Interesting Mpumalanga Facts
Mpumalanga, ‘the land where the sun rises’, is in the east of South Africa, north of KwaZulu-Natal, and borders Swaziland and Mozambique.
Mpumalanga is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the oldest and largest wildlife reserves in the world.
Mpumalanga is a top tourist destination because of its spectacular scenery and lots of adventure activities.
Mpumalanga is home to colourful cultures and visitor-friendly cultural villages.
Mpumalanga is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the oldest, largest and most famous game reserves in the world. It is also home to the Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa’s most prestigious private game reserve, and where you’ll find some of South Africa’s most dramatic scenery; more waterfalls than anywhere else in the country; mountains that cocoon Earth’s oldest life forms; the oldest dolomite caves in the world; colourful cultures; an exciting gold-rush past; friendly little towns; and adventure activities for the most adrenalin-hooked action junkie.
Where to go in Mpumalanga
Kruger National Park
Kruger Park is South Africa's most exciting African safari destination. Steeped in legend and history, the iconic Kruger National Park in South Africa is waiting for you to explore its vast landscapes and spectacular African wildlife. A tour with a guide is highly recommended.
Mbombela (Nelspruit)
Mpumalanga’s capital city (previously called Nelspruit) started life in the 1890s as a hub for gold diggers, farmers and traders. It’s now a thriving commercial centre and a shopping magnet for neighbouring countries Swaziland and Mozambique. Expect shopping malls, good restaurants and lively nightlife.
Barberton
Cradled by the Makhonjwa Mountains (a mecca for international scientists because of its microfossil plant life), this historic little town was born in the rowdy 1880s gold rush days and boasted South Africa’s first gold stock exchange. Heritage walks, working gold mines and adventure activities are on offer.
Hazyview
As its name suggests, this little town is often surrounded by mountain mists. Its proximity to two of the Kruger National Park gates makes it a good place to stock up on groceries and supplies before entering the park. There’s an aerial cableway and the visitor-friendly Elephant Sanctuary just outside the town.
Sabie
Situated in the heart of the Panorama Route, and in the middle of one of the world’s biggest man-made forests (450km2 of pine and eucalyptus trees), this busy small market town, which once depended on gold, now derives its wealth from timber. It's close to the Kruger National Park and magnificent waterfalls.
Pilgrim's Rest
This village was once the centre of the 1870s gold rush. You’ll see many of the original buildings, like the Royal Hotel, the general store and the newspaper office (where the Irish editor kept a pair of loaded pistols on his desk), as you walk up the steep hill to the village.
