News / 7 July 2020
Exploring the Mpumalanga Province
Often referred to as "Paradise Country", few regions in the world can match the sheer beauty of the Mpumalanga Province.
Over the past three months of lockdown, nature-lovers across the country have been yearning to visit this corner of the county, especially as it features the always-iconic Kruger National Park. Home of the Big 5 (and the Little 5, too), this slice of wilderness paradise ticks all the right boxes when it comes to low-density tourism.
Where to stay:
Choosing accommodation in Mpumalanga can be an overwhelming experience, but there is something for everyone, from honeymoon havens to on-a-shoestring tented camps. Before you grab the car keys, go ahead and map out a few of our local properties located in the area.
Mjejane Bush Camp, Malelane
Mjejane is set on the edge of the Crocodile River, and it’s just the place to get your post-lockdown wildlife fix: falling asleep to the sound of hippos snuffling in the grass and waking to the ‘dawn patrol’ of large and lovable ellies ambling through the surrounding bushveld.
Jackalberry Ridge, Marloth Park
Find a good spot to set up camp, or try one of our luxury tents with vintage khaki shading and Meranti wooden floors – a cosy, romantic option for couples passing through. There’s nothing like waking up in the morning to the cheer of birdsong from the surrounding Jackalberry trees.
Burchell’s Bush Lodge, Sabie Park
Burchell’s Bush Lodge is a perfectly positioned, offering comfortable, well-equipped, self-contained bush lodges surrounded by indigenous woodlands. During your stay here you’ll have easy access to the Kruger through the Paul Kruger Gate a mere 200m away.
What to do:
You’ll never get bored in the Mpumalanga Province. It may be small, but it packs a big punch and is very much a land of contrasts, where the Big Five wildlife roam and rivers wind through its Jurassic-Park style canyons.
Explore the Kruger National Park
We don’t know about you, but our wanderlust is running rampant, especially with the Kruger National Park finally open for self-drive excursions. Famed for its Big 5 wildlife sightings and luxury lodges, the Kruger National Park is an all-time favourite and a classic must-do for first-time visitors, nature photographers and adventure lovers looking to get their seasonal safari fix.
Adventure along The Panorama Route
The Panorama Route, just outside the Kruger, is best described as a self-drive lovers’ dream. It really is the ultimate road trip as you meander through some of the most exquisite scenery you could ever imagine, such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes, God’s Window and the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world. While you’re at it, stop at one or all three of the iconic waterfalls: Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls.
Visit the little dorp of Graskop
Set up in the 1880s as a gold mining camp, Graskop is a wonderful little town with an interesting past. It forms an ideal base from which to explore all the sight-seeing venues in Mpumalanga and it’s also the best place to get pancakes. That’s right, in Graskop, you’ll discover a “pannekoek” store on nearly every street corner!
Head to Pilgrim’s Rest
Just 20 minutes away from Graskop, Pilgrim’s Rest is another lovely local town that resembles a national monument, brimming with historical buildings that have been carefully restored to their gold rush heyday circa 1873. While visiting, you can also try your hand at gold panning, and watch the annual gold panning championships in October.
The Botshabelo Mission Station and Historical Village.
This village is not just an open-air museum but an actual living village where you can get a glimpse into life on a 19th-century mission station and learn more about the life of the Ndebele people. If you want to enter their intricately painted huts, please remember to ask permission. World-famous South African artist Esther Mahlangu grew up in the nearby town of Middelberg, and some of her works are on display at the museum on-site.
When you’re ready to get back on the road and explore the Mpumalanga Province, here’s what we’re doing to make sure our guests #staysafe. You can also contact our reservations team here for a run-down of our flexible booking policies.
