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The name Mpumalanga means “the place where the sun rises” and this
province is undoubtedly one of South Africa’s tourism hotspots. This
province is home to the Kruger National Park, exquisite panoramic views,
mountains, rivers, trout fishing and birding opportunities, ecotourism,
adventure holidays and the rich offerings of the local Ndebele and Swazi
cultures.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park has more than 140 species of mammals and over
500 species of birds, not to mention a wide variety of amphibians,
reptiles, flora and fauna on offer. The park is well equipped for ‘Big
Five’ safaris and boasts a wide range of accommodation from affordable
rest camps to luxurious 5* lodges.
Pilgrim’s Rest
Carl Mauch once stood on the mountain now named after him and looking
over the magnificent scenery said: “There is gold here”. Pilgrim’s Rest
is now a living museum dedicated to the frenzy of the goldrush days,
testifying to the truth of his words. The wooden miner’s cottages with
their corrugated roofs are scattered all over the town, and you’ll hear
some very tall tales about the good old days at the charming Royal Hotel
pub. You can even try panning for your own piece of gold.
The Panorama Route
Another major draw to the province is the exquisite scenery found along
the Panorama Route.
One of the most scenic views in Southern Africa is undoubtedly found at
the famous Blyde River Canyon – this colossal canyon is famous for its
dramatic window on the world.
Along the Panorama Route, camera-touting visitors love to visit God’s
Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels – all of which
offer breathtaking panoramas.
Sudwala Caves
The oldest dolomite caves on the globe are the Sudwala caves and lie in
the Drakensburg escarpment that separates the Highveld from the lowlands
of Mpumalanga. Formed over a period of some 3,000 million years, these
are amongst the second oldest sedimentary rocks on the earth represented
in the caves are fossils of the first oxygen producing plants on earth.
Dullstroom
The town of Dullstroom lies along the Highlands Meander.
This town is a fly-fishing mecca with its numerous lakes and dams.
Even if you’re not into fly-fishing, Dullstroom offers up the perfect
weekend getaway.
Its fabulous Bed and Breakfasts and have fun restaurants and pubs.
Sabi Sand Reserve
Adjoining Kruger National Park on it’s south western border, the Sabi
Sand Game Reserve covers an area of 153,000 acres (56,000 hectares). It
is an association of freehold landowners, many of whom manage
commercially active photographic safari operations. Many of these
private game reserves offer their guests outstanding levels of comfort
and services as well as excellent game drives.
Shangana Cultural Village
Explore local culture at the famous Shangana Cultural Village.
It's a short hop away from the town of Hazyview.
This user-friendly cultural village offers visitors the opportunity to
interact with the local Shangaan people and to enjoy a taste of
traditional cuisine.
God’s Window
Of the many viewpoints, God’s Window, 1,829m above sea level, must
surely be the most exceptional with stunning views across the Lowveld to
Mozambique. Paths lead among flowering plants and trees in the Lowveld
Panorama and Nature Reserve.
Blyde River Canyon
Graskop is known for its natural beauty and the Blyde River Canyon
counts amongst the most magnificent. It is the third largest canyon
system in the world and is the largest green canyon in the world. The
Blyderiver Canyon nature Reserve covers an area of 22,664 hectares
extending from the Pinnacle and Gods Window in the south to beyond
Marieps Kop in the north, where the Blyde River Canyon ends at Swadini.
The park is well known for its numerous endemic and endangered fauna
including the rare Oribi. Five of the 71 different veld types of South
Africa occur on the reserve. This attraction stretches from Graskop to
just south of Hoedspruit – a distance of more than 50 miles.
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