Mpumalanga

Region ·🇿🇦 South Africa

Population 5,143,324

Area 76,641 km²

Time zone Africa/Johannesburg

Official website www.mpumalanga.gov.za

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Explore Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga's Essential Wonders

Mpumalanga is defined by the Great Escarpment and the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest green canyons. This selection features geological landmarks like Bourke's Luck Potholes, where river erosion has carved cylindrical basins into bedrock, and viewpoints like God’s Window and the Three Rondavels. The region includes the Sudwala Caves, estimated at 240 million years old, and significant waterfalls such as the 94-meter Lisbon Falls. Wildlife access is represented by Skukuza in Kruger National Park and several private reserves within the Umbabat and Timbavati areas.

23 places

Scenic Viewpoints and Falls

This collection highlights the geological landmarks of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route and the Drakensberg Escarpment. It features the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third-largest canyon, alongside dramatic waterfalls like the 94-meter Lisbon Falls and the twin drops of Mac Mac Falls. Key sites include the 1,730-meter high Wonderview and the Three Rondavels, iconic quartzite peaks shaped like traditional homesteads. These locations offer clear perspectives over the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park border.

15 places

Nature Reserves & Wildlife

This collection highlights the diverse ecosystems of Mpumalanga, from the high-altitude wetlands of Wakkerstroom and Belfast to the lowveld savannas of the Timbavati and Kruger National Park. It features private reserves like Motswari and Ingwelala, which share unfenced borders with Kruger, alongside specialized bird hides such as Ratelpan and Sweni. These sites provide strategic vantage points for observing the Big Five and rare endemic bird species within protected riverine and grassland habitats.

18 places

Water Features & Natural Wonders

Mpumalanga’s landscape is defined by its diverse water features, ranging from the 94-meter drop of Lisbon Falls to the expansive reservoirs of the Kwena and Injaka Dams. The region around Sabie is home to National Monuments like Lone Creek Falls and the delicate spray of Bridal Veil Falls. These sites serve critical roles in the province’s ecosystem, providing irrigation through gravity-arch dams and offering natural habitats within the Highveld pans and the eastern Lowveld.

11 places

Diverse Stays

This collection spans Mpumalanga’s diverse landscapes, from the savanna of Kruger National Park to the high-altitude escarpment. It features upscale lodges situated near park gates, such as the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, alongside rustic alpine huts like Mac Mac and Graskop, which serve multi-day hiking routes like the Fanie Botha Trail. Travelers can find specialized accommodation including riverfront lodges, farm cottages, and secluded safari chalets, providing access to regional landmarks like the Blyde River Canyon and the historic town of Graskop.

18 places

Adrenaline Adventures

This collection highlights the rugged terrain of Mpumalanga, centered on the world-class climbing crags of Waterval Boven and technical 4x4 circuits near Middelburg. The climbing sectors, including the iconic Superbowl and Tranquilitas Crag, are famous for high-quality quartzite sport routes. These are paired with dedicated off-road tracks featuring one-way dirt circuits designed to test vehicle handling across varied elevations and natural obstacles.

17 places

Map of Mpumalanga

Practical information

Currency: South African Rand ZAR R · Card payments · Widely accepted
Electricity: Type C / Type D / Type M / Type N
230 V · 50 Hz

Languages: Afrikaans, English, South Ndebele, Swati, Southern Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Tap water: Safe to drink
Driving side: Left
Calling code: +27