Mpumalanga offers the visitor a close and exhilarating encounter with the wildlife of Africa against the backdrop of the bushveld. Also known as 'the place of the rising sun' in the local SiSwati language,the province has a broad spectrum of cultures, landscapes and attractions to offer. Large areas of the Kruger National fall within the provinces boundaries as do a host of private game reserves from rustic bushcamps to the height of luxury in secluded lodges.

The climate is warm and sunny weather all-year round, which together with its landscape of mountain peaks, dense tropical forests and wide expanses of water, has made it a popular adventure sport destination. The capital, Nelspruit, can be found in the heart of the Lowveld in the Crocodile River Valley. Pioneers founded the area in 1884 in search of gold and today Nelspruit is the industrial hub of the Lowveld area as well as being one of the biggest citrus producing areas in South Africa.

One of the greatest marvels of Mpumalanga is the 60km long Blyde River Canyon - the third largest in the world. The breathtaking canyon with soaring cliffs of up to 700m creates a vast 'green' chasm, at the bottom of which a river winds through sub-tropical jungle home to variety of wildlife and with some of Southern Africa's most thrilling rapids.

Another of Mpumalanga's best-kept secrets is in the village of Chrissiesmeer in the central grasslands district. This is southern Africa's largest natural freshwater lake district, surrounded by 270 lakes and pans and attracts 20 000 flamingo each year.

Copyright to About South Africa 2003-2004. Photographs on this website courtesy of South Africa Tourism.