Mpumalanga is among South Africa’s most beautiful provinces. Its name means “the place where the sun rises,” and it truly lives up to that promise.
Despite its combination of lowveld and highveld escarpments, subtropical weather, summer rains, and dramatic scenery, Mpumalanga remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets.
And maybe the locals prefer it that way.
But we’re wanderers here at Tarlen. We love sharing stories about places that move us, it feels wrong to keep them hidden.
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Here’s why Mpumalanga should be on your list
Mpumalanga is home to some of South Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. The southern half of Kruger National Park lies here, giving visitors the chance to see an incredible range of plants and animals, many of which cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.
But the province’s diversity doesn’t stop with wildlife. You see it in the land itself.
The eastern lowveld is a lush, subtropical savanna. Summers are hot and humid; winters are mild. It’s here that you’ll find the Kruger National Park and most of the region’s bushveld beauty.
Head west, and the landscape shifts completely. The highveld rises in altitude, covered in golden grasslands and cool, open plains. Winter brings crisp air and early-morning frost, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the lowveld.
You’ll feel this difference when you drive from Mbombela in the lowveld to Belfast in the highveld, just an hour apart, but worlds apart in climate.
Places to visit in Mpumalanga
1. Kruger National Park
No list of Mpumalanga’s attractions is complete without the Kruger National Park. It’s the heart of the province’s tourism industry and one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations, attracting more than two million visitors every year.
Why is Kruger so special?
Kruger is vast with nearly two million hectares of protected wilderness. To put that in perspective, it’s larger than countries like Israel, Wales, or Qatar.
That size gives animals room to roam freely, and visitors endless space to explore.
The big 5:
No safari is complete without spotting Africa’s famous “Big Five”: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo. Kruger is one of the few places on Earth where you have a real chance to see them all in their natural habitat.
Getting In and Around
There are several entry points into the park, including Phabeni, Paul Kruger, Crocodile Bridge, and Malelane.
Each offers access from different towns such as Hazyview and Nelspruit, though some gates are more convenient depending on your route.
If you’re planning more than a day drive, consider staying inside the park for a full safari experience.
Camps like Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Satara, and Crocodile Bridge are popular choices, each with its own unique character, like riverside chalets and bushveld camps under star-filled skies.
2. Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon is one of Mpumalanga’s most breathtaking natural wonders, a protected reserve carved deep into the Drakensberg escarpment. It’s the world’s third-largest canyon, and the largest green canyon on Earth.
Unlike the dry, desert-colored Grand Canyon in the U.S. or Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, Blyde is always filled with life.
Lush vegetation covers its cliffs, and the Blyde River winds below in brilliant green and blue.
Three round grass covered mountain peaks that look like traditional huts, also called the 3 sisters. Experts think they were shaped around 300 million years ago by erosion by the Blyde River and Treur River.
The peaks also hold very important cultural significance. The three Rondavels were named after the wives of a famous chief who won a historically significant war against invading armies.
What to See in Blyde River Canyon
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes: At the meeting point of the Blyde and Treur Rivers, swirling water has sculpted the rock into smooth, cylindrical shapes over thousands of years.
The result looks almost like abstract art, deep pools and circular potholes that catch sunlight in shades of gold.
- The Three Rondavels: These three rounded peaks rise from the canyon like giant huts, covered in grass and shaped by erosion nearly 300 million years ago. Locals also call them the “Three Sisters.”
According to legend, the Rondavels are named after the wives of a powerful chief who once defeated an invading army here. The peaks remain symbols of strength, endurance, and Mpumalanga’s cultural heritage.
3. Panorama Route
The Panorama Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic drives, a winding journey through mountains, cliffs, and waterfalls.
It’s the road that leads to the Blyde River Canyon and passes sights like Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and God’s Window.
You can drive the route in a single day, but if you want to experience it fully, without rushing, spend a night or two in the nearby town of Graskop.
That way, you can slow down, breathe in the views, and explore at your own pace.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
- God’s Window and Misty Forest: A short walk from the viewpoint takes you into a dense, misty forest that almost feels like you’re in a different world. On a clear day, you get an endless view of the lowveld that seems to have no end.
- Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels: Even if you’ve already seen photos, nothing prepares you for the scale of the canyon. The Three Rondavels stand guard like ancient sentinels above the valley. It’s one of those experiences you’ll never forget.
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes: Find the spot where the rivers meet and twist, carving smooth, circular patterns into the rock. The walking paths and bridges here make it easy to explore up close and take photos from above.
- Waterfalls Around Sabie: Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, and Mac Mac Falls are all within a short drive of each other, each one different from the other. They’re perfect spots to stop and cool off, picnic, or just listen to the rushing water.
4. Hazyview
Hazyview sits between the Drakensberg escarpment and Kruger National Park. It’s one of South Africa’s most charming small towns, a mix of adventure, agriculture, and culture.
This is banana and macadamia country, with farms stretching across the hills and markets full of local produce. But it’s also a hub for thrill seekers and explorers.
Things to Do in Hazyview
- Ziplining and Aerial Cable Trails: Several operators run canopy tours over the Sabie River and through dense forest. It’s the perfect way to see the Lowveld from above.
- Elephant sanctuaries: Visit one of the ethical elephant sanctuaries in the area. You’ll get close to these gentle giants and learn about their behavior, conservation, and care. (Choose facilities with strong safety and welfare standards.)
- River Rafting, Quad Biking, and Canopy Walks: If you crave adventure, Hazyview will deliver. You can raft the Sabie River, ride quad trails through the forest, or explore hidden pathways on foot.
- Cultural Experiences: At the Shangana Cultural Village, you’ll meet members of the Tsonga community and experience their music, dance, and crafts.
5. Nelspruit
Nelspruit, now officially called Mbombela, is the capital of Mpumalanga. Though often bypassed by travelers heading straight to Kruger or the Panorama Route, it’s worth a full day of exploration.
What to See in Nelspruit
- Sudwala Caves: Among the oldest caves in the world, Sudwala’s deep chambers hold fossilized remains that date back millions of years.
- Lowveld Botanical Gardens: A peaceful stop filled with palms, birds, and shaded paths. It’s an easy half-day visit and a great place to slow down before or after a long drive.
Getting around Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga’s attractions are spread across distinct regions, the warm Lowveld (Mbombela, Hazyview) and the cooler Highveld (Graskop, Sabie, Panorama). Distances are not long by South African standards, but driving is by far the best way to explore.
Travel Tips
- Rent a car: in Mbombela or Nelspruit. It’s the easiest way to access Kruger’s entrances and all the scenic spots on the Panorama Route.
- Plan your route: so you can enjoy both wildlife and landscapes.
- Start early. Many viewpoints and hikes are best visited in the morning, before the heat and crowds.
- Parking is generally easy and available at most viewpoints and waterfalls.
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