Mpumalanga Travel Guide - Budget Accommodation, Game Lodges, Luxury Accommodation

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Province: Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga means 'place where the sun rises'. It is bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland in the east, and Gauteng in the west. It is situated mainly on the high plateau grasslands of the Middleveld, which roll eastwards for hundreds of kilometres. In the northeast, it rises towards mountain peaks and then terminates in an immense Escarpment. In some places, this Escarpment plunges hundreds of metres down to the low-lying area known as the Lowveld. 

The area has a network of excellent roads and railway connections, making it highly accessible. Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, Mpumalanga is also served by a number of small airports. 

Nelspruit is the capital of the province and the administrative and business centre of the Lowveld. Witbank is the centre of the local coal-mining industry; Standerton, in the south, is renowned for its large dairy industry; Piet Retief in the southeast is a production area for tropical fruit and sugar, while a large sugar industry is also found at Malelane in the east; Ermelo is the district in South Africa that produces the most wool; Barberton is one of the oldest gold-mining towns in South Africa, and Sabie is situated in the forestry heartland of the country. 

The province falls mainly within the grassland biome. The Escarpment and the Lowveld form a transitional zone between this grassland area and the savanna biome. Long sweeps of undulating grasslands abruptly change to the thickly forested ravines and thundering waterfalls of the Escarpment, only to change again to present the subtropical wildlife splendour of the Lowveld. 

Sabie and Graskop provide a large part of the country's total requirement for forestry products. These forestry plantations are an ideal backdrop for ecotourism opportunities, with a variety of popular hiking trails, a myriad of waterfalls, patches of indigenous forest, and a variety of nature reserves. 

Lake Chrissie is the largest natural freshwater lake in South Africa, and is famous for its variety of aquatic birds, especially flamingos. 

The people 
Even though it is one of the smaller provinces (some 79 490 km2 in surface area), Mpumalanga has a population of about three million people. 

Some 29% of those aged 20 years or older have not undergone any schooling, while the population growth rate is higher than the national average. The main languages spoken are siSwati, isiZulu and isiNdebele. 

Agriculture and forestry 
This is a summer-rainfall area divided by the Escarpment into the Highveld region with cold frosty winters and the Lowveld region with mild winters and a subtropical climate. 

The Escarpment area sometimes experiences snow on high ground. Thick mist is common during the hot humid summers. 

An abundance of citrus fruit and many other subtropical fruits ­ mangoes, avocados, litchis, bananas, pawpaws, granadillas, guavas ­ as well as nuts and a variety of vegetables are produced here. 

Nelspruit is the second-largest citrus-producing area in South Africa. It is responsible for one-third of the country's export in oranges. The Institute for Tropical and Sub-tropical Crops is situated here. 

The natural forests of the area could not supply enough timber for the burgeoning mining industry in the early days of gold mining. Plantations of exotic trees, mainly pine, gum and Australian wattles, were established to supply wood for the mine props. These trees did so well that the Sabie area became the biggest single region of forestry plantations in South Africa. 

Groblersdal is an important irrigation area which yields a wide variety of products such as citrus fruit, cotton, tobacco, wheat and vegetables. 

Carolina-Bethal-Ermelo is sheep area. Potatoes, sunflower seeds, maize and peanuts are also produced in this region. 

Industry 
Mpumalanga is very rich in coal reserves. The country's biggest power stations, three of which are the biggest in the southern hemisphere, are situated here. Unfortunately, these cause the highest levels of air pollution in the country. Secunda, the petroleum-from-coal installation, is also located in this province. 

One of the country's largest paper mills is situated at Ngodwana, close to its timber source. Middelburg produces steel and vanadium, while Witbank is the biggest coal producer in Africa. 

The Maputo Corridor, currently under construction, will link Gauteng with the Maputo harbour, and will open new tourism opportunities for Mpumalanga. 

Tourism
Mpumalanga Regions:
Cultural Heartlands Grass & Wetlands Cosmos Country
Wild Frontier The Panorama Lowveld Legogote
Highlands Meander

MPUMALANGA AT A GLANCE
The name Mpumalanga means "The place where the sun rises" Land Area: 79 490 km2

Population: 2.65 million

Population Density: 33 per km2 . Capital City: Nelspruit

Major Towns: Barberton, Burgersfort, Delmas, Ermelo, Hazyview, Komatipoort, Lydenburg, Malelane, Middelburg, Piet Retief, Sabie, Secunda, Standerton, Volksrust, White River, Witbank

Languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Sepedi, SiSwati, Tsonga

Climate: Hot to very hot in summer, especially in the lowveld regions. Mild in winter, out can become very cold in the highveld areas. Mpumalanga is a summer rainfall area.

Airports: Kruger Mpumalanga International, Nelspruit, Skukuza (Kruger Park), Malelane

Roads: Good, suitable for all vehicles Hours of Business: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Internet: Operates countrywide

Cellphones: Major routes and all centres

AIRPORT TELEPHONE NUMBERS( International Dialling code is 27)
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport 013 755 4377
Malelane Airport 013 790 0584
Nelspruit Airport 013 741 3557
Skukuza -Kruger National Park Airport 013 735 5644
Johannesburg lnternational Airport: Arrival/Departure Enquiries 011 921 6262
Grand Central Airport -Johannesburg 011 805 3166
Lanseria Airport -Johannesburg 011 659 2753
Rand Airport -Johannesburg 011 827 8884

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ( International Dialling code is 27)
Mpumalanga Tourism Authority 013 752 7001
Mpumalanga Parks Board 013 759 5300/1
South Africa National Parks Board 012 428 9111
Police 10111
Ambulance 999
Cellular Phones (Emergencies) Cell-C 084140 MTN 112 Vodacom 147
American Express 011 359 0111
Diners Club 011 3588400
Mastercard International 0800 990418 TF
VISA International 080 099 0475
TF Thomas Cook -Rennies 080 099 8175 TF
Telkom/Telephone Enquiries 1023
All areas Europ Assistance 011 254 1000
Medical Rescue International 0800 111900 TF
Nelspruit Mediclinic 013 759 0500

HEALTH
Malaria occurs in some parts of the Lowveld regions of , Mpumalanga. Visitors should take the usual precautions. If in any doubt, consult a pharmacist or doctor.

Click on the Tourism Routes in the right hand column to find accommodation, activities, attractions, booking agents, arts, crafts & Heritage 

ESSENTIAL KIT
Binoculars, camera and film, sunscreen, strong walking shoes, sun hat, light tropical clothing, warm anorak for evening and night drives, insect repellent cream.


PRINCIPAL MPUMALANGA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Abel Erasmus Pass -North eastern scenic route to the lowveld Barberton -Historic mining town, mountain passes, southern lowveld

Berlin Falls -Panorama route, near Graskop

Blyde River Canyon -Spectacular green canyon with excellent viewsites, panorama route, north of Graskop

Botshabelo Mission and Traditional Village -

Middelburg Bourke's luck Potholes -Panorama route, north of Graskop Bulembu Pass -Scenic route to Swaziland from Barberton Chrissiesmeer lake District -Central Mpumalanga Dullstroom -Trout fishing and falconry centre

Elands River Falls -On the N4 to Nelspruit at Waterval-Boven God's Window -Panorama route, north of Graskop Kruger National Park -Eastern Mpumalanga

Lisbon Falls -Panorama route, north of Graskop lone Creek Falls -Sabie River valley, forest walks, biking trails long Tom Pass -Highland route to Sabie from Lydenburg Loopspruit Winery -North east of Pretoria, KwaNdebele region Loskop Dam Nature Reserve -East of Middelburg Lydenburg Museum -Central Mpumalanga

Mac Mac Falls -Between Sabie and Graskop

Matsulu Village -Off the N4, east of Nelspruit (check opening times) Ndebele Traditional Village -loopspruit, north east of Pretoria Nelspruit Botanic Gardens -Nelspruit suburbs Nelspruit Enviro Park -Nelspruit suburbs

Nyabela Monument -At the Mapoch Caves, near Roossenekal Pilgrim's Rest -Historic mining village, gold panning and museum, between Lydenburg and Graskop via the R36 and R533 Private Game Reserves -Are mostly located in the lowveld, adjoining Kruger National Park off the R536 from Hazyview Sabie Forestry Museum -Sabie

Songimvelo Nature Reserve -West of Barberton

Sudwala Caves -Off the N4, west of Nelspruit on the R539 The Pinnacle -Panorama route, north of Graskop

Wakkerstroom -Southern grass and wetlands, world renowned birding and historical sites, hiking trails and hang gliding 


MPUMALANGA TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES ( International dialing
code 27)
Amajuba Publicity Association, Volksrust. Tel: 017 735 5141
Assegaai Tourism Association, Piet Retief. Tet: 017 826 5477
Barberton Tourist Information Bureau, Barberton. Tel: 013 712 2121
Belfast Visitors Information Centre, Belfast. Tel: 013 253 0408
Carolina Tourist Information, Carolina. Tel: 017 843 2008
Chrissiesmeer Information, Chrissiesmeer. Tel: 013 847 0164
Dullstroom Accommodation, Dullstroom. Tel: 013 254 0020
Dullstroom Tourism Association, Dullstroom. Tel: 013 254 0254
Ermelo Tourism Office, Ermelo. Tel: 017 811 4836
Graskop Info & Reservations, Graskop. Tel: 013 767 1833
Highveld East Information Centre, Secunda. Tel: 017 620 6090
Info Tour -Witbank, Witbank. Tel: 013 656 2327
Komatipoort Information, Komatipoort. Tel: 013 790 7218
Kruger Park South Info, Malelane. Tel: 013 790 1193
Lowveld Info (Nelspruit), Nelspruit. Tel: 013 755 1988
Lowveld Info (White River), White River. Tel: 013 750 1073
Matotoland Eco Tourism, Chrissiesmeer. Tel: 017 847 0008
Middelburg Tourism Information Centre, Middelburg. Tel: 013 243 2253
Millies: Rainbow Flies & Tackle, Machadodorp. Tel: 013 256 9392
Origins Tourism Association, Barberton. Tel: 013 712 5055
Panorama Central Reservations, Graskop. Tel: 013 767 1377
Panorama Hazyview Information Office & Reservations, Hazyview. Tel: 013 737 7414
Pilgrim's Rest Information Office, Pilgrim's Rest. Tel: 013 768 1060
Sabie-Panorama Info Office, Sabie. Tel: 013 764 1125
Sunshine Valley Info Centre, Marble Hall. Tel: 013 261 3032
Waterval-Boven Information Office, Waterval-Boven. Tel: 013 257 0444
Wild Turkey (Wakkerstroom), Wakkerstroom. Tel: 017 730 0674

Click on the Tourism Routes in the right hand column to find accommodation, activities, attractions, booking agents, arts, crafts & Heritage 

SELF DRIVE TIPS TO MPUMALANGA
TRAVELlING IN MPUMALANGA 
There are three principal routes dissecting Mpumalanga. The N4 running west to east from Pretoria to Witbank and through to Nelspruit and Komatipoort on the Mozambique border. The R40 running south to north from Barberton to Hazyview via Nelspruit and White River and through Phalaborwa in the Northern Province. The N11 which enters the province in the south at Volksrust travelling north to Ermelo, Middelburg and through to Groblersdal in the extreme north of the province. 

These three routes will link you to every destination in the province. 
Accommodation throughout the province is plentiful, but advance booking is advisable if you require a specific location such as private game reserve or Mpumalanga Parks Board accommodation. 

Roads are, with one or two exceptions, tarred and of a high standard suitable for all vehicles. Petrol and diesel is widely available at all towns and villages. 
In travelling to the many listed places of interest you will pass through some dramatic escarpment country. Those with particular interests are invited to contact Mpumalanga Tourism Authority or anyone of the many Community Information Offices for specialist information. 

When travelling within the Kruger National Park allow additional time for your journey due to the lower speed limits. (50km/h) 

The Mpumalanga escarpment is heavily forested. Do not light fires in undesignated areas, especially during the dry season. 

PRINCIPAL ENTRY ROUTES TO MPUMALANGA AND THE KRUGER NATIONAL PARK FROM SANDTON, PRETORIA, JOHANNESBURG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, AND DURBAN
Sandton to Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park
Exit Sandton CBD on Grayston Drive turning left onto the M1 north towards Pretoria for 27km, then follow the N1 Pietersburg signs continuing through the eastern suburbs of Pretoria for a further 21 km to the N4 Witbank offramp. Take this route travelling eastwards bypassing Bronkhorstspruit to Witbank, 100km. Continue eastwards from Witbank on the N4, passing through the first toll gate bypassing Middelburg and continue on to the Belfast turnoff. If you continue on the N4 you will reach Nelspruit arid can then continue on to Malelane and the southern entrances to the Kruger National Park. Alternatively, turn left into Belfast and then right onto the R540 to Dullstroom which is a well known trout fishing centre continue on to Lydenburg and points east over the scenic Mpumalanga Escarpment to Hazyview via Sabie or Pilgrim's Rest. Hazyview is your point of departure for the Private Game Reserves and Skukuza, the headquarters of the Kruger National Park.

Johannesburg International Airport to Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park From Johannesburg International Airport take the R21 travelling south east towards Boksburg, passing the Caesar's Palace resort on your left and follow the signs to the N12 and Witbank, 96km. Bypass Witbank to the junction where the N 12 meets the N4 and then follow the instructions as above.

Pretoria to Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park
Departing from Pretoria, exit the city on Schoeman Street which becomes the N4 to Witbank, 103km. Thereafter follow the instructions above. 

There are alternative routes into Mpumalanga from Pretoria and Johannesburg. Take a southerly route to the Southern Grasslands at Wakkerstroom, a world renowned birding area. lake Chrissie in the central area is known for the many hiking and biking trails and is also a birding area. The northern route via Middelburg, Botshabelo, loskop Dam Nature Reserve and Roossenekal and the Mapoch Caves will take you through to Dullstroom and points east.

Durban -KwaZulu .Natal to Mgumalanga via Swaziland
Travel north from Durban on the N2 to Piet Retief, turn right to enter Swaziland at Mahamba. Travel north to Manzini and Mbabane via Hlatikulu. From Mbabane take the route to Pigg's Peak and the Bulembu border post. Travel down the scenic Bulembu Pass to Barberton and the R40 to Nelspruit.

CASINOS
Mpumalanga offers three modern casinos for evening entertainment. These are located at :-
Nelspruit, Emnotweni Casino on the R40 a short distance from the city centre on the White River road.
Secunda, at the Graceland complex. 
Witbank, Champions Casino just off the N4 east of the town centre


MORE ESSENTIAL SELF DRIVE INFORMATION 
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK 
OPENING & CLOSING TIMES PARK ENTRY GATES & CAMP GATES 
Month Main Entry Gates Camp Gates 
Open Close Open Close 
Jan 05:30 18:30 04:30 18:30 Feb 05:30 18:30 05:30 18:30 Mar 05:30 18:00 05:30 18:00 Apr 06:00 18:00 06:00 18:00 May-Jul 06:00 17:30 06:00 17:30 Aug/Sep 06:00 18:00 06:00 18:00 act 05:30 18:00 05:30 18:00 Nov/Dec 05:30 18:30 04:30 18:30 There are restaurants, shops and petrol stations at all major camps within the park. Advance booking essential -Nelspruit Information office will provide this service at Tel: 013 752 4547 

Kruger National Park 
Southern entrance to Skukuza and exit at Kruger Gate One day excursion Depart from Nelspruit on the N4 east to Malelane for the first entry point to the park. Continue on to Komatipoort if you wish to enter the park at the Crocodile Bridge Gate. Travel north on the H4-2 to Lower Sabie. Continue in a northerly direction on the H 10 to Tshokwane for lunch. From Tshokwane travel south west to Skukuza, the park capital via the H1-2 where you will find excellent theme shopping at the camp shop. From Skukuza you have the option of returning to Nelspruit, White River or Hazyview via the Kruger Gate. Check the closing time of gates and carry a park map. 

Kruger National Park 
Western entrance at Kruger Gate and exit at Malelane Gate One day excursion Enter the park from Nelspruit, White River or Hazyview through the Kruger Gate to Skukuza for theme shopping at the camp shop and a visit to the museum. From Skukuza travel south to Lower Sabie on the H4-1 and through to the Crocodile Bridge camp. Do not exit the park but turn right at the camp onto the S25 travelling west to meet the H3 just north of the Malelane Gate. Exit the park at Malelane Gate and return to Nelspruit on the N4. Check the closing time of gates and carry a map. 


Wakkerstroom -Hiking trails, mountain biking, birding, hang-gliding 
Volksrust -Battlefields, lizard reserve 
Chrissiesmeer -Birding, hiking trails, mountain biking, trap shooting, nature walks, frog watching 
Belfast -Trout fishing, hiking trails, birding 
Badplaas -Trout fishing, hot springs, hiking trails 
Dullstroom -Trout fishing and theme shopping, birds of prey centre 
Lydenburg .Historic architecture, museum, fish hatchery, hiking trails and scenic drives 
Waterval Boven -Rock climbing, abseiling, hiking trails, trout fishing and scenic waterfalls
Sabie -Mountain biking, hiking trails, forest walks, waterfalls, wood museum, golf, trout fishing
Nelspruit -National Botanic Garden, Enviro Park, casino, golf
White River -Forest walks, golf, artist route, Barnyard Theatre
Barberton -Historic buildings, museum, mountain pass, hiking trails and walks Pilgrim's Rest -Gold panning, theme shopping, mountain biking, hiking trails, trout fishing, museum
Graskop -Scenic drives, hiking trails
Hazyview -Scenic drives, golf, Shangana Village
Komatipoort -River scenery, Bat hotel, tiger fishing
Kruger National Park -Game drives and African wilderness, golf at Skukuza. Private Game Reserves -Superb accommodation in game country with all facilities for game viewing provided, 


Region: Cosmos Country
Towns:
Delmas  |  Bethal  |  Standerton  |  Balfour  |  Greylingstad

Towns : Cultural Heartlands
Witbank  |  Middelburg  |  Siyabuswa  |  Groblerdsdal  |  Marble Hall  |  Roossenekal

Towns: Grass & Wetlands
Badplaas  |  Carolina  |  Hendrina  |  Ermelo  |  Volksrust  | 
Piet Retief  |  Amsterdam  |  Breyten  |  Lothair  |  Morgenzon Chrissiesmeer

Towns: Highlands Meander
Belfast  |  Dullstroom  |  Lydenburg  |  Machadodorp  |  Waterval Boven  |  Waterval Onder

Towns: The Panorama
Sabie  |  Pilgrim's Rest  |  Ohrigstad  |  Graskop  |  Hazyview

Towns: Wild Frontier
Barberton  |  Kaapmuiden  |  Badplaas  |  Komatipoort 
Malelane

Towns: Lowveld Legogote
Nelspruit  |  White River  |  Kaapse Hoop  |  Kanyamazane