Mpumalanga Overview
Although Mpumalanga is not the only province in South Africa with excellent game viewing, national p
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In and Around
Mpumalanga
Game Reserves National Park Entrances Tourism Regions Towns
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Author: Samantha Black
Submitted: 05 May 2009
Although Mpumalanga is not the only province in South Africa with excellent game viewing, national parks and luxury lodges, it's here that the safari experience has been perfected. About half the Kruger National Park is in this lovely province and there are so many private game reserves and lodges than you will have a hard time choosing. Like Limpopo Province to its immediate north, Mpumalanga straddles the escarpment between the Lowveld and the Drakensberg, so the different parts of the province have different characters. The Lowveld is hot and humid with broad-leaved forests
and wide, slow rivers, while the Highlands are cool and green, with
rolling grasslands, pine plantations, pockets of indigenous forest and
cheerfully gurgling mountain streams and waterfalls. Most of the game is in the Lowveld, while the attractions of the Highlands include hiking, horse trails, river rafting and other adventure activities, such as gorge swings and abseiling.
The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, near the town of Waterval Boven, is one of South Africa's most popular climbing destinations. The fly fishing in the Highlands area is awesome, particularly near the pretty town of Dullstroom, where there are loads of dams and streams well stocked with fat trout. There are awesome birds
to be spotted, both in the game reserves and in the Highlands, where
you're likely to see some montane grassland species, including the rare
and endangered blue swallow. For a bird's eye view, rather than a view
of birds, you can choose between microlight flights and gentle floats in a hot air balloon. Mpumalanga also has some fantastic paragliding and hang gliding launch sites - particularly along the escarpment. The mountain biking is great. Even with so much to do, many people visit Mpumalanga just to sight-see. The Panorama Route is a scenic meander taking in some fabulous sights, including the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondawels, the Swadini Dam and many beautiful waterfalls and spectacular vistas including one called God's Window.
The Blyde River Canyon is the biggest vegetated canyon in the world. Second
in size only to the Grand Canyon in the USA, and the Fish River Canyon
in Namibia, it is
lush and green with a plethora of plant and animal life and is a major
centre of endemism. It's also where Antarctica and Madagascar split
away from Africa a few million years ago during the break-up of the
super-continent Gondwanaland. Also in the canyon, is Bourke's
Luck Potholes - a fantastically contorted area of scenic potholes, and
deeply scoured canyons. The Blyde is a great river to raft,
with some pretty challenging rapids, but it also offers fun family
paddling on a gentler section. The Three Rondawels are three conical
hills and the Swadini Dam at the end of the canyon is a lovely stretch
of water. Also on the Panorama Route is the rather cutesy museum town of Pilgrims Rest.
The mines were active until the 1970s when they became terminally
unprofitable, and the whole town was bought up by the provincial
authorities to be converted to a tourist attraction. Museums, cute
craft outlets, coffee shops, restaurants and the original hotel with
its characterful bar bring the gold rush era vividly to life. Pilgrims Rest was the venue for the World Gold Panning Championships in 2005.
Mpumalanga's cultural attractions are particularly colourful. The iconic Ndebele artwork that is almost synonymous with South Africa is produced in the museum village of Botshabelo.
Colourful beadwork and small painted articles can be admired and
purchased while the magnificent painted buildings are - unfortunately -
not for sale as souvenirs. They're well worth photographing, though. Kids will love the dinosaur park, just outside the deep and convoluted Sudwala Caves. Mpumalanga has a very interesting technical freshwater diving destination that will appeal to technical divers.
Note: If you are planning to travel to the north eastern parts of Mpumalanga or Swaziland please be aware that this region is malarial. Consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice and refer to our article on malaria.
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Lionesses on the alert
© South African Tourism
Blyde River Canyon
© South African Tourism
Bourke's Luck Potholes
© South African Tourism
Forest near Sabie
© South African Tourism
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Accommodation near Mpumalanga
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(Please note: distances shown are 'as the crow flies', and not necessarily the actual travelling distance)
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We offer you these fully equipped self catering accommodation which is situated in Hazy view, South Africa. The units are 1 and 2 bedroom self-catering units with a full bathroom, kitchen, lounge/stoep and braai area. All your cutlery is supplied. There is Air con and secure parking.
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Dreamfields Guesthouse in the residential area of Hazyview is close to all town amenities and within 10 minutes of the Kruger National Park. Other top Mpumalanga attractions are near by. Guests looking for a convenient and comfortable Guesthouse will find Dreamfields with its thatched roof , African style interiors and big suptropical garden a welcoming place to rest in between safaris and sight
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10% discount
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Take advantage of this summer special. Stay a minimum of three nights and get a 10% discount. Valid only from 11 January until 28 February 2010. Book now to avoid disappointment. Terms and conditions apply - not valid for single rooms.
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Enjoy watching wild animals, then come see them roaming around the beautiful Maqueda Lodge (Big 5 Territory)Our Bush Camp allows you to be absorbed by the peace and tranquility of the African Bush, whilst enjoying high standards of comfort and decor. We accommodate only eight guests. Close to Malelane Kruger National Park gate and Crocodile Bridge gate. 80 kilometre from Maputo - enjoy our Maputo
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30% discount
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Out of this world Bed and
Breakfast for only ZAR 550,00 per person sharing.
Luxury at this price! If you stay longer than two nights you also receive a
FREE
Hour Game DRIVE along the Crocodile river adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
BOOK NOW
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If you are looking for tranquility and open spaces, then this must be on your list of destinations. The views across the Crocodile River Valley are to remember for ever, especially when a storm is brewing or when the sun is setting.
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14% discount
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If your reservation is for 7 nights or more you get 1 night free for each 7 night reserved.
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8 Kms from Kruger Park Croc Bridge Gate,6 Kms from Mozambique border, 64 Kms from Swazi border. All rooms en suite with air con and mini bar and most with DSTV..not all as many guests prefer the peace of a TV free environment. Stay with us on a room only, or part/fully catered basis, with breakfast (to eat in or as a take away) and dinner available. Please note that we have no self catering facil
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20% discount
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20% off room rate for our low season...still a great time to visit the Kruger park, a day trip to Mozambique or Swaziland, take a micro light flight, elephant back safari, play golf or fish locally. All meals also available in our lovely small licensed restaurant. We have NO self catering facilities. You really can't say no!
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Needles Lodge is a warm and welcoming family run lodge in the heart of Marloth Park, a private residential nature reserve bordering the Kruger National Park between the Malelane and Crocodile Bridge entrances to the Park.
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Bushwise Safaris offers the ultimate safari experience in the Kruger National Park. From the comforts of our bush lodge on the banks of the Crocodile River, the southern boundary of Kruger, we explore South Africa's greatest wilderness region. Professional owner guides will ensure that you leave with the fondest memories of WILD AFRICA and certainly, much more Bushwise!
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10% discount
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Let us show you this Jewel of Africa - Kruger Park and all it has to offer on our 3 night /4 day safari package. Your Special All Inclusive rate is R5280.00 pp, sharing. Includes:
1) Retun transfers from Nelspruit (KMIA) International airport. (not transferable or refundable)
2) 3 nights / 4 days accommodation.
3)Traditional 3 course dinners served in our Boma under the African sky by candlelight.
4)English breakfast daily.
5)Sunset drive in Kruger where the nocturnal animals will entertain you.
6)Full day safari in Kruger, with breakfast cooked for you by your guide overlooking one of the water holes.
7)Morning bush walk in Kruger with an armed Guard. Watch the African sunrise at it’s best,
OR Another drive in the Kruger Park
OR a Visit to an African Cultural Village where the Swazi people will entertain you with their rythmic dancing.
Let us show you our Africa!
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Kaya Umdani offers accommodation for up to ten guests in five luxury en-suite bedrooms. One of the rooms are a very luxury honeymoon suite with a spa bath with views of the bush and animals. It is situated in Marloth Park Conservancy, where many species of African Wildlife roam freely.
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Grand Kruger Lodge, Mpumalanga South Africa - UN-compromised luxury accommodation, safaris, game drives and birding in the heart of Big Five country bordering the Kruger National Park along the Crocodile River. Full backup generator, it will be no interruptions during your stay.
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Ideal place for nature lovers, birds, trees, and animals that roam in between houses as if it is there property . Close to all world known sites like Sudwala caves, Nelspruit botanical gardens. Kruger national park boarders our park, and the big five can be seen across the river bend look out point.
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50% discount
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Specials , from Sunday till Thursday nights, R150.00 per person per night , and R200.00 per person per night Friday and Saturday nights. This offer excludes long weekends and peak school holidays. Valid from 01 January 2010.till December 31st 2010 TAKE NOTE , WE HAVE A R300.00 refundable holding deposit policy Terms and conditions apply. occupation is at own risk , we can not be held responsible for what ever reason
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