MPUMALANGA
PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL GUIDE
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| Mpumalanga
Travel Information
 Although
Mpumalanga is not the only province in South Africa with excellent game
viewing, national parks and luxury lodges, it's here that the safari experience
has been perfected. About half the Kruger National Park is in this lovely
province and there are so many private game reserves and lodges than you
will have a hard time choosing. Like Limpopo Province to its immediate
north, Mpumalanga straddles the escarpment between the Lowveld and the
Drakensberg, so the different parts of the province have different characters.
The Lowveld is hot and humid with broad-leaved forests and wide, slow rivers,
while the Highlands are cool and green, with rolling grasslands, pine plantations,
pockets of indigenous forest and cheerfully gurgling mountain streams and
waterfalls. Most of the game is in the Lowveld, while the attractions of
the Highlands include hiking, horse trails, river rafting and other adventure
activities, such as gorge swings and abseiling.
 The
Restaurant at the End of the Universe, near the town of Waterval Boven,
is one of South Africa's most popular climbing destinations. The fly fishing
in the Highlands area is awesome, particularly near the pretty town of
Dullstroom, where there are loads of dams and streams well stocked with
fat trout. There are awesome birds to be spotted, both in the game reserves
and in the Highlands, where you're likely to see some montane grassland
species, including the rare and endangered blue swallow. For a bird's eye
view, rather than a view of birds, you can choose between microlight flights
and gentle floats in a hot air balloon. Mpumalanga also has some fantastic
paragliding and hang gliding launch sites - particularly along the escarpment.
The mountain biking is great. Even with so much to do, many people visit
Mpumalanga just to sight-see. The Panorama Route is a scenic meander taking
in some fabulous sights, including the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck
Potholes, the Three Rondawels, the Swadini Dam and many beautiful waterfalls
and spectacular vistas including one called God's Window.
The
Blyde River Canyon is the biggest vegetated canyon in the world. Second
in size only to the Grand Canyon in the USA, and the Fish River Canyon
in Namibia, it is lush and green with a plethora of plant and animal life
and is a major centre of endemism. It's also where Antarctica and Madagascar
split away from Africa a few million years ago during the break-up of the
super-continent Gondwanaland. Also in the canyon, is Bourke's Luck Potholes
- a fantastically contorted area of scenic potholes, and deeply scoured
canyons. The Blyde is a great river to raft, with some pretty challenging
rapids, but it also offers fun family paddling on a gentler section. The
Three Rondawels are three conical hills and the Swadini Dam at the end
of the canyon is a lovely stretch of water. Also on the Panorama Route
is the rather cutesy museum town of Pilgrims Rest.
 The
mines were active until the 1970s when they became terminally unprofitable,
and the whole town was bought up by the provincial authorities to be converted
to a tourist attraction. Museums, cute craft outlets, coffee shops, restaurants
and the original hotel with its characterful bar bring the gold rush era
vividly to life. Pilgrims Rest was the venue for the World Gold Panning
Championships in 2005.
Mpumalanga's
cultural attractions are particularly colourful. The iconic Ndebele artwork
that is almost synonymous with South Africa is produced in the museum village
of Botshabelo. Colourful beadwork and small painted articles can be admired
and purchased while the magnificent painted buildings are - unfortunately
- not for sale as souvenirs. They're well worth photographing, though.
Kids will love the dinosaur park, just outside the deep and convoluted
Sudwala Caves. Mpumalanga has a very interesting technical freshwater diving
destination that will appeal to technical divers.
Note:
If you are planning to travel to the north eastern parts of Mpumalanga
or Swaziland please be aware that this region is malarial. Consult your
doctor or travel clinic for advice and refer to our article on malaria.
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| MPUMALANGA
PROVINCE GUEST HOUSES, HOTELS & LODGES - SOUTH AFRICA |
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Nelspruit
Guest Houses/B&B's - Witbank
Guesthouses/Lodges - Hazyview
Lodges & Hotels
NELSPRUIT,
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE GUEST HOUSES & LODGES
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| Nelspruit,
officially renamed Mbombela, is situated in northeastern South Africa.
It is the capital of the Mpumalanga province (formerly Eastern Transvaal).
Located on the Crocodile River, Nelspruit lies about 100 kilometres (62
mi) west of the Mozambique border and 330 kilometres (210 mi) east of Johannesburg.
The townships of Nelspruit are Kanyamazane and Matsulu which are tens of
kilometres east of Nelspruit. There are many orange farms in the area around
Nelspruit. It is a key manufacturing and agricultural hub for northeastern
South Africa. Major industries include the canning of citrus fruit, paper
production, furniture manufacture and timbermills. Fertile soils and subtropical
climate provide perfect conditions for the growing of citrus and tropical
fruits, mainly mango, banana, avocado and Macadamia nuts. |
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Map of Nelspruit
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Eco-Eden
Bush Lodge, Conference and Events Venue, NELSPRUIT
The
luxury four star Eco-Eden Bush Lodge can be found 15 km east of Nelspruit
in the heart of the Croc River Mountain Conservancy. This nature conservancy
is located in the Krokodilpoort mountain range between the Kruger National
Park and the historical gold-diggers town of Barberton. The conservancy
boasts some of the oldest granite outcrops on planet Earth and a substantial
number of wildlife species still roam free in this wilderness area.
The Numbi, Paul Kruger, Phabeni and Malalane entrances to the Kruger National
Park are a mere 40 minute’s drive away. Transport to and from the Kruger
Mpumalanga Airport and Nelspruit is available on request. Guided tours
leave from the lodge to popular tourist destinations like the Panorama
route which has the Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrim’s Rest and God’s Window
which can be accommodated in one day. |
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La
Roca Guesthouse, Guest House/Self-Catering, NELSPRUIT
La
Roca, a top 4 star establishment adjoining the Nelspruit Nature Reserve,
offers luxurious accommodation with a friendly and warm ambience. Uninterrupted
views over the reserve and distant mountains and yet only a short drive
to the city centre, La Roca is the ideal base for discerning executives
or romantic getaways. Our individually decorated rooms combine a
unique fusion of colours, textures and furniture inspired by travels throughout
Africa and Asia. Set in a large sub-tropical garden, the pool deck
enjoys wonderful views – a little oasis within which to unwind from a long
day’s work, to use as a base for exploring the Kruger Park and Panorama
Route, or a convenient stop over on the way to Mozambique and Swaziland,
both only one hour away. |
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Leaves
Lodge & Spa, Guest House/Lodge, NELSPRUIT
We
extend a warm welcome to come and experience this stylish, new five star
Lodge and Spa in Nelspruit, capital of Mpumalanga. Built on a granite
koppie you can enjoy the breathtaking views from your room over the ancient
indigenous forests and a murmuring mountain stream that runs through the
lush garden. Leaves Lodge is a birding hot spot with a short hiking
trail through the adjoining nature reserve - truly a must for nature lovers!
This impressive lodge and spa exemplifies the very best in modern architecture
and offers eleven spacious bedrooms, each with its own private balcony,
as well as all amenities on your wish-list: spa-bath or jet shower, extra
long beds with quality linen, DSTV on flat screens, mini-bar, wireless
internet throughout, and much more. |
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Nelspruit Accommodation
SABIE,
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE GUEST HOUSES & LODGES
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| Sabie
is a forestry town situated on the banks of the Sabie River in Mpumalanga,
South Africa. Once the Sabie River was teeming with crocodiles and the
local Shangaan people dubbed it uluSaba or (fearful river). The town was
started after HT Glynn and JC Ingle found gold here and formed the Glynns-Lydenburg
Gold Mining Company. Sabie is located 360 kilometres east of Johannesburg
and is 64 kilometres west of the popular Kruger National Park. It is known
for its breathtaking scenery and beautiful waterfalls, and is a popular
tourist destination. Its main industry is forestry. The plantations surrounding
Sabie form one of the world's largest man-made forests. |
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Map of Sabie
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Gunyatoo
Trout Farm & Guest Lodge, SABIE
Gunyatoo
Trout Farm & Lodge, is the perfect country getaway presenting a charming
fly-fishing, birding and nature retreat. Nestled in the picturesque, and
malaria free Rhenosterhoek valley (just off Long Tom Pass - between Lydenburg
and Sabie - 40km from Nelspruit). The guest lodge is ideally positioned
for access to most tourist attractions that Mpumalanga has to offer, including
Kruger National Park, Pilgrims Rest, Sudwala Caves & the Panorama Route.
The thatch & stone lodge offers luxurious, yet affordable accommodation.
Recently refurbished with several suites, all with beautiful views of the
surrounding pine forests. Rooms, all en-suite, have their own private patio,
perfect for "feet up" early morning cuppas. For those requiring self-catering,
a fully equipped, four sleeper, family cottage is available. |
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Lone
Creek River Lodge, SABIE
Lone
Creek River Lodge is situated in the picturesque country town of Sabie,
in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Surrounded by unspoiled forests,
mountain streams and waterfalls. Lone Creek River Lodge offers comfortable
and luxurious accommodation in the heart of the Drakensberg Escarpment,
easily accessible from all major routes. Enjoy breathtaking views of the
Sabie River valley and forests whilst dining on fine country cuisine prepared
by our chefs. Dress code for breakfast, lunch and dinner is smart casual.
Cool down or soak up the sun next to one of our two sparkling fresh-water
pools. All our accommodation facilities are serviced daily and the amenities
include hairdryers, coffee and tea facilities. Dinner is available by prior
arrangement. |
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Porcupine
Ridge Guest House, SABIE
This
beautiful country home is tucked away in the mountains at the heart of
the scenic Panorama Route, only five minutes from the Sabie Village and
40 minutes from the world-famous Kruger National Park. Perched above an
old gold mine and part of the original mining village, Porcupine Ridge
has been extensively remodelled to create a stylish, informal retreat combining
Old World charm and modern comforts. The friendly ambiance invites you
to relax and unwind, surrounded by rambling gardens, abundant bird life
and glorious mountain scenery. There are lovely walks on the estate through
indigenous bush, grasslands and plantations. Monkeys, duiker, mongoose,
bush babies and other small game may be seen. A spectacular waterfall with
a deep pool for swimming is a special delight. |
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Sabie Accommodation
WITBANK,
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE GUEST HOUSES & LODGES
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| Witbank
(Afrikaans
for White Ridge), also known as eMalahleni (meaning "place of coal")
is a city situated on the Highveld of Mpumalanga, South Africa, within
the eMalahleni Local Municipality. The name Witbank is Afrikaans for White
Ridge and is named after a white sandstone outcrop where wagon transport
drivers rested. The city is known for the coal-mining in the surrounding
region. On 3 March 2006, Witbank was officially renamed eMalahleni,
meaning "place of coal" matching the name of the municipality that contains
it. A large number of signs to the town have already changed, but many
still remain. Some landmarks bearing the name Witbank have remained,
while others (such as the Witbank/eMalahleni dam) have been renamed. |
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Map of Witbank
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Cairos
Country House, Self-Catering, Bed & breakfast, Riverview, WITBANK
With
less than an hour and twenty minutes drive from JHB, OR Thambo International
Airport and Pretoria, we are the perfect half way stop on your way to Mpumalanga's
major game reserves, lodges and the Kruger National Park. Cairos Country
House is established on a small holding +/- 6 kilometres from the Highveld
shopping mall in Witbank / Emalahleni, the Cultural Heartland of Mpumalanga
. We offer you a special country environment. Unbelievable long term and
group offer. Separate long and short term facilities. An atmosphere that
is delightfully different will ensure a predestined moment of finding peace
for your spirit, soul and body. |
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Hawthorn
Towers Guest House, Self-Catering, Bed & Breakfast, WITBANK
Hawthorn
Towers is situated +/- 4kms from the main shopping area of Witbank in a
quiet suburb where you can still enjoy the peaceful surroundings. We have
11 rooms, including: 3 under thatch, and 1 log cabin. All rooms have separate
private entrances, en-suite (bath & shower), TV (DSTV available) fridge,
microwave, tea & coffee facilities, heater/fan. These rooms are serviced
daily we do meals on request and have a same day laundry service a sparkling
pool can be used to cool off in, on those hot sunny days. |
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KB
Lodge, Self-Catering, Bed & Breakfast, WITBANK
KB
Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation in large, comfy, spacious
thatched rooms with an en-suite bathroom and a TV. Features include a sparkling
swimming pool to cool off on those hot sunny days, an entertainment area
with bar, pool table, and TV, as well as a barbecue area. We also offer
secretarial services, laundry service, airport transfers, and car hire
at competitive rates. We are situated in Witbank, Mpumalanga, just one
hour's drive from OR Tambo International Airport and 4 km from golf courses,
a casino, and shopping centre with cinemas, hairdressers, and doctors.
We are also in close proximity to the largest municipal dam in the Southern
Hemisphere which hosts many water sports and excellent fishing. |
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Witbank Accommodation
HAZYVIEW,
MPUMALANGA PROVINCE HOTELS & RESORTS/LODGES
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| Although
most of the smaller towns in this part of Mpumalanga are close to the Kruger
National Park, Hazyview is the closest – just a short hop to the Phabeni,
Numbi and Kruger Gates. It’s a pretty little town with some lovely guest
houses on the outskirts, and a couple of good restaurants. If you’re not
the sort who likes to keep your feet on the ground, you could go for a
microlight flip, a scenic helicopter flight or even ride in a hot air balloon.
There are fun mountain biking trails, which you could do as an escorted
trip, if you wish, horse trails, kloofing trips or paddling on the Sabie
River, abseiling and, of course, escorted safaris into Kruger National
Park. For something a bit more cultural, you could tour a Shangaan village
or a coffee plantation and roastery. |
View
Map of Hazyview
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Casa
do Sol Hotel & Resort, Luxury Hotel & Spa, HAZYVIEW
Welcome
to Casa do Sol, House in the Rising Sun which has just undergone a
renaissance of major refurbishment and renovations during 2007. This luxury
estate hotel situated in the beautiful Mpumalanga Region is a little Eden
of tranquil pools, deeply shaded glades and quiet flower gardens. The cobbled
streets, exotic gardens, coupled with enchanting sounds and smells of the
bush and the warm and friendly atmosphere make Casa do Sol a destination
of choice for a large variety of travellers. Just beyond the boundaries
of the hotel lie some of the jewels of creation - God's Window, the Blyde
River Canyon and many other scenic glories of Mpumalanga. And the world
famous Kruger National Park is just a hop away! |
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Dreamfields
Guesthouse, The Panorama, HAZYVIEW
Dreamfields Guesthouse is
situated in a quiet residential area of Hazyview less than 2 km away from
the centre of town. Hazyview lies on the Panorama Route, a base from which
not only all the attractions of the region can be reached with ease, but
that is also only 10 km from the Phabeni Gate to the internationally renowned
Kruger National Park. The large house with its thatched roof and African
style furnishings fits in perfectly with the atmosphere of the region and
offers a comfortable lounge, African theme bar, and sparkling pool. The
sub-tropical garden with its indigenous trees is a bird watcher’s paradise.
Dreamfields Guesthouse is run by a German/English couple Kristina and Neil
Waitt. Breakfast offered is of the highest standard, consisting of scrumptious
warm food prepared by your host, supplemented by a buffet of products from
the local farm stalls,served in the dining room or on the patio. |
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Hamilton
Parks Country Lodge, Country Hotel, HAZYVIEW
Hamilton
Parks Country Lodge is a comfortable country hotel, set in a magnificent
250 ha estate, consisting of pristine indigenous bush near Hazy view in
the Mpumalanga Lowveld’s. Comfortable rooms, friendly staff and excellent
food combine to make Hamilton Parks the perfect stopover. Only 20 minutes
from the Kruger National Park, the lodge offers easy access to game reserves
and the scenic wonders of the Blyde River Canyon and the Great Escarpment.
The gracious thatched homestead is set in magnificent gardens and offers
outstanding bird-watching and sightings of various animal species such
as monkeys, bush pig, porcupine, bushbuck, grey duiker and the very rare
red duiker. The lodge is fully licensed and the cosy bar is the perfect
place to end the day, as the sun goes down behind the hills. Three golf
courses and a wide variety of adventure activities nearby. Swimming pool
on the property. |
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Kruger
Park Lodge - Golf Safari SA, Self-Catering Chalet Resort, HAZYVIEW
Privately
situated self-catering thatched chalet, with wooden decked private patio
overlooking a dam which attracts local birds, and resident impalas and
Vervet monkeys. The chalet sleeps six guests, offering two double bedrooms
and a loft area which sleeps a further two guests as well as a private
cosy balcony ideal for sunset viewing. The main bedroom has an en-suite
bathroom with a bath, while the second bathroom has a shower. The open-plan
kitchen, dining room, and lounge area is ideal for a relaxed ambience.
The fully-equipped kitchen is complete with fridge/freezer, stove and microwave,
crockery, cutlery, and small appliances to give you that home away from
home feeling. |
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Lions
Rock Golf Lodge, Self-Catering Chalets, HAZYVIEW
Lions
Rock is in the hills of Hazyview, surrounded by beautiful views. Seven
chalets each with king beds (or twin beds), spa bath, luxury bathroom,
large shower, own private swimming pool, bar fridge, microwave, ceiling
fan,electric fire-place, complimentary tea/coffee, comfy lounge chairs,
DVD viewing, DVDs available. Private veranda and parking. Theatre Room
with BIG screen, view Sport, DSTV, M-Net, and Movies. Karaoke for a fun
sing-along! Health Spa offers massages/beauty treatments by appointment,
Infra-red Sauna, Jacuzzi. 9 hole par 3 Golf Course with one green overlooking
the Sabie River rapids. Relax on the river banks and watch the River Rafters
passing by. Golf Cart and Quad Bikes available. A generous breakfast, enjoyed
on the veranda overlooking the gardens. Restaurant across the road and
others minutes away. Kruger Park 15 minutes to Phabeni Gate. |
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Hazyview Accommodation
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