Africa Travel Report: Mpumalanga Safari
I recently flew from Cape Town International Airport to the Goldfields of Johannesburg in Gauteng en route to explore the North Eastern part of South Africa called Mpumalanga.
Mpumalanga, which means "land of the rising sun" in the local SiSwati language, has it all -- from exhilarating wildlife, to secluded mountain retreats, ancient ruined cities, wild water sports, and some of South Africa's most diverse and vibrant African cultures.
The province's year-round sunny weather, soaring peaks, steamy jungles and expansive waterways have also made it home to a bewildering array of adventure sport, from expeditions down the world's oldest caves, to taking flight at the continent's largest paragliding festival.
The region borders Mozambique, Swaziland and the southern tip of the Kruger National Park and takes visitors to the historic towns of Barberton, Komatipoort, Kaapmuiden and Badplaas. Barberton was the centre of the local gold rush and the façade of Africa's first stock exchange, which was built in 1887, still stands
There is God's Window and the world's third largest canyon and biggest green canyon, the Blyde River Canyon. There are also the astonishing Bourke's Luck Potholes and three rondawels. The towns of Lydenburg and White River are gateways to the route, which takes visitors through the quaint towns of Pilgrim's Rest, a living museum dating back to the hey days of the gold rush, as well as Sabie, Graskop, Ohrigstad and Hazyview.
Nature enthusiasts will discover cascading water falls while adrenaline junkies can get their next rush by bungee jumping, white water rafting or going on rigorous 4x4 trails. More gentler pursuits include hot air ballooning, walking trails and gold panning.
Mpumalanga's Highlands Meander is a nature lover's paradise, boasting South Africa's premier fly-fishing mecca, some of the sub-continent's rarest birds, best rock climbing, and most spectacular wild flower displays -- all just two-hours drive from the metropolitan centres of Gauteng and Mozambique.
It is also home to Africa's only breeding community of wild Black Leopard, who haunt the wild mountain ravines and streams that characterise the Highland Meander.
The region's diversity and string of quaint historic towns have made it a popular weekend hideaway for well-heeled city sleekers, who flock to hamlets such as Dullstroom for South Africa's best trout and fly fishing. The town's stone lodges nestle along cool trout dams and streams, where bright yellow arum lilies and 120 other species of indigenous wild flower carpet the region in a kaleidoscope of colour every spring.
Add to this wonderful splendour of nature the excellent accommodation and relaxation facilities that are available in this part of Africa. During my visit I experienced from self catering accommodation to three star lodges to five star resort hotels. There are a variety of public and private game reserves and more than enough sport and recreation like golf and water rafting, relaxing hiking trials, bird watching and casinos.
I rented a convenient micro bus at Oliver Tambo International airport in Johannesburg. The road past Dullstroom to the Kruger National Park and Nelspruit was excellent and me and my guests really enjoyed ourselves in all the bars, restaurants and coffee shops available in the area.
I will recommend a visit to this area to any on with interest in nature, wildlife and culture and you will be assured of a wonderful Africa experience.
Watch ot for the next Travel Report that will inform you about the Bushman and San paintings that can be explored in the Cederberg mountains in the area of the Western Cape. Also known for its wonderful seafood and wine estates.
My trips are sponsored by Travel Experience Tyger Valley and information was supplied by Mpumalanga Tourism Authority and AA Automobile Association of South Africa.
Regards,
