10 Amazing Places to Visit in Mpumalanga
10 Amazing Places to Visit in Mpumalanga

First Car Rental is connected to the best in the South African travel industry, giving us the edge in bringing you the latest travel trends from first-hand storytellers. In August 2018, we joined seven local storytellers on a five-day road trip to bring you 10 amazing places to visit in Mpumalanga. From encounters with the local leopards at Jaci's Sabi House to breathtaking views of the Lowveld at God's Window on the Panorama Route, our travellers discovered a range of accommodation in Mpumalanga, with activities and places of interest to cater to solo travellers, families, and adrenaline junkies alike.

Here are 10 amazing places to visit in Mpumalanga, including accommodation, activities, and other attractions:

 

ACCOMMODATION

Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate, Dullstroom

If you're looking for a laid-back weekend spot the whole family will enjoy that isn't too far from Gauteng, look no further than Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate in Dullstroom. They offer an amazing range of accommodation options—from romantic lodge suites and simple self-catering units to luxurious homes away from home overlooking well-kept equestrian paddocks.

During your stay, you will be spoilt for choice with activities. Guests have the opportunity to settle into the saddle and enjoy a horseback ride around the estate. You can also try your hand at the fine arts of archery and fly-fishing. Looking for something more adventurous? How does quad-biking, abseiling, paintball, or hiking sound?

Finally, the estate is also home to a state-of-the-art, world-class trout hatchery. Here, they breed trout to stock their own dams (there are 19 on the property!), as well as those of neighboring properties. They also export certified disease-free fertilized trout eggs to the northern hemisphere. You can visit this fascinating facility as part of a tour for only R50 per person.

Get your car hire quote for your trip to Dullstroom.

 

Africamps at Mackers, Hazyview

If you like the idea of camping but not so much the reality of roughing it, we've got the perfect solution for you: glamping with Africamps! With a number of properties throughout South Africa, they have just opened their newest site in Hazyview, and it's absolutely beautiful!

Located right on the Sabie River, the camp is home to ten 55m² canvas tents. Each tent can sleep five people in two separate bedrooms, and yes, there is hot water and a flushing toilet! Apart from this, you will also have your own fully-equipped kitchenette (it even has a plunger) and a large open-plan lounge and stoep. There's a cute honesty shop on-site, where you can stock up on any essentials you may have forgotten at home, and a swimming pool to cool down in on those hot Lowveld days.

Book your car rental to explore Hazyview and beyond.

 

Jaci's Sabi House, Sabi Sand Reserve

Located in the magical Sabi Sand Reserve, Jaci's Sabi House is an exclusive-use private abode perfect for a family or group of friends wanting to break away for a luxurious bushveld break. The property sleeps six people—two in the main house and four in smaller cottages a stone's throw away. All meals are catered by Mama D, the head chef and go-to lady for all domestic details, and her right-hand women, Eunice (or Mama E) and Candace. You will be treated to breakfast, high tea, cocktails, and bushveld braais under the starry skies.

In between meals, you can enjoy relaxing in the beautifully decorated lounge or chilling in the splash pool. Then, of course, there are the game drives. With experienced guide Andrew in charge, you are bound to have an absolutely magical experience! For instance, during the #myMpumalanga crew's evening game drive, they were lucky enough to spot Tingana, a gorgeous local male leopard, quenching his thirst at a watering hole and then soaking up the last rays of sun on an abandoned anthill.

Get your car hire quote for a trip to Sabi Sand Reserve.

 

Casambo Exclusive Guesthouse, Nelspruit

With a string of Lilizela, Tsogo Sun, and PMR awards behind its name, it's hardly surprising that Casambo Exclusive Guesthouse is known as the 'jewel of the Lowveld'. Owned and run by the dynamic Carol Sanderson, who is clearly passionate about hospitality and introducing people to the wonders of Mpumalanga, Casambo offers three different accommodation types—self-catering, B&B, and the honeymoon suite—and delicious buffet meals for breakfast and dinner. Be sure to spend some time relaxing on the deck, soaking up the early-morning Lowveld sun while sipping your tea or coffee.

Hire a car to explore Nelspruit and its surroundings.

 

ACTIVITIES

Long Tom Toboggan at Misty Mountain

Looking for an adrenaline rush of note? The Long Tom Toboggan is sure to satisfy that craving completely! At 1.7km, it's the longest toboggan track in Africa and will have you racing along at about 45km/h during your almost 3-minute ride.

While you won't be able to take much of the scenery in, it will take you from an open bushveld plain into and through a beautiful pine plantation. It's a truly thrilling experience that you will remember for a long time to come and only costs R250 per person. Those who don't enjoy heights and speed can relax at the Misty Mountain restaurant and enjoy the breathtaking views from the deck (or even the infinity pool).

Find the nearest car hire branch to start your adventure.

 

Sabie Brewing Company

Take the edge off your extreme tobogganing experience by enjoying a brewery tour and beer tasting at Sabie Brewing Company. The quaint restaurant and microbrewery are located on Sabie Main Road and provide a perfect pit stop for those en route to the Kruger National Park or beyond. If you aren't driving, you can indulge in a choice of seven beers and even a cider. Combine this with a truly fascinating tour of the brewery for only R150!

Rent a car to visit Sabie Brewing Company and other local gems.

 

Sudwala Caves

Probably one of Mpumalanga's most classic and long-standing tourist attractions, the Sudwala Caves offer an enthralling adventure for the whole family! These caves are said to be the oldest known caves in the world and have played an important role in various historical events—from being used as a fortress by Somquba, the brother of the Swazi heir apparent, to being one of the places Paul Kruger was suspected of hiding his legendary millions.

Find out all about these fascinating stories and meet the humorously-named rock formations (praying nuns, KFC pieces, screaming monster, etc.) during one of the tours. Or, if you're feeling brave, you can sign up for the Crystal Tour that takes you 2,000m into the heart of the caves. The goal is the crystal chamber with its amazing array of sparkling aragonite.

Plan your trip with a car rental to visit Sudwala Caves.

 

Graskop Gorge Lift

Having only opened in December 2017, the Graskop Gorge Lift is one of Mpumalanga's newest attractions and well worth a visit! The lift—literally like the type you ride to your office or apartment—gently drops 51m down a steep cliff face into the Afromontane forest below. When the doors slide open, you step out into a tree-filled wonderland that you can explore on a 600m circular boardwalk route. Information boards with details about the unique ecosystem can be found every 100m, and if you'd like some extra input, you can be accompanied by a local guide.

It's a truly special experience and sure to become one of Mpumalanga's biggest drawcards.

Hire a car to visit Graskop Gorge and more.

 

TO FILL THE SENSES

God's Window

As the name suggests, God's Window offers a magnificent bird's-eye view of the Lowveld and is considered an absolute must-stop on the Panorama Route. The #myMpumalanga road trip crew headed there for sunrise and were blown away by the early-morning beauty. If you want to see it for yourself, going early (and missing the crowds) is highly recommended. A number of trails lead to a variety of viewing points, so take some time to explore. There is no entry fee.

Rent a car to visit God's Window and other natural wonders.

 

Harrie's Pancakes

There are many wonderful restaurants along the Panorama Route, but Harrie's Pancakes in Graskop has undoubtedly stood the test of time. No matter what time of day you visit, you'll find a pancake suited to your mood—whether it's traditional cinnamon sugar and lemon juice you're craving or something more decadent like chocolate and peanut butter or milk tart custard. They also offer a number of other meals for those who don't do pancakes (who are these people?).

 

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