Mpumalanga Province Travel Guide
Mpumalanga Province Travel Guide
Mpumalanga Province lies to the east of Johannesburg and includes the eastern part of the Highveld, the scenic escarpment and Drakensberg mountains, and the warmer Lowveld region to the east, stretching to the border of Mozambique. Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's most beautiful and most visited provinces. It is home to the Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, as well as the scenic Panorama Route with its spectacular views and waterfalls.
Highlights
- Great game viewing
- Warm subtropical climate
- Beautiful scenery, views and waterfalls
- Panorama Route
- Kruger National Park
- Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Easy to get to from Johannesburg
- Low risk area for malaria
- Huge variety of activities and attractions
Mpumalanga Province includes South Africa's top game reserves, the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand. Most people's main reason for visiting Mpumalanga is for game viewing and the safari experience. However, the region has so much more to offer. If time allows, we recommend a visit to the scenic Panorama Route along the escarpment, with its dramatic scenery and beautiful waterfalls.
Chasing waterfalls in Mpumalanga Province
You can also visit an African tribal village, where you can experience the music, dance and culture of the African people. Numerous adventure activities are on offer in Mpumalanga, as well as elephant-back safaris, hot air balloon flights, hiking trails and short nature walks, the Sudwala caves, reptile parks, a dinosaur theme park, casinos, shopping and fine dining.
Mpumalanga is a great overall holiday destination with lots of excellent accommodation options to suit various budgets.
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Bordering Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Game Reserve is a collection of privately-owned game reserves which have dropped their fences by mutual agreement. There is also no fence between the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger, allowing the free movement of animals through the reserve. Sabi Sand is without a doubt South Africa's top luxury safari destination and the best place in 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 premier safari destination: it's the largest wildlife conservancy in Africa, set in one of the most accessible yet unspoilt wilderness areas in South Africa. It encompasses the Kruger National Park and a number of adjoining private reserves which share unfenced boundaries with the park; including Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie and Balule Game Reserves, which are home to a wide variety of private game lodges, each with its own brand of style and luxury.
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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4 Day Kruger Park and Panorama Route Safari
Combine world-class wildlife viewing and some of South Africa's most spectacular scenery on this popular 4-day guided safari. This small-group tour includes three nights inside Kruger National Park with guided open-vehicle game drives, and a full-day tour of the iconic Panorama Route. You'll overnight in comfortable en-suite bungalows (not tents) and enjoy expert-led safaris with a maximum of nine guests per vehicle.
5 Day Best of Kruger Safari | Classic Big Five Adventure
Discover the ultimate Kruger National Park safari on this 5-day African safari, featuring open vehicle game drives, a guided bush walk, and an exciting night safari. Stay at two different camps in Southern Kruger Park, maximising your chances of spotting the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—as well as cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and abundant birdlife. Whether you're looking for an affordable Kruger Park safari or a well-rounded Kruger Park tour, this is one of the best Kruger safari options available.
