Things to do & places to visit in Mpumalanga, South Africa

Mpumalanga #5 destination in South Africa 2023. The average rating score is 4.41 based on 20.9k traveler reviews, of 319 attractions. Timezone: Africa/Johannesburg, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 17:52.

Mpumalanga Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

70°F - 42°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly with a gentle breeze

Feels like

Chance of rain

21.0 millimeters

Amount

11.0 mph

Wind speed

60%

Humidity

10.9

Daylight length

6:29 AM

Sunrise

5:21 PM

Sunset

80%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (30)

Top destinations in Mpumalanga 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 GAP Tours & Transfers (428 reviews)
- Best Kruger Trip
Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

My husband and I spent our first day of our honeymoon with Edward. What an incredible safari guide! He was so knowledgeable and informative. He gave us the best experience in Kruger. He was also so friendly, from the moment he fetched us to the moment he dropped us off, he made sure we were comfortable (gave us blankets for the very cold morning drive and water) and did his very best to "deliver" incredible animal sightings. For our first guided safari through Kruger, we were spoilt with our sightings and would highly recommend Edward! We will definitely be coming back for a honeymoon 2.0 safari drive. Thank you again for an incredible experience! See more..
5.0 Kruger Gateway Safaris (277 reviews)
- Magical Adventure of a Lifetime
Safaris • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We had the most amazing safari trip with Gerrie. He organized everything - the safaris, the accommodations, the flights, meals, adventure, fun and animals! He took all the stress out of it so we could just relax and enjoy. The trip was beyond our wildest expectations and that is because of Gerrie and his wife Elmarie. Gerrie deeply cares about his clients, Kruger and South Africa and does his best to make your trip as memorable as possible. We were hoping to see african wild dogs and white rhinos. We saw both of these, the rest of the big 5, and much, more more! Gerrie was just as excited to see animals as we were and the joy he has in his job is apparent, and makes the experience priceless. We will forever remember Gerrie, his kindness and knowledge, and this trip. We recommend Kruger Gateway Safaris unreservedly and the only way we would come back is if it was with Gerrie! See more..
5.0 Kruger Pride Safaris (265 reviews)
- Exciting tour with Jan Bergh
Nature & Wildlife Tours

I am absolutely delighted with my tour with Jan Bergh. Within 5 minutes of our tour we had a sighting of lions, hyena and cheetah, amongst others. Jan was very strategic in arriving first to the sighting, thus reflected in his great knowledge and experience of the park and its animals. There were stops for breakfast, lunch and toilet, and he always kept us in the loop with what we were seeing and where we were going. All in all, a great experience that I highly recommend! See more..
5.0 Private Kruger Safaris (262 reviews)
- Great experience and a great guide!
Sunday: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Safaris • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Robbie took us on a lovely morning drive where we saw an amazing variety of animals throughout the park. His friendly demeanor and knowledge of both the park and the animals made our excursion even more interesting. He also introduced us to some delicious buffalo pies along the way. Also notable is that he interacted so well with our young kids and entertained all thoughts and questions that they had. It was a great way to spend time in the park and was well worth the cost. See more..
5.0 Kruger Pride Safaris (95 reviews)
- What a morning !! Did anyone say lion and cheetah within an hour?
Safaris

Kruger Pride Safaris is a small family run business providing open vehicle safaris into the Kruger National Park. Our guides are fully licensed and experienced and we have been operating in the area for over 10 years. See more..
5.0 Shinzelle Safaris (91 reviews)
- Made my dreams come true!
Sunday: Historical & Heritage Tours • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks • Sightseeing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We booked the four day Kruger and Private Reserve Tour with Danny, staying at Khaya Ndlovu Manor House. First of all, the accommodation and food was first class. The manor is beautifully decorated, with a deck area and infinity pool overlooking a water hole, where you can watch zebras and other wildlife come down to drink. The game drives were out of this world! Johnny our guide for Kruger was so knowledgeable and could spot all types of wildlife. We were extremely lucky and saw everything we could, and the trackers and guides at Khaya Ndlovu also went above and beyond to track cheetahs and lioness. Everything was perfectly organised by Danny, so we just had to sit back and soak up the whole experience. See more..
5.0 Kaapsehoop Horse Trails Day Trips (89 reviews)
- A true Lowveld gem. A MUST !!
Nature & Wildlife Tours

This is one of the Lowveld gems. Such a special place. Happy horses who know their job and Mariska, Christo and Leon are brilliant hosts. To top it all, the scenery on the rides is breathtakingly beautiful. This is a must do if you are in the Lowveld. See more..
5.0 Bush Xplorers (85 reviews)
- Exceptional Sabi Sands experience, Mala Mala, Sabi Sabie and Djuma Galago...
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We booked a fully catered 5 star experience to the Djuma game reserve, Mala Mala and the Sabi Sabi bush lodge with family and friends. Faizal went out of his way to ensure that all our needs were exceeded. The food was divine, the best of the best. Game viewing was out of this world. We had lion prides, cheetah with cubs and over about 15 different leopard sightings. This is how an African Safari should, meticulously planned and attention to detail personified. We will be back in future and highly recommend Bush Xplorers for a world class super experience. See more..
5.0 African Safari Adventures (85 reviews)
- Very touching
Safaris • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

The Jane Goodall Institute sanctuary for chimpanzees near Nelspruit is a real haven for the once mistreated animals. I arrived just on time for the 10 a.m. walk, which took about 1,5 hours and was very informative. We were shown two enclosures with two different groups during feeding time and could ask any question we wanted about the animals. The place is easily accessible from Nelspruit, no need to book via a tour operator. Entrance fee is 210 ZAR, money well-spent. Of course donations are very welcome to support the sanctuary's great job! See more..
5.0 Kruger Africa Safaris (83 reviews)
- Excellent
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Safaris • Eco Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Good Day, i would kindly just like to give you guys a 10/10 for excelent service and one hell of a game drive. My husband and i went for our very 1st game drive with Becki and he made it an absolute experience for us. He made sure we see as much as possible and went to great lengths to ensure we are informed about all the animals we saw during our time. We will defnitley recommend him as a guide to any one he is surely a valued employee and deserves the credit. Thank you Becki for a most memorable experience. See more..
4.5 Kruger National Park (2.711 reviews)
- Out of this world
Sunday: 5:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

We were fortunate enough to spend 2 full days at the kruger Park and neither day disappointed. I travelled with 2 young boys which was a little hard at times as they didn't fully appreciate the safari. Obviously this is a truly wild experience and a definite must if you love wildlife in their own habitat. The Park is vast, there are no guarantees on seeing the big 5 how ever there are ple types of impala, zebra and kudo to wet the appetite. I was fortunate enough to see lion, cheetah a few snakes and even a chameleon. We stopped for lunch I recommend using the takeout option as its slightly cheaper and quicker that said we used both amd both times the meals were lovely. There's a gift shop with many many items and bathroom facilities. The safaris are mainly taken by open top vehicles and although the weather maybe hot the wind isn't kind, most have blankets on board but definitely need a jumper. Children did get bored so recommend taking something to occupy them. Be prepared for long cold days and not necessarily seeing the animals you desire but definitely worth seeing Africa's largest wildlife park in all its glory. See more..
4.5 Panorama Route (1.615 reviews)
- Beautiful Scenery
Scenic Drives

This scenic road is interesting in itself, but of course the main object of attraction is the canyon of the Blyde River. The 26-kilometer canyon itself is of course noticeably smaller than the famous American Grand Canyon or Fish River Canyon in Namibia that I visited in 2013, but unlike them it is covered with subtropical greenery. The most beautiful and transportable place is the bizarre rock formation of the Three Rondavels, where the river Blyde makes a bend. This is the most photo-replicated place on the route. By the way, during the campaign against the colonial past, the Blind was renamed Motlatse in 2005. However, tourists still use the euphonious old name, which in translation from Old Dutch means "glad" or "happy". You will be happy if you are lucky with the weather. I. For example, I got into a fog. In addition to the Three Rondavels (other names Three Wives or Three Sisters) on the R532 highway there are several waterfalls Berlin Falls (R10 per car), Lisbon Falls (R10), unusual Bourke's Luck Potholes,(R55) caves and several observation decks overlooking epic cliffs and valleys (God's Window (R10 per car), Wonder View (free), The Pinnacle (R10). All of the above is problematic to visit in one day. Having rented a car at Nelspruit airport, I stopped for the night in Graskop, as many travel bloggers advised. This town has been known since the time of the famous Voortrekker campaign, when the leader of the Boer settlers, Andris Pretorius, left women here on a "grassy hill" in 1837, if you translate the name Graskop. The town has a good tourist infrastructure, but "dies out" in the evening from 7 pm. The next day I repeated the classic route that thousands of tourists did before me and will do after me. In the morning I went to Three Rondavels, so that after visiting one waterfall, a viewing platform, I could visit Kruger Park, staying overnight in Hazyview. See more..
4.5 Elephant Whispers (934 reviews)
- A close encounter
Sunday: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

For those seeking a unique and memorable wildlife encounter, an Elephant Interaction and Ride at Elephant Whispers is an exciting and touching experience not to be missed. Situated in the Sandford Conservancy on the banks of the Sabie River in Hazyview, Mpumalanga, Elephant Whispers offers an Elephant Experience of a lifetime which will leave you with a renewed respect and admiration for these gentle giants of Africa. See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Mpumalanga (917 reviews)
- Spectacular canyon
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Canyons

The 33 km long spectacular gorge has an abundance of wildlife. See more..
4.5 Bourkes' Luck Potholes (909 reviews)
- Such a nice place
Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations

What a fabulous place here. The water, the falls, the holes the water made, the colors of the stones… everything is so nice. We can go and spring on the stones. There’s a big parking and you have to pay to see but it’s not expensive for European people. See more..
4.5 Sudwala Caves (601 reviews)
- One of the highlights of my trip
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Caverns & 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. See more..
4.5 The Elephant Sanctuary (466 reviews)
- ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT, UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH GENTLE GIANTS
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Elephant Sanctuary close to the Kruger National Park. Home to two orphaned African elephant bulls, Kasper and Kitso. Host four fully guided elephant interaction programs per day and some programs that can be added to them. Focus on a more personal and private elephant experience with smaller groups of guests. Perfect stop over when visiting the Kruger National Park or Lowveld. See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Mpumalanga (417 reviews)
- Amazing views
Geologic Formations

We recently stayed in Hazyview so Blyde Canyon and the panoramic route was on the doorstep. It’s a lovely drive from Hazyview, rilling countryside and fantastic views. The Three Rondavelts are simply spectacular - what a view !! Easy access to the view point with a small entrance fee. This is a hidden gem in SA and should not be missed. When visiting go to the left of the main view point it’s a better view of the canyon and rondavelts. Don’t miss this spot! See more..
4.5 Lowveld National Botanical Garden (374 reviews)
- Outstanding waterfalls and gardens with excellent descriptions.
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

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. See more..
4.5 Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre (367 reviews)
- Show not to be missed
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

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. See more..
4.5 Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary (341 reviews)
- Excellent sanctuary and staff, please support
Nature & Wildlife Areas

An excellent sanctuary, more than worthy of everyone's support, as you would expect from a Jane Goodall operation. The staff were excellent, our guide Zama knew the history of every Chimp and regaled us with stories about each chimp and their unique personality and behaviours. Most of these chimps had a sad, if not harrowing, start to their lives. Now, they have the opportunity to live a good and safe life where their welfare is clearly paramount. See more..
4.5 Skyway Trails (323 reviews)
- Great day of ziplining
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

This was an amazing time. We felt safe the entire time. Beautiful vistas. Staff were friendly and made us feel safe and well cared for. I would definitely do this again. And dont miss eating at the italian restaurant on other side of parking lot! See more..
4.5 Graskop Gorge Lift Company (314 reviews)
- Easiest gorge walk
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

The Graskop Gorge lift Company (Pty) Ltd is the latest and most innovative tourism development in South Africa. Situated in Graskop Mpumalanga, along the Panorama Route, made famous for its natural beauty and world renowned viewing attractions such as God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon. The Graskop Gorge Lift Company is your passage into the heart of one of Mpumalanga’s last forested wonderlands. Surrounded by towering cliffs cut back over time by the Motitsi river where its waters plummet 70m into the gorge below forming a natural barrier to all, except for the most adventurous. Your journey begins as you drop off the grassy cliff top plateau, in a custom designed 26 passenger viewing elevator, down along the cliff face descending into the cool mountain forest below. An extensive network of elevated walkways, suspension bridges and interactive exhibits will lead you along the forest trail, across the stream, keeping one engaged in this natural and pristine environment. See more..
4.5 Lone Creek Falls (296 reviews)
- Familytime-Lone Creek Falls
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Waterfalls

Lone Creek is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I had ever seen. The waterfalls is the tallest in Mpumalanga and can be seen from a distance as you take a short hike to the falls. The water is super cold but soaking is all worth it. See more..
4.5 Wild about Whisky (245 reviews)
- Fantastic experience
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs

Wild about Whisky offers tutored tastings in whiskies and all other premium spirits, and have assembled 45 cleverly arranged tasting themes to guide you through the wealth of products. The bar has over 1200 whiskies on offer from 20 countries, including Scotland, Ireland, USA, Japan, Taiwan, India, Tasmania and South Africa. It also includes a large variety of gins, rums, brandies, cognacs, quality wines, beers and great coffee. See more..
4.5 Wonder View (195 reviews)
- Great View with a Cliff
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas

Wonder View is a nice alternative or addition to God's Window. Both are quite different yet nearby each other. God's Window is more of an open view where Wonder View has a cliff to the side. We saw some cool birds hanging around the cliff so it wasn't really in the way of the view, it just added an additional element. See more..
4.5 Induna Adventures Day Tours (162 reviews)
- amazing experience!! Must do!!!
Sunday: Sightseeing Tours

We did a quad bike tour with Sunday & Priscilla & had an amazing time!!! The guides were both great with so much patience & really took the time & effort to give us a fantastic experience. The tour is through a tropical wooded area & has amazing panoramic views at the top, & also a beautiful waterfall on the way. Highly recommend!!!!!! See more..
4.5 Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris (157 reviews)
- Best Safaris & Best tour guide we could have hoped for !!! Can’t wait to return ❤️❤️❤️
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Night Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We had the best time we ever could have imagined. Brendon at Elephant Herd set us up from the time we arrived in Johannesburg until we left Durban 2 weeks later. Every day was a new and wonderful adventure!!! See more..
4.5 South African National Parks (155 reviews)
- Not much more can be written about the Kruger National Park
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Whether you do a self drive day trip (or even for a few hours) or whether an over night stay (or 2 or 3 or more nights), a visit to the KNP is a must. If you are a tourist to South Africa this should be on your itinerary as it rates as one of the top places to view game in the wild. For locals who haven't yet made the trip it is time to take the opportunity and do so. So much has been written about the game and bird life that it would not do justice to add more for the sake of adding more. You WILL see and experience something and the recommendation is to go in the drier, cooler seasons when the bush is not so thick. See more..
4.5 Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre (127 reviews)
- One stop shopping!
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

A lifestyle centre that includes shops, restaurants and galleries -all situated in a garden-like environment, with lovely trees and walkways. Here you can also learn about the making of coffee and Gin and visit a busy foundry. There is a small cinema, which is a delight - especially as you can take in your wine or even get a pizza delivered. The centre also has a theatre, mostly catering for live music, a music development academy and a vintage car museum. All of this with a hotel attached and within striking distance of the Kruger Park. See more..