Mpumalanga Province Travel Guide
Mpumalanga Province Travel Guide
Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's most scenic and safari-rich provinces, best known as the gateway to the Greater Kruger National Park and the dramatic landscapes of the Panorama Route. From warm Lowveld bushveld and Big Five game reserves to escarpment viewpoints, waterfalls and cultural experiences, Mpumalanga is a natural starting point for many first-time safari itineraries in South Africa.
Highlights
- Home to Kruger National Park and Greater Kruger private reserves
- Spectacular escarpment scenery and waterfalls
- The famous Panorama Route
- Warm subtropical Lowveld climate
- Excellent Big Five game viewing
- Easy access from Johannesburg
- Wide range of accommodation styles
- Low malaria risk (seasonal, mainly in the far north-east)
Mpumalanga lies east of Johannesburg and stretches from the Highveld down into the warmer Lowveld, reaching the border of Mozambique. It's one of South Africa's most visited provinces because it combines two of the country's biggest travel highlights: world-class safari experiences and some of the country's most beautiful scenery.
While most of Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route fall within Mpumalanga, parts of the Greater Kruger ecosystem extend into neighbouring Limpopo Province as well.
Safari and game reserves in Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is home to South Africa's flagship safari region. The Kruger National Park is the best-known reserve, offering vast landscapes, excellent wildlife diversity and one of Africa's most accessible safari experiences.
Alongside Kruger, the adjoining private reserves, including world-famous areas such as Sabi Sands, offer a more exclusive style of safari, with off-road game drives, fewer vehicles at sightings and all-inclusive lodge stays.
For most visitors, safari is the main reason to travel to Mpumalanga.
The Panorama Route and the escarpment
Mpumalanga's escarpment region is one of South Africa's most scenic areas, known for dramatic viewpoints, lush valleys and waterfalls.
The Panorama Route is an easy and rewarding addition to a Kruger itinerary, with highlights such as Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and several beautiful falls. Even one or two nights here can add contrast and depth to a safari-focused trip.
Things to do beyond safari
Chasing waterfalls in Mpumalanga Province
Mpumalanga offers far more than game drives alone. Depending on your interests and time available, the province also includes:
- Cultural village visits and local heritage experiences
- Scenic hikes and nature walks along the escarpment
- Caves and geological attractions such as Sudwala Caves
- Adventure activities including rafting and ballooning in certain areas
Mpumalanga works especially well for travellers who want to combine wildlife with landscapes and outdoor exploration.
Best time to visit Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on your priorities.
- Dry winter months (May–September) are ideal for safari, with cooler temperatures and easier wildlife viewing.
- Summer (October–March) brings greener scenery and excellent birding, though it is warmer and wetter.
- The escarpment and Panorama Route are particularly beautiful after summer rains, when waterfalls are at their fullest.
Getting there
Mpumalanga is one of the easiest safari regions in South Africa to reach.
- By road, it's approximately a 4–6 hour drive from Johannesburg, depending on your destination.
- By air, you can fly to airports such as Hoedspruit or Skukuza for Kruger and the surrounding private reserves.
Many itineraries combine a safari in the Lowveld with a scenic stop along the Panorama Route.
Our take on Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's most rewarding regions because it combines two experiences that define a first trip here: exceptional safari wildlife in the Greater Kruger ecosystem, and the dramatic scenery of the escarpment.
For many travellers, it's the natural starting point for a South African journey, not just because Kruger is here, but because the province offers variety: game viewing, landscapes, waterfalls and a sense of place beyond the safari vehicle.
If you're planning a trip that includes Kruger or the Panorama Route, Mpumalanga is the province that ties it all together.
Mpumalanga FAQs
Yes. Mpumalanga is the province that connects Kruger with the Panorama Route and surrounding reserves.
It's an excellent way to add scenery, waterfalls and cultural experiences alongside safari.
Most travellers spend 4–8 days in the region.
A classic itinerary includes several nights on safari in Kruger or a private reserve, plus one or two days along the Panorama Route.
Yes. The main tourism areas are well-established and widely visited.
As with any destination, it's best to travel with good local advice and stick to recommended routes and accommodation.
The far north-eastern Lowveld is considered a low-risk malaria area, especially in summer.
Many travellers visit without issue, but we can advise on seasonal precautions and malaria-free alternatives if needed.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Bordering Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is South Africa's most established private safari destination, and widely regarded as the best place in the country (and arguably the world) to see leopards in the wild.
Chestnut Country Lodge
Chestnut Country Lodge is located in the beautiful farming district of Kiepersol, 10 km from Hazyview in Mpumalanga and ideally situated for exploring the magnificent Panorama Route. The lodge is set in the heart of 50 hectares of pristine indigenous bushland and offers spacious and comfortable accommodation for 26 guests.
Perry’s Bridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
Set in beautiful grounds and enjoying the shade of baobab, fig and acacia trees of the Colonial-style Perry's Bridge Trading Post Centre, Perry's Bridge Hollow is an elegant boutique hotel minutes away from the world-famous Kruger National Park and within a short drive to the Panorama Route and its many attractions in South Africa's Mpumalanga Province.
Hippo Hollow Country Estate
Hippo Hollow Country Estate is conveniently located outside the town of Hazyview and only ten minutes drive away from the world-famous Kruger National Park. Nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens, this Lowveld retreat on the banks of the Sabie River will leave you feeling totally refreshed and relaxed. Hippo Hollow offers en-suite hotel rooms as well as self-catering chalets.
Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel
Casterbridge Hollow boutique hotel is set on a former sweet mango farm and is Mpumalanga’s first “green hotel”, built from simple local materials with artwork sourced from local artists and artisans. It's superbly located - a 15-minute drive from KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) and with easy access to both Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route - and an ideal base from which to explore this picturesque region.
Kruger National Park
The Greater Kruger National Park is South Africa's flagship safari destination and one of the most important wildlife conservation areas in Africa.
Pilgrim's Rest
A national monument, the village of Pilgrim's Rest is living testament to the early gold rush days in South Africa that shaped so much of the country's identity.
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