 Mpumalanga , meaning "Place of the Rising Sun", is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. Its seven regions are Cosmos Country, Grass and Wetlands, Cultural Heartlands, Wild Frontier, Highlands Meander, Lowveld Legogote and The Panorama. While the first four of these regions have some attractions, it is in the latter three regions where the main tourist attractions are situated. Although not an official region, Kruger Park has been included because of its importance as a tourist destination.
Highlands Meander
Travelling from Johannesburg or Pretoria, one passes through the Highlands Meander en-route to The Panorama and Lowveld Legogote regions which border the Kruger Park. The scenic Highlands Meander is best known for its fly fishing and Boer War history. In the south, the area near Machadodorp has good fly fishing and is rich in South African history. Also in the south, just north of Machadodorp is Dullstroom, South Africa’s premier fly fishing destination.
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Lowveld Legogote
Significant towns in this subtropical region include White River and the provincial capital Nelspruit with the new Mpumalanga International Airport, serving both domestic and international airlines. This region borders the Kruger National Park and several other game reserves in the area.
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The Panorama
This region, adjacent to the Highlands Meander and Kruger Park, is known for the breathtaking views along the Drakensberg’s Eastern Escarpment and its natural wonders, which abound. Towns in the region include Hazyview, Sabie, Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest from where there is easy access to the Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon (the world’s third largest canyon) and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. For the more adventurous there is white water rafting, bungy jumping and 4x4 trails. If interested in the history of the gold rush, the town of Pilgrim’s Rest, a national monument, is a must.
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Kruger Park
The Kruger National Park is world famous for its variety of animal and bird species and is a must for all wildlife enthusiasts.
The Kruger covers over 2 million hectares, stretches some 350km from north to south, is 150km wide from west to east and spans both the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces. In Mpumalanga it is easily accessible from the Lowveld and Panorama regions. There is a distinct difference between the northern and southern sections of the Kruger. The north is hotter, drier and wilder than the south and is not as easily accessed.
In the South the private game reserves Sabi Sand Wildtuin, Timbivati & Manyeleti share borders with the Kruger National Park and as the fences have been dropped the animals have unrestricted movement between these reserves and the Kruger. Within the Sabi Sand Wildtuin are 14 private game reserves including Mala Mala, Sabi Sabi and Londolozi.
While visiting the Kruger it is worthwhile taking time out from game viewing and drive ‘The Panorama Route’ with its magnificent Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, waterfalls and exciting activities.
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The 9 South African provinces are KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Northern Cape, North West and Orange Free State. |
