 The Province of Mpumalanga “place of the rising sun” is situated on the northeast border of South Africa, bordering on two independent Africa countries being Swaziland and Mozambique. The great Highveld grasslands dominate the western border with Gauteng, moving eastwards through bushveld to the Greater Drakensberg Escarpment which overlooks the Kruger National Park and the lowveld. The flora and fauna is truly exceptional and represents the beauty one can only expect to find here in South Africa. Here you will find that peace, tranquillity and beauty in every sunset and wildlife sound. It is within this province that you will experience and see the historical, cultural and landscaping contrasts that make Mpumalanga, its people and places a unique and interesting place to visit.
Mpumalanga boasts with great collections of waterfalls, forests and plantations, and the variety of wild life will certainly make your visit a memorable occasion. You will also find that the farming in this area yield a variety of produce such as: Citrus fruit, tobacco, avocados, mangoes and a variety of nuts. The towns in the Mpumalanga Provinces range from historic sites to natural wonders and some great world class nature reserves, one being the Kruger National Park. There are also smaller reserves that are just as breathtakingly beautiful and also offer all nature lovers some great wildlife viewing and natural features. The climate is mild throughout the year and the temperatures vary from mild winters (33 – 59 F) to warm summers (67 – 103 F).
Nature & Game Reserves to visit:
Selati, Thornybush, Timbavati, Londolozi and Sabi – Sabi, Kruger National Park, Lydenburg nature Reserve, Sabi Sands
Historic place/building one should visit:
Pilgrim’s Rest village, Dullstroom Railway Station, Jock of the Bushveld grave and walking trail.
Natural Wonders – a must see!!
The Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Sudwala Caves, the Pinnacle and the beautiful view one can experience looking through God’s Window.
Towns to visit – what to do and see in each town:
Barberton: Baberton Museum, Fun Bus, De Kaap Stock Exchange, Jock’s Tree and the Baberton Daisies.
Dullstroom: Owl & Oak Trading Post, Bird of Prey Centre, Fly Fishing Dams and Dullstroom Station
Graskop: Graskop Gorge, Jock of the Bushveld – 1885, Mac Mac Falls, Forest Falls, the Pinnacle, old Digginngs, God’s Window and Burke’s Luck Potholes.
Hazyview and White River: Albasini Ruins, White River Museum, Sabie Mineral Springs and Casterbridge Farm Craft Village.
Nelspruit: Sudwala Caves, Croc River park, Lowveld national Botanical Garden, Shangana Cultural Village, Sudwala Dinosaur Park and
Sabie: Forestry Museum, Percy’s Place (Jock’s owner) Great Falls and natural pools between Sabie and Graskop.
Lydenburg: Lydenburg Museum, Voortrekker Church (2nd oldest church in the country – and now an art gallery), Lydenburg Waterfall and Lydenburg nature Reserve.
Pilgrem’s Rest: Alanglade House Museum, Old Print House, Joubert Bridge, Miners Houses, St Mary’s Anglican Church and the Robbers Grave.
Fauna & Flora
The Big Five (Lion, Buffalo, Rhino, Elephant and Leopard) can be seen while visiting the Kruger National Park and other surrounding Game Reserves. While Graskop boasts with the Loerie Bird. The abundance of bird life is a must see and the Mpumalanga province boasts with birds like the Ground Hornbill Fishing Owl Martial Eagle and the entire Loerie Bird Family. The plant and tree life is also great and this province boasts with trees like: Baobab Fever Tree Marula and Mopane.
Accommadation:
All the towns, Game and Nature Reserves offer luxury accommodation in the form of Hotels, Lodges and Bed & Breakfast facilities. The Kruger National Park also offers tourist the opportunity to stay at Camp sites while on their visit to the Park. Accommodation will be discussed and tailor made/booked to suit each tourist in order to make their stay comfortable and satisfying. Our office will assist you with accommodation bookings when you contact our ofiice for holiday bookings.
Photo’s of theMpumalanga Area and Sites
Burke’s Luck Potholes
Blyde River Canyon |
Sudwala Caves
God’s Window
Pilgrims Rest
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We at No Rush Tours would like to extend an invitation to each and every aspiring tourist. We would love to arrange, book and assist you with your trip to South Africa, and weather you plan to visit Mpumalanga or any other province in SA, we will make your visit/holiday an experience of a life time. Please contact our office if you would like any information, suggestions or a quotation on a visit to our wonderful country.
Regards
Giselle
(Next month our article will offer information, advice and interesting features on the Limpopo Province)
Mpumalanga Fact Sheet
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| Land Area: |
79 490 km2 |
| Population: |
4,0 million |
| Population density: |
50 people per km2 |
| Provincial capital: |
Nelspruit |
| Other major towns: |
Barberton, Delmas, Ermelo, Hazyview, Komatipoort, Malelane, Mashishing (Lydenburg), Middelburg, Piet Retief, Sabie, Secunda, Standerton, Volksrust, White River, Witbank |
| Languages: |
Afrikaans,English, isiNdebele, siSwati, xiTsonga |
| Airports: |
Kruger Mpumalanga International, 20km east of Nelspruit |
| Roads: |
Good, suitable for all vehicles |
| Business hrs: |
08.30 to 17.00. Most major shopping centres are open on Saturdays and Sundays |
| Internet: |
Operates countrywide |
| Cell phones: |
All major routes and centres |
| Climate: |
Hot to very hot in summer, especially in the lowveld regions. Mild in winter, but can become very cold in the highveld areas. Mpumalanga is a summer rainfall area. |
| Health: |
Malaria occurs in some parts of the lowveld regions of Mpumalanga. Visitors should take the usual precautions. If in any doubt, consult a pharmacist or doctor. Always carry insect repellent for your comfort. |
| Essential kit: |
Binoculars, camera (with spare film, or digital disc and batteries). Strong walking shoes, sun hat. Warm clothing for winter especially for the cooler highland locations and for early morning and night game drives. Insect repellent cream or spray, especially for night game drives and outdoor evening functions. It is always advisable to carry a supply of bottled water, especially during the summer months when conditions can be very hot and humid. |
Fact Sheet Copyright © 2008 Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.
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