14 Best Things To Do in Mpumalanga

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.

14 Best Things to do in Mpumalanga

1. Go on a safari

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

Safari in Sabi Sands

2. See unique landmarks along the Panorama Route

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.

  • The 26-kilometre Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world (after the Grand Canyon in USA and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia).
  • Bourke’s Luck Potholes are giant cylindrical potholes formed at the meeting place of two rivers, at the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon.
  • The Pinnacle is an enormous tower-like quartzite pillar. which looks as if it’s shot right out of the forest below.
  • The Three Rondavels are natural rock formations in the shape of traditional round African homesteads. Did you know that they are named after the three troublesome wives of Chief Maripi Mashile's, namely, Magabolie, Magoladikwe and Maseroto?
  • The expansive views from the viewpoints along this route, like God’s Window, are incredible.
Tips For Planning a Road Trip in South Africa

Road trip in Mpumalanga

3. Chase waterfalls

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.

4. Encounter ghosts of the past at Pilgrims Rest

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

Alanglade House

5. Visit some of the oldest caves in the world

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.

6. Get your adrenalin rush at the Graskop Gorge

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

Graskop Gorge

7. Have pancakes at Harries Pancakes

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

Harries Pancakes

8. Go hiking

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.

9. Discover Dullstroom

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.

photos of Mpumalanga

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.

10. Shop for unique arts and crafts

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.

Mpumalanga

Arts and crafts

11. Explore the Lowveld Botanical Garden

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.

walkway in the Lowveld Botanical Garden

the Lowveld Botanical Garden

12. See wild horses in Kaapschehoop

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.

13. Go Birdwatching in Wakkerstroom

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

African Swamphen in Wakkerstroom (cc Wikimedia Commons)

14. Ride the Long Tom Toboggan

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.

Here are 21 photos of Mpumalanga that will inspire you to visit this beautiful province:

Mpumalanga is renowned for its spectacular natural features, like:

1. The Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon - photos of Mpumalanga

Blyde River Canyon

2. The Three Rondawels

Three Rondavels - photos of Mpumalanga

Three Rondawels

3. Lisbon Falls

Lisbon Falls - photos of Mpumalanga

Lisbon Falls

4. Berlin Falls

Berlin Falls - photos of Mpumalanga

Berlin Falls

5. Bourkes Luck Potholes

Bourke's Luck Potholes - photos of Mpumalanga

Bourke's Luck Potholes

6. God's Window

Mpumalanga

View from Wonder View near God's Window

7. Forests in Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga

Forests

8. Zebras in Sabi Sands

Mpumalanga

Zebras in Sabi Sands

9. Elephants in Kruger National Park

Elephants In Kruger National Park

Elephants In Kruger National Park

10. Leopard in Sabi Sands

Reverse Bucket List

Leopard in Sabi Sand

11. Golf Course at Sabi River Sun

Golf Course at Sabi River Sun - photos of Mpumalanga

Golf Course at Sabi River Sun

12. Trout Fishing at Walkersons Hotel

photos of Mpumalanga

Trout Fishing at Walkersons Hotel

13. Craft Market at Mac Mac Falls

photos of Mpumalanga

Craft Market at Mac Mac Falls

14. Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge

15. Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

Kruger Shalati - The Train on the Bridge

16. Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

Main lodge

17. Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge

Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge

Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge

18. Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Presidential Suite at Sabi Sabi's Earth Lodge - photos of Mpumalanga

Presidential Suite at Sabi Sabi's Earth Lodge

19. Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Bathroom

Bathroom at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Villa - photos of Mpumalanga

Bathroom at Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Villa

20. Sunset in the bush

Sunset in Kruger National Park

Sunset in Kruger National Park

21. Sunset in the mountains

Sunset at Crystal Springs - photos of Mpumalanga

Sunset at Crystal Springs

Where to stay in Mpumalanga

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 ?

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Best Things to do in Mpumalanga

 

22 photos of Mpumalanga

 

 

9 comments on “14 Best Things To Do in Mpumalanga”

  1. 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.

  2. A recent trip brought back chilhood memories.
    Very beautiful region of South Africa.
    Amazi g Pancakes in Grasskop

  3. 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 🙂

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