Mpumalanga province highlights

Blyde River Canyon

The canyon of the Blyde River stretches for almost 30 kilometers, which makes it one of the 3 largest canyons in the world. If you travel from Johannesburg to Kruger Park or vice-versa, it is worth driving there through the Blyde River Canyon. The view at the ‘Three Rondavels’, ‘Wonder View’ and ‘God’s Window’ is simply spectacular. At ‘Bourke's Luck Potholes’ there is an information center where you are given information concerning the surroundings, flora and fauna. Here you see also the strange shapes the river has made in the rocks over the course of time.

Near the village Mogaba is the Museum of Man. Here you can admire rock paintings and other archaeological finds. In the same area are also the Echo Caves, where relics from the Stone Age have been found. In the vicinity of Sabie there are several waterfalls you can visit. The Blyde River Canyon is a very popular tourist attraction, so it can be rather busy at the viewpoints.

Kruger Park

Kruger National Park is one of the oldest parks in Africa. Sabie Sands, the name under which Kruger Park was originaly known, was founded in 1898 by president Paul Kruger. The park is the size of Israel and is home to 147 species of reptiles, 507 species of birds, 114 species of reptiles, 49 species of fish and 336 species of trees. Of course you can also find the ‘big five’ here.

You can find more information on Kruger National Park here.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

This shelter for all kinds of wounded and orphaned animals near Hoedspruit is definitely worth a visit. It is advisable to book in advance (+27-15-7955236). They also offer accommodation.

Marloth Park

Marloth Park is a good place for people who plan to go to the Kruger Park, but who can’t or don’t want to spend the night there. It is a municipality with only free standing houses, where wild animals roam around free. Chances are that you will encounter gnus, impalas, zebras and giraffes on your way to your accommodation. Spending the night in Marloth Park is a lot cheaper than in the Kruger Park and from Marloth Park it is only a 20 minutes drive to the closest entrance of the Kruger Park (Crocodile Bridge or Malelane)