all beautiful and unique in their own special way. The most popular ones are Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, Mac Mac Falls and Lone Creek Falls. The Lisbon Falls are the highest waterfalls in the area.
Pilgrims Rest was once the centre of the 1870 gold rush. The whole town is now a national monument. Here, you will see many of the original buildings as they used to be. Although it is a bit run down now, you can still walk around the old town and try your hand at gold panning. You will probably not find enough gold to make any jewellery but you can experience what it was like to be a prospector in the 18th century.
A lesser known but fascinating attraction here is the Alanglade House, once the residence of the town's prominent mining manager. The house is said to be haunted and there are ghost tours at night.
Alanglade House
More than 240 million years old, the Sudwala Caves are some of the oldest caves in the world. The caves consist of a fascinating labyrinth through the earth. You can go on an hour-long guided tour on foot and marvel at the amazing rock formations. If you want to be more adventurous, you can go on the five-hour Crystal Tour, where you occasionally have to get on your hands and knees to crawl through small tunnels. The Sudwala rainforest can be found at the base of a huge cliff close to the caves.
The Sudwala Dinosaur Park next to the caves is both an entertaining and educational experience. Life-sized models of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures can be seen there.
The Graskop Gorge is home to one of Mpumalanga’s latest attractions, the Graskp Gorge lift. Opened in December 2017, it is Africa’s first viewing lift . You can ride the glass elevator down the face of the gorge into the forest below, where an extensive network of elevated walkways, suspension bridges and interactive exhibits will lead you along the forest trails and across streams. You can also experience the world’s highest cable gorge swing and free fall for 68 metres or fly across the gorge on the High Wire slide, 130 metres above the ground.
Graskop Gorge
Harries Pancakes are well-known for serving the best pancakes in South Africa. They are not your average pancakes. Think light, fluffy pancakes stuffed with fig preserve, or apple pie, or chocolate mousse. Although branches can now be found in other parts of South Africa, the original restaurant was opened in Graskop in 1986. This is a traditional stop for most visitors to the Panorama Route.
Harries Pancakes
With its vast mountain ranges and lush scenery, Mpumalanga is a hiker’s paradise. There are hiking trails everywhere, suiting different levels of experience. Some of the most popular ones are the Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail which starts at God's Window and ends at Bourke's Luck, the 75km Fanie Botha hiking trail and the Escarpment Trail.
Trout-fishing in Dullstroom - The picturesque town of Dullstroom is a fly fishermen’s paradise. It has many dams and lakes, stocked mainly with rainbow trout or brown trout. They cater for a range of fishermen; from amateurs to experienced professionals. Some dams are catch-and-release only, while at others, you get to keep your fish.
Trout Fishing at Walkersons Hotel
Horse-riding - One of the best ways to explore the rolling hills and beautiful countryside around Dullstroom is on horseback. Guided horse-riding tours are available which cater for different levels of experience.
Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Centre - Originally founded as an educational centre to educate the public about birds of prey, the centre has expanded to include other forms of wildlife. One can listen to educational presentations, watch raptor flight demonstrations and learn about the conservation efforts.
There are many stores and stalls selling arts and crafts in Mpumalanga. You will see them in the towns, at the waterfalls and along the Panorama Route. However, one that really stood out for me was the Delagoa Arts and Crafts shop, next to Harries Pancakes in Graskop. They've got a wide range of unique, witty and creative, South African products. Think Koo Baked Beans and Bovril stools, Lion matches trays, Marmite trays, Chappies T-shirts etc etc. There are also many products imprinted with African proverbs and sayings.
Arts and crafts
The Lowveld Botanical Garden is an oasis covering 159 hectares in Nelspruit (Mbombela). Showcasing over 2000 plants, it is green throughout the year because of the amount of rainfall it receives. Elevated walkways and viewpoints provide aerial views of the gardens. The Cascades and Nels River Falls are two stunning waterfalls in the gardens. They are formed by the Crocodile and Nels Rivers which converge in the garden. One of the largest collections of cycads in the world can also be seen here. These pre-historic plants are often referred to as "living fossils" as they have thrived for over 280 million years.
the Lowveld Botanical Garden
Kaapschehoop is famous for its wild horses that have been roaming freely through the village and surrounding areas for over 100 years. There are currently around 200 horses. Their origin is uncertain but there are rumours that they are descendants of horses left behind by British troops during the South African War.
Another interesting site here is Adam’s Calendar - a set of ancient stone structures estimated to be over 75,000 years old. Sometimes referred to as "Africa's Stonehenge," it is believed to have been used as a calendar or astronomical observatory.
Wakkerstroom is a quaint village in the grasslands of Mpumalanga and one of South Africa's most renowned birdwatching destinations. Over 350 bird species have been spotted in the extensive wetlands and high-altitude grasslands in and around Wakkerstroom, including forest birds and water birds – which are best seen after the rains. Many rare and endemic species can be seen in the area such as Rudd’s Lark, the Yellow-breasted Pipit, and the Southern Bald Ibis. The professional bird guides who will increase your chances of seeing the rare birds in the area and educate you about the local avian life.
African Swamphen in Wakkerstroom (cc Wikimedia Commons)
The Long Tom Toboggan at Misty Mountain is Africa's longest toboggan run, offering a thrilling ride down the scenic Drakensberg mountains. It is modelled on the European Alpine Coaster. Spanning 1.7 kilometers, this gravity-propelled adventure provides breathtaking views and exhilarating twists and turns. It's named after the famous Long Tom Pass, a historic route in the region.
Mpumalanga is renowned for its spectacular natural features, like:
Blyde River Canyon
Three Rondawels
Lisbon Falls
Berlin Falls
Bourke's Luck Potholes
View from Wonder View near God's Window
Forests
Zebras in Sabi Sands
Elephants In Kruger National Park
Leopard in Sabi Sand
Golf Course at Sabi River Sun
Trout Fishing at Walkersons Hotel
Craft Market at Mac Mac Falls
Jock Safari Lodge
Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge
Main lodge
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge
Presidential Suite at Sabi Sabi's Earth Lodge
Bathroom at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Villa
Sunset in Kruger National Park
Sunset at Crystal Springs
Jock Safari Lodge - Kruger National Park
Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge - Kruger National Park
Walkersons Hotel and Spa – Dullstroom
Kruger Park Lodge - Hazyview
Sabi River Sun - Hazyview
Crystal Springs – Near Pilgrims Rest
Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge – Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
See more accommodation in Mpumalanga.
Want to see more photos? Here are 30 photos of South Africa that will fuel your wanderlust .
Have you been there? What are your favourite things to do in Mpumalanga ?
Like my photos? Follow me on Instagram.
Pin these images.
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
This IS a beautiful region! I'm so glad I got to see a little bit of it on my trip to SA. I'd love to explore more though - I didn't see any of the waterfalls and those look amazing!!
Need to visit soon..
You won't regret it!
There's so much to see there. You won't regret it.
Very well-written. The Crystal Tour of the Sudvala caves must be so interesting.
Keep on writing, great job!|
It is the first time that I am seeing and reading about
Mpumalanga, It seems that it is an amazing tourist attractions.
The snapshots reveal the beauty of the places.
A recent trip brought back chilhood memories.
Very beautiful region of South Africa.
Amazi g Pancakes in Grasskop
Mpumalanga is a province one can visit repeatedly and not get tired of. The pancakes are the best!
This post and the pictures brought back so many amazing memories. This was the first region we visited in South Africa and fell in love with it immediately.
I still even remember those pancakes at Harries 🙂
Some great new information here as I'm not familiar with Mpumalanga. Thank you!
I haven't heard about Mpumalanga before..but it looks absolutely incredible. Thanks for sharing the post. Those pics are so stunning
nice places wud like to c more