Mpumalanga

Understand

Mpumalanga is a Swazi word, meaning "there where the sun rises". Mpumalanga is important for South Africa's economy, especially tourism. Tourist going to the south of the Kruger National Park enter the park here and the National Road to Mozambique also goes through here. It is also the major gateway for tourist going to/coming from Eswatini.

History Human history in this region starts around 46,000 years ago when red ochre was mined here. San Bushmen later inhabited the area and some of their rock art can still be found today. Some time after the bushman, the area was used by travelers from Asia for mining and trading. Between 1400 and 1700 there was an inflow of people from further north in Africa, notably the Nguni and Ndebele. In 1836 European settlers arrived in the region and in 1871 the first of a number of gold rushes occurred with the discovery of gold on a farm near Polokwane (then Pietersburg). A number of wars followed between the boers and local tribes, as well as between the boers and Britain. In 1926 the Kruger National Park was proclaimed and in 1948 a fisheries institute was established in Lydenburg leading to the abundance of trout farms in the area today.

Getting there

By car For most tourist destinations in Mpumalanga, follow the N4 toll road from Pretoria. The road is in very good condition. Alternatively, follow the N12 from southern Johannesburg, it will join the N4 at Witbank. On the N4 between Bronkhorstspruit and Witbank, be on the lookout for an overpass that has thousands of mud swallow's nests build on its underside. It has been a nesting spot for the birds for years and is quite spectacular. If you are heading to the southern parts of Mpumalanga, follow the N17 from Johannesburg.

By plane Kruger Mpumalanga Airport has flights to Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Vilanculos. It is situated in the north of Mbombela and 30 minutes to the next Kruger National Park gate.

Getting around

By car One of the best ways to get around is by rental car. There is a lot to see and do in this area and you might want to change your plans on short notice as you discover new places. Having your own transport gives you the freedom to do this.

By motorbike Mpumalanga is a biker's dream with scenic winding routes and relatively little traffic. There are many motorbike rental agencies in South Africa, MotoBerlin, ph: +27 (0)11 745-1515 in Johannesburg being one.

See

The spectacular views from God's Window on the edge of the escarpment.

Do

Sudwala caves near Sabie are the oldest known cave system in the world. Adjacent to the caves is Dinosaur Park with replicas of all the dino favorites. Rock climbing

Eat

Biltong made of game, like Kudu, Gemsbok or Elephant. Kota(Bunny chows)