The name Mpumalanga, tagged “Place of the Rising Sun,” is highly regarded by South Africans when it comes to tourism. One characterized by a huge historical, scenic, and wildlife presence rare to come across anywhere else in the world.
Visiting South Africa without choosing to stop by at Mpumalanga would be considered a trip unfulfilling, since it happens to be one of the most well-liked tourist attractions in South Africa.
From paying a visit to its numerous wildlife reserves to hanging out at the well-known Kruger National Park to enjoy game viewing, bird watching, and beautiful drives through the valleys and peaks, there are a whole lot of exciting activities to catch up with here and below have been highlighted a few of them.
Fun Things To Do In Mpumalanga, South Africa
1. Enjoy the Safari of Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is situated between the borderlines of Limpopo (in the north) and Mpumalanga (in the south). Considered by many who have previously visited to be the pinnacle of South African safari destinations, this tourist attraction is known to protect wildlife from being hunted down.
So should you happen to be an animal enthusiasts, this is a place for you to be at, since you get to behold the rare sights of over 142 different species of mammals that includes the Big Five, as well as more than 500 different bird species to see.
What should I expect?
Guests and visitors showing up here gets to enjoy guided game drives, self-drive safaris, and lodging options ranging from free public campsites to luxurious private lodges; all at a pocket and budget friendly token.
2. Enjoy and behold the Magnificent Scenery of the Blyde River Canyon
Bearing the significance of being the third-largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon, which is situated just on the outskirts of Mpumalanga and is a portion of the Drakensberg escarpment, is one with a captivating view that has got tourists traveling from different parts of the world to come to behold.
Talking about its captivating views, it is one that arose because of erosion and has now resulted in forming some amazing geological structures inside and outside of it, with similar situations at The Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and God’s Window as well.
What happens here?
Aside from coming over to come enjoy exploring, this destination is also perfect for enjoying l hiking, rappelling, or taking into the sky with hot air balloon.
3. Visit the Bourke’s Luck Potholes
The tourist attraction of Bourke’s Luck Potholes shares a similar fate to that of the Blyde River Canyon aforementioned as well, whose rock formation also came about due to erosion and has now gotten a beautiful and breathtaking view.
Naturally endowed with astounding depths of waterfalls, which plunge to depths of over 20 meters and are accompanied by diverse shades of silt in shades of red, beige, and other earthy tones, this tourist attraction has indeed become an amazing sight to behold.
What should I expect?
Guests and visitors showing up here get to enjoy walking over the dark rocks, sticking their toes in the cool & clear water, as well as viewing the falls from the observation bridges built. There is also the option to shop for local handicrafts and check out its small museum as well.
Address: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Moremela
4. Go underground and explore the Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala Caves in Mpumalanga is one which holds the bragging rights of being one of the oldest cave systems in the world, having been in existence for more than 240 million years up till this very present moment
Just a mere 30-minute drive from Nelspruit, tourists showing up here get to enjoy its exciting activities and be part of its guided tour, which is to see them descend 490 feet into the caves and enjoy sightseeing of its spectacular lighted rock formations.
What should I expect?
Visitors and tourists showing up here get to enjoy sightseeing formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, as well as horseshoe bats, alongside some other Stone Age objects that are also on display at the entrance.
Address: R539, Nelspruit, 1201
5. Behold the history of Barberton’s Gold Rush
Following the discovery of gold In the area over a century ago in the year 1883, the establishment of Barberton which was once non existent to some extent became transformed to one bustling with a railroad, stock market, and mining companies.
Though in the aftermath of that transformation, the region’s popularity was lost to some extent, its historic significance is still maintained with the presence of the Barberton Museum as well as its exciting activities on the Heritage Walk.
What should I expect?
Guests and visitors showing up here are afforded the opportunity of touring the Barberton Museum which connects historical structures, a steam locomotive, and other places related to the gold rush.
Address: 36 Pilgrim Street, Barberton, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
6. Discover the Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit
Paying a visit to The Lowveld National Botanical Garden comes in next on our list of fun things to do in Mpumalanga, a stunning 159-hectare landscape characterized by its rough and rocky river scenery and is home to over 600 naturally occurring plant species.
Blessed with plenty of beautiful plant species and tall trees in its botanical gardens, this offers the perfect scenery to come hangout and cool off enjoying the company of family and friends surrounded around by south Africa native tree species.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here gets to explore and check out its beautiful botanical garden dominated by over 650 South African native tree species, with older cycads and various plants interspersed.
Address: Emnotweni Ave, Riverside park, Mbombela, 1201, South Africa.
7. Take a trip to Jane Goodall’s Chimp Eden
Journeying down to the Chimp Eden which should cost just a mere 20 minutes drive comes in next on our list of fun things to do in the area. A tourist destination which local residents of the area holds at high esteem since it is the only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, located in the heart of Umhloti Nature Reserve and maintained by the Jane Goodall.
This experience is one that should see visitors coming across various endangered chimpanzees rescued from getting hunted down, a habitat now turned into a pet industry for them to live in.
What should I expect?
By showing up at this tourist destination, you get to get in close touch with these threatened species. It is an adventure that would see you get to find out how similar to humans they act when you see their semi-wild habitats.
Address: 47 R40, Mbombela, 1201, South Africa
8. Go whitewater rafting at the Sabie River
Visiting the sabie river tourist attraction should be top of your priority lists should you be in search of a destination to come have your adrenaline pumped up. A must-see place for thrill-seekers is the area with a long list of exciting activities to get you thrilled with.
Talking about its exciting and adventurous activities, it has gotten a wide range of them such as quad biking, horseback riding as well as paintball, archery, and more; meaning there is no running out of options of fun things to engage with upon visiting this tourist destination.
What should I expect?
Showing up at the Sabie Rivers is primarily to enjoy whitewater rafting, though there is also the option and opportunity of taking in the stunning forest environment during the calm intervals.
9. Try something adventurous at the Graskop Gorge
The lovely Graskop Gorge just like the aforementioned attraction of Sabie river is yet another top notch destination in the area to come have your adrenaline pumped up as well, one which is just a stone throw away from the south of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.
Operated by the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, there is no better option available of places to come enjoy a long list of adrenaline-pumping activities as it concerns the tallest cable gorge swing in the entire world than this destination
What other things happen here?
The Graskop gorge attraction is also known for its exciting and adventurous activities of taking the 167-foot journey down the gorge’s wall in a glass-fronted viewing lift or span the gorge on a highwire zipline.
Address: R533 Graskop Gorge, Graskop, 1270, South Africa.
10. Enjoy the crazy rides of the Hazyview’s Aerial Cable Trail
Should you be in Search of a Skyway Trails to journey up in the sky enjoying an interesting aerial adventure, look no further than the tourist attraction of the Hazyviews aerial cable trails, which holds the bragging rights of being the longest aerial cable path in the province
As regards its longest aerial cable path, it features eight different zip lines that should take you on a journey that will take you on an exhilarating ride through the forest—a memorable experience you will get to relieve for years to come.
What should I expect?
Here, visitors and tourists alike gets to try out anyone of its Tree Top Challenge, a raised obstacle course with 19 tasks that is appropriate for all ages.
Address: Perry’s Bridge Trading Post, Cnr Main Rd. Hazyview and Sabie Rd, Hazyview, 1242, South Africa
Also, Read 20 Fun Things To Do In Nelspruit, (Mbombela) Mpumalanga
11. Hangout at the Sabi Sands Game Reserve
Looking for a tourist destination to come spot one the big cats animal family of leopards? well look no further than the Kruger National Park housing plenty of private game reserves, one of such being the well-known Sabi Sands game reserves.
Sharing an unfenced boundary with the highlight Kruger National Park, this is the ideal location to catch up with the great Big Five sightings as well as enjoy guided game drives as it pleases you.
What should I expect?
Showing up at this game reserves affords you the opportunity to catch up with leopard sightings, as well as being part of its guided tours of research about the cats for years now.
Address: Portion 4, Shaws Gate, shaws gate, Kruger, 1350, South Africa.
12. Stay over at the Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa
Situated in the picturesque setting of the Wildlife Estate in Hoedspruit is the Unembeza Boutique Lodge offering a full homely experience accompanied by Free private parking and free WiFi as well across all of its building.
Designated and styled as a family house with the presence of balconies and terraces, guests showing up here get to enjoy the comfort and feeling of being at home, even though they might be far away from home. I’m in one of its air-conditioned rooms that comes with a refrigerator, a Nespresso machine, and a tea maker.
Why should you lodge here?
Apart from relaxing in any of its luxury furnished rooms, this lodging facility also has a sun patio and viewing deck with views of the wildlife estate, which guests can relax at with a drink in hand.
Address: 288 Ghwarrie, Wildlife Estate, 1380 Hoedspruit, South Africa.
13. Lodge over at the Sabaan Holiday Resort
The lodging facilities of Sabaan holiday resort just like the aforementioned Unembeza boutique lodge & spa is one characterized by its picturesque outlook, serenity, quiet, and tranquillit environs.
Situated just right in between Hazyview and Sabie and just a stone’s throw away from the tourist attractions of the Panorama Route and the Kruger National Park, which are open for exploration as well, this is an ideal location to come crash and pass the night at in any of its 22 completely furnished self-catering cabins.
Why should you stay here?
The lodging facilities of Sabaan holiday resort is made up of 22 completely furnished self catering cabins that can house close to 140 person’s, one which is also accompanied by parking spaces and braai.
Address: Between Sabie & Hazyview On Rd No R536, Hazyview, 1242, South Africa.
14. Pass the night at the Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge
Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge comes next on our long list of accommodation options to consider lodging at should you be passing a few days in the area. A fine lodging facility that comes with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Located just a little distance away from the Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve, there is also the option of grabbing a glass of bear over at its resident bar, as well as hanging out with family and friends in its beautiful garden.
Why should you lodge here?
The Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge has made provisions to suit the comforting desires of its guests with facilities such as a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with a shower.
Address: Robber’s Pass, Pilgrim’s Rest, 1290, South Africa.
15. Enjoy the comfort of the Zebrina Guest house
The Zebrina Guest House, just as its name implies, is one designed particularly for both visitors and tourists in search of and in need of excellently furnished lodge rooms and chalets that have already been made available for lodging in the calmest of environments.
Accompanied as well with the presence of an on site Olympic sized pool as well as a bar and grills on the premises, you can be rest assured of being given a prince and princess like treatment upon lodging here.
Why should you lodge here?
The zebrina Guesthouse has also gotten a designated playground for kids, free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels among other facilities in each of its rooms, accompanied by a bathtub or shower.
Address: 3 Zebrina Crescent, West Acres, 1200 Nelspruit, South Africa
16. Get for yourself a comfortable stay at Mdluli Safari Lodge
Mdluli Safari Lodge, which is situated in the south-western section of the Kruger National Park, is one offering the blend of a camping like experience with its options of lavish tents and air conditioning, as well as a private patio with views of the park.
Should you also desire to enjoy the comforts of being at home, well they’ve also got their room options accompanied by showers and bathtubs, as well as their accomodation packages covering for gourmet meals for its guests which can be enjoyed by the boma fire.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here get to enjoy the beauty of wildlife, soak up themselves inside its infinity pool, and enjoy the views of the park and river. There are also Big Five game drives and hikes available with knowledgeable guides.
Address: Kruger National Park, Hazyview, 1242, South Africa.
17. Lodge over at the La Roca Guest House
The La Roca Guest House offering an uninterrupted views of the Nelspruit Nature Reserve and surrounded by a subtropical garden Is also one of few top notch lodging facilities in the area known for its private settings.
Talking of its private settings, it is one made up of a private entrance, a satellite TV, a balcony, or a patio. They’ve also gotten provisions made for an expansive pool patio for guests looking forward to soaking themselves under the heat of the day, as well as a thatched lap’s open-air canopy.
Why should you lodge here?
They have also gotten provisions made for private pools, a spa bath in each of the rooms, kitchenette, and kitchenette with a microwave and tea/coffee making facilities, as well as daily housekeeping services being provided.
Address: 56 Vanwijk St, Mbombela, 1201, South Africa
18. Hangout at the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve of Kruger National Park, just opposite the tourist attraction of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, one made famous for its spacious landscape which is measured to be Three times bigger than the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.
What should I expect?
All that is expected of tourists showing up here is to make a booking and reservation for themselves upon visiting this hidden gem to get to enjoy some higher sightings of games, unlike in other parks.
Address: Hoedspruit, 1380, South Africa
19. Enjoy a luxury stay at the Kapama River Lodge
The lodging facilities of Kapama River Lodge just like every other top tourist attraction in the area is one situated at the National Kruger Park, an ideal location to come lodge over at with plenty of contemporary rooms, should you have interest about all things African wilderness and wildlife.
Made up of over 64 air-conditioned suites while also holding the bragging rights of being the largest luxury game lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park area; this lodging facilities has gotten it’s suites made up of a private bathroom that is furnished with a bath, a shower, and complimentary toiletries.
Why should you lodge here?
Aside from having provisions made for free wifi as well as an on site pool and spa at the lodge, this is also an ideal location to come enjoy exciting activities such as wildlife drives and bushwalks.
Address: Hoedspruit, 1380 Kapama Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
20. Spend your leisure hours at the Londolozi Game Reserve
Just on the very outskirts of the western pole of Kruger National Park, and just a stone’s throw away from the Sabi Sands Reserve, is where you get to find the tourist attraction of the Londolozi Game Reserve.
A popular destination in the area captivating the interests of visitors and tourists alike, of which they get to enjoy a memorable sighting experience just by merely signing up to be part of its game drive from one of Londolozi’s five magnificent lodges.
What should I expect?
Should it be an adventure your budget can cover, here you get to check out its long history of dedication to conservation as well as its exclusive access to a wide region with its cars—a worthwhile sighting experience indeed.
Address: Londolozi Game Reserve Sparta Farms, Skukuza, 1350, South Africa.
CONCLUSIONS
