The Best Things to Do in Mpumalanga, South Africa

The Best Things to Do in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Mpumalanga—meaning “Place of the Rising Sun”—is one of South Africa’s most scenic and diverse provinces. Home to dramatic landscapes, wildlife-rich parks, cultural treasures, and breathtaking natural wonders, this region offers unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you are chasing waterfalls, exploring rugged escarpments, or spotting the Big Five, Mpumalanga is where adventure meets serenity.

1. Explore Kruger National Park

No visit to Mpumalanga is complete without a safari in Kruger National Park. As one of Africa’s premier game reserves, Kruger offers unmatched opportunities to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Whether you self-drive or join a guided game drive, you’ll witness wildlife in its raw and untamed form. Early morning and sunset safaris provide the best sightings.

2. Drive the Panorama Route

One of South Africa’s most scenic drives, the Panorama Route winds through mountains, forests, and valleys. Along the way, you’ll encounter jaw-dropping viewpoints like God’s Window, dramatic canyons, and natural rock formations. It’s a photographer’s dream and a must for nature lovers.

3. Marvel at Blyde River Canyon

Carved into the Drakensberg escarpment, the Blyde River Canyon is the world’s third-largest canyon and the largest green canyon. The viewpoints at Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes offer stunning vistas. The canyon is also ideal for boat cruises, hiking, and birdwatching.

4. Visit God’s Window

From this clifftop lookout, you’ll see forested ravines, waterfalls, and far-off lowveld plains. On clear days, you can see as far as Mozambique. Walk the short trail into the mistbelt forest to reach the upper viewpoint—it’s well worth it.

5. Take in the Beauty of Lisbon and Berlin Falls

These two iconic waterfalls lie near Graskop and are easily accessible. Lisbon Falls drops in a long, elegant plunge, while Berlin Falls spreads into a wide curtain. Stop here for photos, picnics, or just to enjoy the sound of rushing water.

6. Explore Pilgrim’s Rest

Step back in time in this preserved gold rush town. Once a bustling mining settlement in the 1800s, Pilgrim’s Rest is now a living museum. Walk the old streets, visit restored buildings, and learn about South Africa’s early gold mining history.

7. Experience Graskop Gorge Lift

The Graskop Gorge Lift descends 51 meters down a cliff into an indigenous forest. A series of wooden walkways lead you past waterfalls, ferns, and wildflowers. It’s an immersive way to experience Mpumalanga’s natural beauty from a new angle.

8. Hike in the Lowveld Botanical Garden

Located in Mbombela (Nelspruit), this botanical garden is a green sanctuary filled with waterfalls, bridges, and walking trails. It’s also home to one of Africa’s largest cycad collections and the impressive Cascades Waterfall.

9. Visit Sudwala Caves

These limestone caves, believed to be over 240 million years old, are among the oldest in the world. Inside, you’ll find stalactites, stalagmites, and even a natural amphitheater. The nearby Dinosaur Park adds to the experience for families and geology lovers.

10. Go White Water Rafting on the Sabie River

For thrill seekers, the Sabie River offers adrenaline-pumping rapids surrounded by lush forest. Rafting trips are available for both beginners and experienced paddlers. The best time to go is during the summer months when water levels are higher.

11. Walk With Wildlife at Elephant Whispers

Near Hazyview, Elephant Whispers allows guests to interact with rescued elephants in an ethical and educational setting. Feed, walk alongside, and learn about the elephants in a way that promotes their welfare and conservation.

12. Discover the Mac-Mac Pools

Located near the Mac-Mac Falls, these natural rock pools are ideal for a cooling swim after a morning of sightseeing. The pools are shallow, crystal-clear, and surrounded by forest. Picnic sites and walking paths make it a great family stop.

13. Explore Kaapschehoop

This charming village sits on the edge of the escarpment and is known for its wild horses and misty landscapes. Kaapschehoop offers beautiful hikes, quirky shops, and a peaceful escape from the busier tourist trails.

14. Watch Wildlife at Manyeleti Game Reserve

Less commercial than Kruger but just as wild, Manyeleti offers intimate safari experiences with fewer crowds. This reserve borders Kruger and shares the same ecosystems. It’s perfect for travelers looking for privacy and off-the-beaten-path encounters.

15. Ride Horses in the Highlands

The scenic Mpumalanga highlands near Dullstroom and Kaapschehoop offer excellent horse riding trails through pine forests, mountain ridges, and open grasslands. Guided horseback safaris are available for all skill levels.

16. Fly Over the Escarpment on a Hot Air Balloon

Departing near Hazyview or Sabie, hot air balloon rides reveal Mpumalanga’s dramatic landscapes at sunrise. Drifting above the forests and rivers, you’ll witness a golden light bathing the valleys below.

17. Try Trout Fishing in Dullstroom

This quaint town in the highlands is South Africa’s trout fishing capital. Its cool streams and dams are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Even if you’re not fishing, Dullstroom is worth a visit for its art galleries, pubs, and mountain views.

18. Visit the Shangaan Cultural Village

Located near Kruger, this cultural center offers insights into the traditions, dances, food, and lifestyle of the Shangaan people. Evening programs include drumming, storytelling, and traditional meals around the fire.

Plan Your Mpumalanga Adventure

Mpumalanga invites travelers to slow down, take in the views, and reconnect with nature and history. With its combination of natural wonders, cultural sites, and wildlife encounters, this province delivers the full spectrum of what makes South Africa so compelling. Whether you’re driving the Panorama Route or tracking elephants through the bush, Mpumalanga leaves an impression that lasts.