Mpumalanga Province is situated in Western South Africa, bordering the Kruger Park, Swaziland, Kwa Zulu Natal, Freestate, Gauteng and Limpopo. The climate is hot to very hot in summer particulary in the lowveld. Mild in winter with cold nights in the highveld areas. Mpumalanga is in a summer rainfall region.
The capital of the province is Nelspruit, one of South Africa's fastest growing cities ad also the gateway to the Kruger with two airports nearby. The local area is mainly agricultural with fruit stalls selling their goods round every corner! Citrus estates also supply local and export markets. Nearby are the Sudwala Caves, scenic drives to the forestry town of Sabie and attractive areas such as Hazyview and White River. At Kaapsehoop is a highland artists village west of Nelspruit.
Most tourists self drive this province as there are some gorgeous scenic drives and places to stop and see such as Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon and Long Tom Pass. There are three main road systems - the N4 runs east to west through Nelspruit to the Mozambique border, south to north is the R40 from Barberton to Hazyview and through into Limpopo and the north. Lastly, the N11 which comes in from the south at Volksrust travels through Ermelo and Middelburg to the far north. Road are mostly tarred and of a good standard with fuel widely available.
One of the most well known circuits to explore by road is the Panorama Route. This can easily be done as a one day excursion or on the way through between Limpopo and Kruger regions. You travel through Graskop out on an escarpment and visit The Pinnacle, God's Window, Berlin and Lisbon Waterfalls, The Potholes and Blyde River Canyon (the third largest green canyon in the world). Taking a minor road off to Pilgrim's Rest will bring you to this old historic mining village with it's museums and shops.
The Highlands Meander Route runs in the middle of Mpumalanga between Dullstroom and Lydenberg and this area is a haven for fishermen. There are some lovely waterside lodges and guest houses in this area that also make ideal stop overs between Kruger and Johannesburg. This area can also take you through the dramatic Long Tom Pass and many other historic battlefield sites with amazing views.
