The place where the sun rises, a direct translation of the Zulu word that is the name to a magnificent South African province filled with nature far beyond what the eye can see, people from all walks of life with stories to tell and wild animals that are the epicenter of the African continent-Mpumalanga.
Mpumalanga is a province located east of South Africa bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. Playing a huge part in the South Africa of today this beautiful area is one that requires exploring and has no shortage of amazing places to visit. These places not only tell the story of the province but tell the story of South Africa.
Like all great trips, they must start somewhere. A must-see place when it comes to Mpumalanga, especially for those seeking culture and authenticity, is the Shangana Cultural Village. The Shangana culture is part of the 11 official cultures that exist in South Africa.
At these destinations one will be transported to the daily lives of the people of the village from the Chief’s Kraal, festivals, houses, food and so much more, where they will get to experience and learn the culture of the people.
Kruger National Park Safari
Moving on, for those seeking wildlife and all things Kruger National Park Safari is another must go see place when at Mpumalanga. As Mpumalanga embraces the southern half of Kruger National Park the big 5 is not a bad way for one to enjoy some wildlife.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Continuing the trend of all thing’s wildlife, for those who enjoy a little bit more privacy when enjoying their wildlife or safari adventures Mpumalanga also offers the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where luxury definitely meets safari.
Sudwala Caves
For those in love with things that are old Mpumalanga offers one a trip to the Sudwala Caves. These caves are thought to have been formed almost 240 million years ago.
These caves also offer their importance in that they were a battleground during the fight for the Swazi throne, a definite place to stand for good history.
With so many caves and so little time, the Echo Caves in Mpumalanga are a must-see. These caves like the Sudwala Caves are old. The echo Caves were declared a heritage monument.
Panorama Route Tour
Panorama Route Tour is one of those stops in your worldly travels that just blows you away and that route can only be found in Mpumalanga. This route is home to the Blyde River Canyon which is the world’s third-largest canyon known also as Motlatse, where this beautiful landscape is nothing short of magnitude.
Running 2.5 km of red sandstone this strip not only holds beauty but many stops that are a must-see such as God’s Window where one can take in the natural wonder of the area from different angles and Bourke’s Luck Potholes with amazing centuries-old formed rock pools are amazing geographical wonders. Speaking of beautiful wonders of the Panorama Route beautiful waterfalls are in abundance.
Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls -one
From your Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls -one truly worth a special mention is the Mac Mac Falls. Also, a national monument, the Mac Mac Falls offers you twin falls that were not always like that but rather are due to the gold miners who blasted the single-stream many years ago in order to reach gold.
With pool and picnic areas this fall is a must-see when in Mpumalanga. Continuing the trend of magnificent waterfalls, the Horseshoe Falls along the Sabie River in Mpumalanga are next on one’s trip. Named after the fact that this waterfall is shaped like a horseshoe one should go tale a look.
The Town of Dullstroom
Mpumalanga is also host to the town of Dullstroom the coldest town in South Africa. With many activities at this town, one can choose to either go horseback riding, hiking or even bird watching not of course forgetting that this town is best known for fly-fishing.
Pilgrims Rest in The Beaty of Mpumalanga Province
Imagine a whole town a heritage site, that is what Pilgrims Rest in Mpumalanga is. Brought to its heritage status by the fact that it was a gold mining camp in the 1870s. The Three Rondavels are another earthly wonder to behold when it comes to Mpumalanga.
Three Rondavels Mountains
So, what are these Three Rondavels you may be asking mountains? Three mountains shaped in the shape of Africa houses or rondavels if you may. These flat mountain tops offer the most amazing views money can buy.
Lowveld National Botanical Garden
For those in love with the simpler beauties of nature such your flowers, the Lowveld National Botanical Garden is just for you. Shaped by two rivers the Crocodile and Nels River which also give the garden its amazing waterfalls.
This botanical garden before one mentions its amazing plant life is one that is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of rare and endangered species of plants and animals alike. With the largest collection of fig-trees, this Botanical garden is nothing short of spectacular.
With various plants that have been introduced to the ecosystem and those already found in the area, this garden is home to pretty impressive plant life.
Besides these amazing places to visit Mpumalanga still hosts amazing destinations and fun activities to visit.
These include
- the white river History and Motor museum for those in love with automobiles,
- the Dimitrov Art Gallery for those art lovers,
- varies hiking trails such as the Hippo Trail for those who love to walk or hike,
- helicopter or hot air balloon rides over the Panorama Route
- the Thulamela Ruins for those in love with beautiful destruction,
- amazing Mpumalanga cuisine from various restaurants,
- the Alpha and Omega Cave for those who want to get in touch with their spirituality and so much more.
Mpumalanga is definitely not a one-trick pony but rather a multi-faceted province with not only culture and heritage but for the depth and an all-around compelling package of destinations. This place is for those who want to see the whole anew again.
