Mpumalanga is known as the province where the sun rises. Bordering the nations of Swaziland and Mozambique, it shares SA's flagship national park, Kruger, with Limpopo.
Bush lovers keep coming to its top game reserves and parks for abundant opportunities to spot all the must-see wildlife.
There are many top attractions to check off your bucket list, from Blyde River Canyon and Emgwenya's Elands Falls to staying in some of South Africa's most luxurious safari accommodation.
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Whether you're road-tripping from Johannesburg or Durban or jetting in from Cape Town, let these amazing Mpumalanga reserves and parks inspire your next bush break.
1. Kruger National Park
Wildlife safaris don't get any better than Kruger! As South Africa's largest national park, it stretches across nearly 2 million hectares of unrivalled natural diversity.
Kruger is home to worthwhile rest camps and self-drive safaris, while Greater Kruger has a large concentration of luxury lodges and tented camps.
If you go:
- Website: SANParks/Kruger
- Daily Conservation Fee: 1 November 2021 - 31 October 2022: R110 per adult | R55 per child
- Northern Kruger Park Gates: Phalaborwa Entrance Gate |
Punda Maria Entrance Gate - Kruger Park Gate Times:
Opening Times: Oct - Mar: 05h30 | Apr - Sep: 06h00
Closing Times: Aug - Oct: 18h00 | Nov - Feb: 18h30 | Mar - Apr: 18h00 | May - Jul: 17h30 - Booking: Day Visitor Online Booking
- Contact: 013 735 5638 | Instagram: @krugernationalpark
READ: SA's Best Bush Breaks | Top 5 Reserves in Limpopo
2. Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
The Reserve is situated against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment and includes natural wonders such as the Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock, and God's Window.
Experience impressive views along the Blyde River Canyon's winding path.
If you go:
- Website: Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
- Contact: 013 759 5373 | email: [email protected]
3. Songimvelo Game Reserve
Mpumalanga's largest game reserve and the only place in the world where you can spot the rare woolly cycad.
It has unrivalled views of the Barberton Mountains, South Africa's newest world heritage site. The terrain is rough, which is why the game reserve has become popular for its horseback safaris.
If you go:
- Website: Songimvelo Nature Reserve
- Rates: R50 per person. R25 Children 12-years to pensioners
4. Dullstroom Nature Reserve
The Dullstroom Nature Reserve was established to protect, celebrate, and preserve the area's natural assets. This reserve is free to visit, so you can have a great day in Dullstroom without reaching for your wallet.
And while it's not as famous as Kruger, with its dam and the area's fly-fishing drawcard, you're in for a peaceful experience.
If you go:
- Website: Dullstroom Nature Reserve
- Contact Details: 0837009749 | email: [email protected]
READ: Secret Dullstroom | 5 things to love about SA’s highest village
5. Emgwena, Waterval Bovan
Adventurers rate this as one of the top climbing destinations in South Africa, with over 700 testing routes suited to both novice and experienced climbers.
It is also home to Elands Falls – one of the highest waterfalls in the province with a must-see scenic view.
If you go:
- Website: Emgwenya
- Contact: 013 759 5300
- Instagram: @mpumalangatourism
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