Mpumalanga – meaning Place of the Rising Sun – is considered to be one of South Africa’s most biodiverse regions and is home to many popular tourist destinations for this exact reason. The province spans over parts of the Drakensberg Mountains, the Highveld, the Lowveld and the Lebombo Mountains.
Home to several popular hiking trails, cliffs, waterfalls and springs, Mpumalanga has the best of everything. It’s almost always warm in this province and luckily, there are several waterfalls and rock pools to swim in.
Pictures don’t do them justice, so you’ll have to go see for yourself. Below is a list of waterfalls in Mpumalanga.
READ MORE: Mpumalanga’s 10 unique wildlife areas
Waterfalls in Mpumalanga
1. Mac Mac Falls
Credit: Martie Swart/Flickr Commons
Mac Mac Falls is situated on the Sabie Waterfalls Route, offering panoramic views of cliffs and luscious green scenery. It has twin falls that has a steep drop of around 70m into a gorge. The waterfall has several rock pools, perfect for a dip to cool off. There are also braai and picnic facilities.
The Elements Guesthouse is less than 10km away from Mac Mac Falls and offers an equipped kitchen, a lounge, private parking, a garden and WiFi. A continental breakfast is included.
Cost: R316,66 pp, sleeps three.
Where: 5 Kerk Street, Graskop
Contact details: for more information, call 072 305 1823.
2. Lone Creek Falls
Credit: Bernard DUPONT/Wikimedia Commons
Lone Creek Falls, a declared National Monument for its spectacular beauty, has a slightly smaller drop than Mac Mac Falls – 68m.
This waterfall is surrounded by indigenous forest on all sides but is very easy to access, only a 200m walk away from the parking area, and a very short walk into the forest. There are picnic facilities nearby.
Two Falls View is a self catering guesthouse perfectly suited for couples. It comes with a small kitchen, a dining area, a patio, a bathroom and twin beds.
Cost: R325 pp, sleeps two.
Where: 38 Virgilia Street, Sabie.
Contact details: for more information, call 072 128 1098.
3. Bridal Veil Falls
Credit: Tom Hall/Flickr Commons
Bridal Veil Falls is on par with Mac Mac Falls with a 70m drop. The walk is short, and surrounded by spectacular scenery.
The area still and tranquil but make no mistake, there’s plenty of adventure right around the corner. This includes white-water rafting, rock climbing, fly fishing and mountain biking.
Merry Pebbles Holiday Resort and Caravan Park is situated near Sabie River and is less than seven kilometres away from Bridal Veil Falls. All accommodation – lodges, cottages, bungalows, chalets – are self catering, however there is a B&B option as well. If you’re looking to rough it out, there are caravan and camping sites too.
Cost: from R190 pp, sleeps four.
Where: Ou Lydenburg Road, Sabie
Contact details: for more information, call 013 764 2266.
4. Berlin Falls
Credit: Bernard DUPONT/Flickr Commons
Berlin Falls cascade down the red cliffs before dropping into a round jade coloured basin. The red cliffs tints the water green and has made the waterfall a popular photography attraction.
The waterfall has a drop of 80m and is in close proximity of popular attractions such as Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon. The waterfall was named by miners who ventured into South Africa during the gold rush, and who named many of the waterfalls in the area after their European home cities.
Zur Alten Mine Guest Farm B&B is only 10km away from the waterfalls, boasting spacious self-catering accommodation surrounded by nature on all sides.
Cost: from R300 pp for low budget cabin.
Where: click here for directions
Contact details: for more information, call 073 236 9289.
5. Lisbon Falls
Credit: H&T PhotoWalks/Flickr Commons
Lisbon Falls is the highest waterfall on this list and one of the highest in the province, at an impressive 94m.
It is in close proximity with popular attractions such as the Three Rondawels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.
Mackers Riverbend Cottages is a 20km drive away from the falls but well-worth the travel time. It has various cottages and glamping sites available. Cottages do not come with a TV, air conditioning or a swimming pool, designed for the ultimate unplugging experience.
Cost: R300 pp, sleeps four.
Where: click here for directions
Contact details: for more information, call 081 039 3817.
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