Mpumalanga has reserves aplenty, cascading waterfalls and some of the most charming dorps the country has to offer, so here’s a list of places to visit in Mpumalanga.
1. Blyde River Canyon
It would be amiss to go to Mpumalanga and take in the panoramic views of the Blyde Riber Canyon and peer through God’s Window.
Read: Get your head in the clouds on this Mpumalanga road trip
2. Kruger National Park
Pafuri Walking Trails Camp. Picture: Getaway Gallery
South Africa’s flagship and most popular national park is a destination in itself. If you’ve never been to Kruger before, don’t fret – we’ve got you covered. Be sure to read our first-time visitors’ guide to Kruger, our 7 tips for self-driving the Kruger and how to see the best of Kruger National Park in a 7-day road trip.
Read: Getaway’s top-voted spots to stay in Kruger and beyond
3. Visit some Bushpubs
The kind of places where people in khaki come to unwind – welcome to the real watering holes of the Lowveld. From The Bush Pub in Hoedspruit to Tanks Bush Pub in Hazyview, be sure to check out our list of the best bush pubs up north.
4. Pilgrims Rest
A waiter poses at the Vine Restaurant in Pilgrim’s Rest. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
Pilgrim’s Rest was declared a gold field in 1873. Today it’s a quaint village frozen in time, saturated with nostalgia. You can even try your hand at panning for gold.
Read: Head in the Clouds: Road tripping the Panorama Route
5. Wakkerstroom
Famed for birding, Wakkerstroom claims rights to 370 different avian species in the area. But there’s more to the town than beautiful hides, guinea fowl roaming the streets and cranes feeding in the vlei with the church steeple poking the sky in the background. Be sure to check out our list of things to do in Wakkerstroom.
6. Dullstroom
Picture: Craig Smith/ Getaway Gallery
With clear air, cool climate and sparkling waters with trout and more than 7 000 clocks, Dullstroom may be small but there are plenty of things to do in Dullstroom to keep you occupied. It is affectionately known as the country’s trout mecca by fly-fishers.
7. Sabie waterfall route
Lisbon Falls. Picture: Getaway Gallery
A well-kept secret, likely because it is overshadowed by the nearby attractions of Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, the Sabie Waterfall Route encompasses eight of the province’s waterfalls along a 50km route along the R532.
Read: 5 waterfalls to visit in Mpumalanga
From Mac Mac Falls, with a steep drop of 70m to Lisbon Falls, which falls from an impressive height of 94m.
8. Kaapsehoop
Horseriding is a popular pastime in Kaapsehoop
Perched on a plateau high above the Lowveld, Kaapsehoop boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. This Mpumalanga village is known for its wild horses, which can often be seen grazing on the village outskirts. The surrounding Kaapsehoop Escarpment offers scenic hiking trails and stunning waterfalls.
9. Panorama route
It’s the gateway to the Kruger and in the Lowveld, winding roads take you through plantations, waterfalls, and thick forests. Taking you through Hazyview, Graskop and Pilgrims Rest among others, you can easily tick off many of the places to visit in Mpumalanga by following this winding road.
Read: Head in the Clouds: road tripping the Panorama Route
10. Hoedspruit
A pride of lions visit a Hoedspruit home
Conveniently situated between Kruger National Park and its surrounding lodges and the Blyde River Canyon, it’s the perfect place to base yourself if you want a diversity of safari options. Home to unique accommodation offerings, such as the Hoedspruit Aerotel, where you can stay in a repurposed Boeing.
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Pictures: Getaway Gallery
