The Province of Mpumalanga, meaning, “place of the rising sun” is situated on the north east border of South Africa. Mpumalanga formerly known as the Eastern Transvaal, is one of South Africa's top tourist destinations. Mpumalanga borders on two foreign countries, namely Swaziland and Mozambique.

The Province consists of two sharply contrasting types of scenery the escarpment which drops more than 3,000 feet to the hot and humid bush of the Lowveld, which overlooks Kruger National Park. Waterfalls cascade from the escarpment, to carve canyons, crevasses and caves which can be explored on foot or on horseback. The wildlife, birds and plant life are all truly representative of Africa. The scenery is majestic and endless.

The Kruger National Park, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1998, spans much of the Lowveld, covering an area of over 20,000 sq. km. Some 750,00 people from all over the world visit the Kruger each year, but their numbers, as well as the camps and infrastructure to accommodate them, are lost in the vastness of it all.

On the borders of Kruger National Park are luxurious private game lodges, where visitors can enjoy close encounters with the wildlife, especially Big Five game viewing on game drives in open-topped vehicles.

The Blyde River Canyon is one of the greatest natural features in southern Africa; the Blyde River, which has created the canyon, is a paradise for white water rafters, whilst scenic drives provide stunning views of this dramatic landscape, which includes the triple peaks known as the “Three Rondavels”.

Prospectors combed the area during the late 19th century gold rush, leaving behind a fascinating history. Visitors are transported back to those days in the village of Pilgrim's Rest, a national monument. Potholes are named Bourke's Luck after the prospector who struck it rich there. Other tourist attractions, such as Barberton, can be seen from our Lodge, Sabi and the Long Tom Pass also offer an intriguing glimpse into a colourful past.

Nelspruit is the colourful Capital of the region, a friendly commercial city set in lush surroundings. The city is the central axis for the many other tourism attractions in the Lowveld region, including the Kruger National Park, Barberton, the N4 route westwards to Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Sudwala Caves, the scenic drives to the forestry town of Sabie and the attractive regions around White River and Hazyview, where many fine establishments serve the tourism trade and West of Nelspruit the highland artists' village at Kaapsehoop where some excellent hiking trails and scenic walks are located.

MPUMALANGA FACT FILE:

Land Area: 79 490 sq. km (30 700 sq. miles)
Population: 2.65 million
Population Density: 33 per sq. km (12 per sq. mile)
Languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Sepedi, SiSwati, Tsonga
Airports: KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) and several Charter air strips.