Mpumalanga, “the place where the sun rises”, also formally known as the Eastern Transvaal is situated along the borders of Swaziland and Mozambique. This South African Province is considered to be one of the most geographically diverse and remarkably stunning locations. If you are looking for a reason why Mpumalanga should be your next vacation destination or if you are simply interested in hearing about all the activities you should try during your stay at one of our resorts in this region, then you have selected the right blog!
1. Go Waterfall Hopping
Mpumalanga has some of the most beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout this resplendent region. Most of these sites are perfect for an entire day of family fun in the great outdoors, with picnic spots, hiking opportunities, braai facilities, swimming holes and even fishing. So pack that picnic basket, lace up those hiking shoes, remember to pack some sunblock and make your way to one of these stunning Falls. Or, if you prefer, spend the entire day hopping from one waterfall to the next. Please keep in mind that some of the Falls require a nominal entrance fee to preserve and keep them clean, so do keep the required cash handy.
Here is a list of all the waterfalls you should visit during your Mpumalanga vacation:
- Lone Creek Falls
- Lisbon Falls
- Berlin Falls
- Mac Mac Falls and Pools
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Sabie Waterfalls
- Montrose Falls
- Mary Shire Falls
- Elands River Falls
- Horseshoe Falls
- Cascades Waterfall
- Battery Creek Falls
- Forest Falls
- Panorama Falls
- Farm Falls
2. Get Up Close And Personal With Nature
Mpumalanga has become renowned as the most popular wildlife safari destination in South Africa. Besides the obvious, Kruger National Park, there are many other reserves in the area, that each has its unique appeal and offer a one-of-a-kind take on game viewing experiences. As an LVC member, you are fortunate enough to have access to many lovely holiday Resorts near these nature reserves. Resorts such as Crystal Springs Nature Reserve, Ngwenya Lodge and Sudwala Lodge are a mere stone’s throw away from many.
Here is a list of a few of the reserves in the area:
- Barberton Makhonjwa Mountain Land
- Blyde River Nature Reserve
- Dullstroom Nature Reserve
- Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve
- Kruger National Park
- Ligwalagwala Conservancy
- Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
- Mariepskop Nature Reserve
- Mjejane Game Reserve
- Mkhombo Nature Reserve
- Mount Sheba Nature Reserve
- Mointainlands Nature Reserve
- Ohrugstad Dam Nature Reserve
- Rocky Drift Nature Reserve
- Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- Songimvelo Game Reserve
- Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve
- Sterkspruit Nature Reserve
- Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve
3. Get Lost In The Views
You will not struggle to find incredible scenic spots during your stay in Mpumalanga. This province is full of views that would make your inner photographer break out in dance. Take the time to explore the highlands or the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. Here, the jagged mountains come to an abrupt stop and fall steeply into the Lowveld. Travel the winding road of the R532 and stop at numerous waterfalls, God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondawels. Travel on the R36 towards Matibidi, stopover at the Lydenburg Falls, Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve and the Echo Caves. Travel the R533 between Pilgrim’s Rest and Graskop and enjoy the sights and facilities they have to offer. Or, travel the R37, or Long Tom Pass, which is considered the most beautiful pass in the province. There is so much to see while in Mpumalanga!
- Graskop Gorge Lift Co.
- Pinnacle Rock
- Three Rondavels View Point
- Wonder View
- Blyde River Canyon
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes
- God’s Window
4. Discover The Culture And History
From a quaint little town lost in the 1800s to a Motor Museum and Traditional Villages, Mpumalanga is a province steeped in rich cultural history. Take a step back in time and discover this rich history during your next visit to Mpumalanga. Try your hand at Gold Panning in Pilgrims Rest or explore Traditional Villages such as the Swazi Village of Matsamo or the Ndebele Village, Botshabelo Mission Station.
- Shangana Cultural Village
- Botshabelo Mission Station
- Matsamo Cultural Village
- Kruger Cultural Village
- Pilgrims Rest
- Barberton
- Dullstroom
- Makonjwa Mountains
- White River History and Motor Museum
- Le Goya Village
- Sheba Mine
- Jocks Memorial
- Eureka City
- Chrissiesmeer and the Tlou-tle
- Barberton Museum
- Alanglade House Museum
- Stone Circle Museum
- Adam’s Calendar
- The Berg-en-Dal Monument
5. Visit Places Of Interest
Besides all of the spectacular places and must-see-sightings mentioned above, Mpumalanga has many lesser-known wonders. While driving through one of the smaller towns, you are sure to stumble upon a sparkling hidden gem. These gems can be anything from a small and intimate, family-style restaurant to something that will have your heart pounding and adrenaline racing.
Take a look at some of our favourites below:
- Harry’s Pancakes (Graskop)
- Mrs Simpson’s Restaurant (Dullstroom)
- The Sudwala Caves (Nelspruit)
- The Sudwala Dinosaur Park (Nelspruit)
- Chimpanzee Eden
- Big Swing
- Nomoya Masilela Museum
- Greylingstad
- Standerton’s Grootdraai Dam
- Goliath’s Footprint
- Jericho Dam
- Kaapsehoop Ghosts and Historical Tour
- Sabie Valley Coffee
- Lowveld National Botanical Garden
- Africa Silks Farm
- Grootdraai Dam
- Lake Umuzi Waterfront
- Makhonjwa Mountains
- Barberton Steam Locomotive
- St Peters Church
- Mapusha Weavers
- Thulamela Ruins
- The Natural Bridge
- Bergen Cheese Farm
- Wild About Whiskey
- Mrs Mac’s
- McCloud’s Wool Products
We Would Love To Hear From You!
How many of the above attractions have you visited? Are there any that you have enjoyed which aren’t on our list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
Click here to read about the History of the Panorama Route
Here are a few other points of interest:
Ngwenya Lodge | Crystal Springs | Sudwala Lodge
Don’t forget to contact LVC on 0124921230 OR reservations@vrs.co.za
to reserve your next Mpumalanga stay.
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