What to do and see in Mpumalanga, South Africa: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

June 13, 2021 Ying Subia

Mpumalanga /əmˌpuːməˈlɑːŋɡə/ ( listen) is a province of South Africa. The name means "east", or literally "the place where the sun rises" in the Swazi, Xhosa, Ndebele and Zulu languages. Mpumalanga lies in eastern South Africa, bordering Swaziland and Mozambique. It constitutes 6.5% of South Africa's land area. It shares borders with the South African provinces of Limpopo to the north, Gauteng to the west, the Free State to the southwest, and KwaZulu-Natal to the south. The capital is Nelspruit.
Restaurants in Mpumalanga

1. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

R543, 2351 South Africa http://www.blydecanyon.co.za
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 906 reviews

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

The 33 km long spectacular gorge has an abundance of wildlife.

Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China

The Blyde River Canyon in the Mpumalanga province is one of the deepest canyons in the wold, measuring up to 1400 metres in height and 25 kms in length. This is one of South Africa's most impressive natural features and a major attraction area for those who enjoy the outdoors, hiking and scenery. The canyon forms the northern part of the Drakensberg escarpment and is mostly formed of red sandstone. Visitors will find outstanding viewpoints into the canyon along R532. A particularly popular stop is the Three Roundavels where you can peer deep into the canyon, viewing Blyderivierpoort Dam as well as the unique land formations on the opposite side known as the Three Roundavels. Note: A popular activity to do around the Blyde River Canyon is to take the Panorama Route self-drive tour, which takes in the above Three Roundavels in addition to other fun stops such as the Bourkes' Luck Potholes, God's Window, Pinnacle Rock as well as some impressive waterfalls which fall deep into various gorges and over the escarpment at various locations. Note: For those wanting to spend a day or two in the Blyde River Canyon area, Graskop makes for a nice place to base yourself.

2. Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail

Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve, Pilgrim's Rest South Africa
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail

Two hiking trails criss-cross the vast Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve, rife with forests, grasslands and bush.

Reviewed By roelv849

We took the Leopard hike combined with Guinea trail. Took about 4 hours including the most magnificent stops. Starts at forever resorts.

3. Kruger National Park

Malalan Gate, Nelspruit 1350 South Africa +27 13 735 6152 http://sanparks.org/parks/kruger/
Excellent
79%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,576 reviews

Kruger National Park

Reviewed By 422leanam - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Kruger National park is excellent in game wildlife we used the Nguni gate good check in and welcome reception very informative got maps and was self drive l liked the roads my first time to go on tarred roads in a National park well maintained My kids enjoyed the game Girraffes elephants wilder beast Duiker Hyenas Kudu wild spotted dogs only to mention a few but you never go wrong in Kruger Would really want to visit again for game Many restaurants to accommodate lunches liked the set up excellent

4. Matsamo Cultural Village

Jeppe's Reef - Border Post, Jeppe's Reef South Africa +27 13 781 0578 http://www.matsamocustoms.com
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 82 reviews

Matsamo Cultural Village

Reviewed By QCern - Kirkland, Canada

They tell you that this is a living village, but I have my doubts. Nevertheless the illusion is well done and you get a nice into to Swati life and the dancing/singing show thereafter is fabulous. We also ate lunch at the village and it was very good indeed.

5. Bourkes' Luck Potholes

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Moremela South Africa +27 13 753 3115 [email protected] http://www.southafrica.net/za/it/articles/entry/article-bourkes-luck-potholes
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 892 reviews

Bourkes' Luck Potholes

Reviewed By lungin - Durban, South Africa

This was my favourite feature on the Panorama Route. The guards at the gate are helpful (there is an entry fee) and staff in general are helpful and friendly. The area is well looked after and maintained. Bourke’s potholes themselves- wow! What a view! You walk about 400m from the parking area and are rewarded with amazing views. There is a trail you can walk on to see the potholes, waterfalls and river from various angles. There are also more challenging hikes for people with permits in the reserve.

6. Panorama Route

R532 Blyde River Canyon, Graskop 1270 South Africa +27 83 997 1034 http://www.mpumalanga.com/routes/panorama-route-rt102618
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,593 reviews

Panorama Route

Reviewed By Napanangka - Cape Town, South Africa

Definately a must see. From the Lisbon-, MacMac or Berlin Falls to God's Window, the Pinnacles, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Pilgrims Rest and, of course, the amazing Blyde River Canyon with the Three Rondavels. Spend at least 2 nights in this area. There is lots to see

7. Three Roundavels

Blyde River Nature Reserve Northern End of the Drakensberg Mountain Range South Africa
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
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4.5 based on 403 reviews

Three Roundavels

Reviewed By WeakKneeTraveler - Singapore, Singapore

This place is absolutely stunning. There's mountains and river flowing in between the mountains. An excellent stop for photography. There are also souvenir stalls by the road opposite this attraction, for those who are keen.

8. Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre

R540 Corner Kruisfontein Road 1km Out of Dullstroom, on Belfast side, Dullstroom 1110 South Africa +27 82 899 4108 [email protected] http://www.birdsofprey.co.za
Excellent
77%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
1%
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4.5 based on 341 reviews

Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre

The Dullstroom Bird Of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre strives to educate the public on the plight of raptors. We provide flying demonstrations, handling and photographic days to the public as part of our educational drive. We have a self guided tour through our resident birds, each with its own history of how they came to be at the Centre. We rehabilitate injured wildlife and also breed and release raptors back into the wild. Flying demonstrations are strictly weather permitting and start at 10h30 and 14h30 Wed- Mon. Please come earlier as it is a fair walk to the demonstration area. The demonstration area is outside with no shade so remember hats, sunscreen in summer. Centre is closed on Tuesdays unless it falls on a public holiday. We are a registered non-profit Trust and do not receive financial assistance from the government. Our existence and survival is solely dependent on the entrance fees, donations and sponsorships of you our visitors.

Reviewed By NadiaNilsen - Johannesburg, South Africa

We booked for the early morning Handling visit. This is limited to 2 adults so it’s really a wonderfully close encounter. With a lot of patient instruction from Magdali, who shows an amazing passion for her calling, we handled 9 stunning birds of different species, each with their own personality. We spent 3 wonderful hours at the sanctuary and can certainly recommend this as an amazing adventure.

9. Sudwala Caves

R539, Nelspruit South Africa +27 83 446 0228 [email protected] http://www.sudwalacaves.com
Excellent
47%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 588 reviews

Sudwala Caves

The Sudwala Caves is the oldest known caves in the world and lie in the Drakensberg escarpment.Regular guided tours take you 600 meters in and 150 meters underground. Tours leave every 10 min (approx) and take about 30 minutes.The caves have some amazing formations including stalactites, stalagmites, flow stones and pre cambrian fossils. The most famous formation is the Screaming Monster. This is actually a stalactite that has joined with a stalagmite and has formed a column that is 200 million years old.

Reviewed By mkrish1960

We were staying in Sudwala Lodge and decided to go up to the caves as a way to kill time .. good decision. The caves are huge and are well displayed with appropriate lighting and excellent guides .. The nearest to these that we have seen were in Gibraltar and these are as awe inspiring as those. It's a bit of a hike uphill throughout the caves and 60 - 70 steps from the parking to the cave entrance .. The amphitheatre and the stalactites and stalagmites are really ancient and fabulous .. Well with a trip if you are in the region. The butterfly garden which is included in the to cket price is quite ordinary. Well worth a visit if in the region !!

10. Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Off White River Rd, Nelspruit 1200 South Africa +27 13 752 5531 [email protected] http://www.sanbi.org
Excellent
57%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 367 reviews

Lowveld National Botanical Garden

The Lowveld National Botanical Garden in Nelspruit, ‘grows’ magically out of the confluence of the Crocodile and Nels Rivers and offers up a magnificent array of nature’s treasures. The two rivers create spectacular waterfalls which give this Garden its visually spectacular character.

Reviewed By SallyD040 - Johannesburg, South Africa

Was passing through Nelspruit and had a couple of hours to spare so whilst my hubby was busy I stopped in at the Lowveld Botanical gardens. What a treat - it was quiet and too beautiful for words .. I walked the paths past gushing waterfalls, saw butterflies and birds, crossed the suspension bridge and meandered along the canopy walk way through the trees. I didn’t see any hippos but did spot a green water snake .. it was so peaceful with the background noise of running water and singing birds. Lots of info along the way - all well marked and informative. I stopped in the restaurant - friendly staff - for a drink and further viewing with my binoculars. You will feel that all is well with the world whilst you’re there !!!

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