TOP ATTRACTIONS OF MPUMALANGA

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The world renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park is nearly 2 million hectares, the Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.

Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Mans interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries- from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela- is very evident in the Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park’s natural assets.

BLYDE RIVER CANYON

Blyde River Canyon is the third largest in the world and ne of South Africas scenic wonders. The scenery of the 25 000ha reserve is unsurpassed, its vegetation both varied and lush and the rish selection of birdlife includes a breeding colony of rare bald ibis. From many well positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33km long gorge.

Wildlife in the canyon area is as varied as the habitats. There are mountain Reedbuck on the escarpment, dassies on the canyon walls, hippo and crocodile in the Blyde dam, and impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, waterbuck and zebra on the Lowveld plain near the canyon’s mouth. At Bourke’s Luck a network of pathways and footbridges allow the visitors to explore the potholes, some of which are 6m deep, at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers.

BOURKES LUCK POTHOLES

Bourkes Luck Potholes are named after Thomas Bourke who was involved in the gold mining in the area. Today the potholes are preserved as an attraction. The Potholes are very impressive rock formations that were shaped millions of years ago by erosion. The bizarre swirl holes developed when the once rapid river carried masses of sand and debris.

Another attraction at Bourke’s Luck is the visitor’s centre, which has numerous interesting displays.

SUDWALA CAVES

After a steep drive up to the caves, magnificent views are the first thing you will notice. The entrance to the caves themselves is quite well hidden. A tour into the caves is not to be missed, although only a small portion (500m) is open to the public- it is thought that the caves carry on for many kilometres. Many dripstone and flowstone formations can be viewed in the cave; the Screaming Monster is probably the most well known dripstone formations in the caves. Inside the caves stromatolites can be seen, these are fossilized colonies of blue-green algae which are thought to be one of the earliest identifiable forms of life in Southern Africa, dating back some 2000 million years. Inside one of the largest areas of the caves, concerts used to be held as the acoustics were ideal and a natural formation worked well as a stage, this and the constant fresh air supply which carries through the caves made it an unusual performance area.

On the grounds outside the caves there is a dinosaur park, which has life size models of many creatures from the Jurassic period, this teamed with the botanical beauty of the area makes it an experience not to be missed.

GOD’S WINDOW

Situated on the Drakensberg escarpment is God’s Window. Just one look down and you will begin to understand why it is called this. With magnificent views, canyons, rock formations and waterfalls, God’s Window is truly an area of breathtaking scenic splendour. It is no wonder that Mpumalanga is known as Paradise Country. God’s Window is so called for the panoramic view of the Lowveld more than 900m down into lush indigenous forest clad ravine. The majestic cliffs plunge over 700m to the Lowveld and the private game reserves which have made the area one of South Africa’s main wildlife destinations. God’s Window is a small part of a 250km long earthwork of sheer cliffs and extravagant beauty. One can observe the hills and forests as far as the eye can see.

God’s Window is truly a popular sight and for good reason. One can spend hours here just admiring the unsurpassed scenery. It is a view that has inspired and awed thousands or painters and photographers from all over the world.

CHIMPANZEE EDEN

Set on a 1000 hectare game reserve, JGI Chimpanzee Eden is home to chimpanzees that have been misplaced form their natural habitat. The world renowned Jane Goodall Institute has made this tranquil venue their South African sanctuary and has committed itself to the rescue and care take of chimpanzees in need of refuge.

Being the 1st and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, this venue will be able to bring the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity though education, tourism and modern technology. Entering the reserve, a mere 15km from the bustling city of Nelspruit, visitors can expect to be captivated by the beautiful bush surroundings with most of the natural game species roaming the reserve.

MAC-MAC POOLS

In this river alluvial gold was discovered by Johannes Muller in 1873. Many gold diggers claimed areas along the course of the river. President Thomas Francois Burgers named the area Mac Mac after encountering so many Scotsmen every time he visited the area. Most of the areas gold was found at the top of the Mac-Mac falls which are twin waterfalls which tumble 100m down the spectacular ravine.

PILGRIM’S REST

Mining in this region of Mpumalanga dates back many centuries, when unknown miners worked the quartz reefs in the area for gold. Proof of these diggings can still be found in this area.

The history of this small delightful village dates back to 1873 when a miner, Alex Patterson discovered alluvial gold on the farm named Ponieskrantz. He left the Mac- Mac area to search for a place that was less congested. Though the discovery was kept as a secret, the inevitable happened when a second prospector William Trafford also discovered gold close by. What they found in this beautiful valley drew optimistic gold panners and prospectors from all over the country and the world.

On the 22nd September 1973 Pilgrim’s Rest was officially proclaimed a gold field and the scatter of tents and rudimentary shacks soon grew into a flourishing little village complete with sturdy brick houses, church, shops, canteens, a newspaper and the well known Royal Hotel.

The diggers called it Pilgrim’s Rest because here, at last, after so many false trails and faded dreams they had truly found their home.

In due course the alluvial deposits were depleted and the locals turned to forestry, but their village has been painstakingly preserved as a “living museum” and declared a national monument.

Visitor can nowadays walk through several of these houses eg the “miner’s house”, a typical, very humbly furnished dwelling of a gold digger. Or “Alanglade”, which used to be the residence of the director of the Transvaal Gold Mining Estate furnished with pieces of the 1920’s. The “Drezden shop” is the town’s historic general store. Here one can buy anything, groceries, whiskey, tools, household articles and much more. A lot of old merchandise is exhibited in the store. The old newspaper printing office and the Royal hotel are also open to visitors. And at Pilgrim’s Creek visitors can still try their luck at gold panning.