OUR DESTINATIONS
Let us help you find your perfect holiday by phoning us on
We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Africa
- South Africa
- Mpumalanga
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, as well as lesser-known vistas like
Bourke's Luck Potholes, Wonder View and the Three Rondavels. 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 haven 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.
Information & Facts
Climate
Mpumalanga is a summer rainfall area and has a subtropical
climate with hot summers and mild winters. The highveld region to
the west experiences more extreme temperatures and is hotter in
summer, colder in winter and generally drier than the rest of the
province. The lowveld, which includes Nelspruit the provincial
capital, has hot summer days and warm nights, with warm, sunny days
in winter and cold nights.
Language
South Africa has 11 official languages, including
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, Zulu and Sotho. English is widely
spoken.
Money
South Africa's currency is the Rand (ZAR), which is divided into
100 cents. Money can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and
the larger hotels. ATMs are widely available (there is a daily
limit for cash withdrawals) and major international credit cards
are widely accepted, except in petrol stations where cash is
required. Visitors should be vigilant when drawing cash from ATMs,
as con artists are known to operate there. Travellers cheques and
some foreign currencies are accepted at larger hotels and shops,
but commission is charged, otherwise all commercial banks will
exchange them.
Time