
Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga, meaning 'land of the rising sun', is a province rich
in wildlife, African culture, pioneer history and natural beauty.
Situated in the east of the country, north of KwaZulu-Natal, it
borders Swaziland and Mozambique and encompasses the southern
section of the world-renowned Kruger National Park.
Mpumalanga is 'Big Game Country', and the Lowveld is the setting
for dozens of private game reserves and luxury lodges that abound
in bird and animal life. Nelspruit is the capital and gateway to
the province, situated two hundred miles (325km) east of
Johannesburg, and is South Africa's fastest growing city with a
vibrant Central Business District. Although not much of a tourist
attraction in itself, Nelspruit is situated in the heart of a
region rich in natural attractions, which makes it a favourite
jumping off point for exploring the Lowveld area. The city's train
station and airport welcome travellers several times a day, most of
whom are en route to the Kruger National Park, whose southern
Malelane Gate is about 40 miles (63km) from Nelspruit.
It is not only those interested in safaris that come to
Mpumalanga, however. Besides wonderful opportunities for bird
watching and game viewing, the area is also scenically beautiful
with its mountains, valleys, waterfalls, canyons and panoramic
passes. Mpumalanga's lack of development means more space for its
natural finery, which is particularly evident along its scenic
meander known as the Panorama Route that takes in spectacular
sights along the eastern slopes of the escarpment such as the Blyde
River Canyon and God's Window. The little town of Pilgrim's Rest is
a popular attraction for those interested in the history of the
1870s gold rush, while streams that once held the promise of gold
are now a Mecca for trout and fly-fishermen, particularly near the
town of Dullstroom. The region is also home to the Ndebele people,
famous for their beadwork and uniquely painted houses.
Attractions

Lowveld Botanical Gardens
Lowveld National Botanical Garden
Covering 393 acres (159 hectares) on the banks of the Crocodile
River at Nelspruit, the Lowveld Botanic Gardens has the largest
collection of cycads in the world and the biggest assortment of
indigenous trees in South Africa, totalling 650 of the 1,000 known
species....
see full detailsExcursions
Blyde River Canyon
The spectacular vista of the Blyde River Canyon, with its sheer
cliffs dropping into a bush-covered valley, is part of the
scenically breathtaking Panorama Route, worth doing as a self-drive
trip from Nelspruit, or on a bus tour. Other sights on the route
include...
see full detailsPilgrim’s Rest
Had it not been for its picturesque setting, Pilgrim’s
Rest would probably be a ghost town. It is, however, a popular
tourist destination, existing today for little other purpose than
to entertain and inform visitors about its colourful heyday. It all
began in 1873...
see full detailsEvents

FIFA © FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup (Nelspruit)
The much anticipated 2010 FIFA World Cup will be held in South
Africa, with matches scheduled at 10 stadiums in nine cities. This
is the first time Africa will play host to the tournament and while
local infrastructure is being upgraded to meet...
see full details