South Africa is located right at the Southern point of the African continent. Its beautiful African landscape has intrigued many travellers from all around the world. South Africa has incredible wildlife, beautiful rainforest and so much more. Here is our guide for exploring the beautiful Mpumalanga South Africa.
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Mpumalanga is located in the east of South Africa. It’s home to the world-famous Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon which is the largest Canyon in the world.
The word Mpumalanga means “east”, or “the place where the sun rises” in the Swazi, Xhosa, Ndebele and Zulu languages. The main city in the Mpumalanga province is Mbombela which is formally known as Nelspruit.
In this guide, we have everything you need to make your trip to Mpumalanga unforgettable.
Things to do in Mpumalanga South Africa
1. Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga.
The most popular attraction in Mpumalanga has to be the Kruger National Park. In the park, you can see all the animals of Africa including the Big Five.
The Big Five is the Elephant, the Lion, the Rhino, the Leopard and the Buffalo. The Kruger National Park is the perfect safari trip for many international and local tourists.
The opening hours for the Kruger National Park from October to March are 05:30 to 18:00 and from April to September are 06:00 to 17:30.
Kruger National Park Entrance Fee
Entrance fee for International Visitors
- Per Adult: ZAR 440
- Per Child under 12: ZAR 220
Entrance fee for South African Citizens and Residents (with ID)
- Per Adult per day: ZAR 110
- Per Child under 12: ZAR 55
For more information about the Kruger National Park click here.
Tours to Kruger National Park
Book a tour to the Kruger national park here.
2. Sudwala Cave, Nelspruit.
The Sudwala Cave is one of the oldest caves in the world. The Caves were formed over 200 million years ago, and are part of the Drakensberg escarpment.
The cave is over 30 kilometres in length, however, only 600 metres are accessible to visitors. It has 4 main rooms including the beautiful Fairy Wonderland room.
The opening hours for the Sudwala Caves are 08:30 to 16:30.
Sudwala Cave Entrance Fee
Entrance Fee for all visitors are:
- Adults: ZAR100
- Pensioners: ZAR 80
- Children Above 4 years: ZAR 60
- Children Under 4 years: FREE
For more information about Sudwala Cave click here.
3. Kaapschehoop, Nelspruit.
Kaapshehoop is a small charming village. It’s famous for the wild horses that roam around freely.
With its misty mountains and tall plantations, Kaapschehoop is a dreamy destination. It has delicious restaurants, bars and antique shops.
If you have the time spend a night in one of the very cosy hotels or guesthouses here in Kaapshehoop to get the full experience.
4. Lowveld National Botanical Gardens, Nelspruit.
The Lowveld Botanical Gardens is situated at the junction between the Crocodile River and the Nyls River. With miles of beautiful trees and flowers, a waterfall and long suspension bridges this is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll or a picnic.
The opening hours for the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens from September to March are 08:00 to 18:00 and from April to August are 08:00 to 17:00.
Lowveld National Botanical Gardens Entrance Fee
Entrance Fee for all visitors are:
- Adult: ZAR 50
- Student: ZAR 27
- Pensioner: Free entry on Tuesdays
- Children: ZAR 15
5. The Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Graskop.
Over the years, raging waters have created this unique geological rock feature. The cylindrical potholes are now admired from above where you can see a network of tunnels, tubes and whirling pools that are interconnected. The colours are unique in each hole which creates a beautiful colourful landscape.
The opening hours for the Bourke’s Luck Potholes are 07:00 to 17:00.
The entrance fee is ZAR 25 per person plus ZAR 5 per car.
6. God’s Window, Graskop.
This breathtaking view of the Lowveld is known as God’s Window and it’s situated on the Drakensberg escarpment. By taking just one glance over this panoramic landscape, you will easily understand why it’s called God’s Window. You can admire canyons, rock formations, waterfalls and magnificent views.
The opening hours to God’s window are 07:00 to 17:00.
The entrance fee is ZAR 10 per person.
7. Graskop Gorge.
Graskop Gorge is one of the most adventurous locations in Graskop. You can take your pick between ‘The lift’, ‘The Forest’, ‘The big swing Zipline’ and the ‘Suspension Bridge’.
The newest activity here is ‘The lift’. You can take the 51-meters-high lift down to the gorge and into the forest. From here you follow a beautiful trail through the forest and enjoy some educational facts about nature. The highlight of the trail is the waterfall.
The opening hours to Graskop Gorge are 08:30 to 18:00.
For more information including the entrance fee to Graskop Gorge click here
8. The Pinnacle Rock, Graskop.
The Pinnacle Rock is a beautiful freestanding quartzite rock that stands 30 metres high. This rock towers over the indigenous forest of Driekop Gorge and is accompanied by a beautiful waterfall. Be sure to take some time to enjoy this miracle when you are on the Panorama Route.
The opening hours to The Pinnacle Rock are 08:00 to 17:00.
Ways to get to Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Nelspruit International Airport
- Rents a car from OR Tambo
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
- Skukuza Airport
Restaurants to try in Mpumalanga South Africa
1. Harrie’s Pancakes, Graskop
Harrie’s Pancakes is famous for its savoury and sweet pancakes. It’s located in Graskop Town and they have become a favourite among local and international tourists. Rate on Tripadvisor: 4 / 5
For location on google maps tap here
2. Mrs Simpsom Restaurant, Dullstroom
Mrs Simpson Restaurant has an at-home dining feel to it and serves some favourites among South Africans. They serve anything from Springbok Carpaccio and Bobotie to Malva Pudding. Rate on Tripadvisor: 4.5 / 5
Location on Google Maps click here
3. Pioneer Butchery and Grill, Hazyview
Pioneer Butchery offers a unique dining experience that will exceed all expectations. It’s not your ordinary steak ranch. It’s the perfect restaurant for meat lovers. Rate on Tripadvisor: 4.5 / 5.
Location on Google Maps click here
4. Cattle Baron Restaurant, Kruger National Park
This restaurant is located inside the Kruger National Park right by Skukuza Park. If you are exploring the Kruger National Park, this is a nice restaurant to stop at for a delicious meal. It’s most famous for its delicious fillet steak, however, it has many delicious dishes to satisfy all cravings. Rate on Tripadvisor: 4 / 5
Location on Google Maps click here
Places to Stay in Mpumalanga South Africa
Loerieroep, Nelspruit
This Guesthouse is located 11 km outside of Nelspruit and 75 kilometres from the Kruger National park. There is free parking for everyone coming in their own car. Loerieroep is a self-service guesthouse. They are rated 9.5/10 on booking.com and prices start from R1,000.
Mercure Hotel Nelspruit.
This hotel is only 45 minutes from the Kruger National Park and they provide airport pick-up services if you are flying in. There is private parking available at the hotel if you have your own transport. They are rated 8.9/10 on booking.com and prices start at R1,100 per room per day.
Aha Casa Do Sol Hotel & Resort, Hazyview
This hotel and resort are located 20 kilometres from the Kruger National park. Some other beautiful attractions close by including God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon. They are rated 8.5/10 on booking.com and prices start at R1,200.
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