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South Africa
MPUMALANGA ADVENTURE: CANYON DEPTHS TO BIG FIVE WILDERNESS
Contemplate Blyde River Canyon in morning mist, discover waterfalls hidden in forest and set out on safari to meet the Big Five. Mpumalanga will leave you speechless.
≈ 11
Days
735
Km
10
Stops
Admire the Three Rondavels above Blyde River Canyon, then follow the waterfall route to Graskop. Then descend into Kruger, where leopards blend into branches and elephants emerge from fever trees: escarpment meets safari, and scenery becomes spectacular.
- Blyde River Canyon: three rondavels, green depths
- Kruger: big five, bushveld immersion
- Graskop: waterfall routes, pancake fame
- Pilgrim's Rest: gold rush ghost village
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Enter Kruger National Park, South Africa's flagship and most popular national park, a destination that defines African safari excellence. This vast wilderness encompasses nearly 20,000 square kilometres of pristine bushveld, supporting the highest diversity of large mammals of any African game reserve. First-time visitors discover a world where lions doze beneath acacia trees and elephants parade across golden savanna.
2
Embark on game drives through diverse ecosystems, from mopane woodlands in the north to mixed bushveld in the south. The Big Five-lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo-roam freely alongside hundreds of other species including cheetah, wild dog, and countless antelope. Each drive brings new encounters and the thrill of witnessing Africa's wildlife in their natural habitat.
Activities
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Experience the magic of a self-drive safari, following tar and gravel roads that wind through the park at your own pace. Stop at waterholes where hippos wallow and crocodiles bask, or pause beside rivers where elephants come to drink at sunset. Rest camps throughout the park offer comfortable accommodation and the chance to share stories of the day's sightings with fellow adventurers.
Next stop
Distance:
120 km
Travel time:
1h40
2
Day
Discover
1
Discover the Lowveld's legendary bush pubs, authentic watering holes where safari guides in khaki gather to share tales of the bush. From The Bush Pub in Hoedspruit to Tanks Bush Pub in Hazyview, these characterful establishments offer cold drinks and warm hospitality in settings that capture the true spirit of the African wilderness experience.
Activities
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Explore Hoedspruit, conveniently situated between Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon, making it the perfect base for diverse safari options. This small town offers unique accommodation including the Hoedspruit Aerotel, where guests sleep in a repurposed Boeing aircraft. The surrounding area hosts numerous private game reserves and wildlife rehabilitation centres.
Next stop
Distance:
65 km
Travel time:
55min
3
Day
10 photos
Discover
1
Marvel at the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest green canyons and a centrepiece of Mpumalanga's spectacular landscape. The panoramic views stretch across verdant cliffs and the winding Blyde River far below, creating scenes that have captivated visitors for generations. This natural wonder showcases the dramatic geological forces that shaped South Africa's escarpment.
2
Peer through God's Window, one of the most famous viewpoints along the Panorama Route, offering breathtaking vistas over the Lowveld stretching to the horizon. On clear days, visibility extends across seemingly endless wilderness, creating an almost spiritual experience of connection with the vast African landscape. The lush indigenous forest surrounding this lookout point adds to its magical atmosphere.
Activities
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Explore the Three Rondavels, distinctive cylindrical rock formations that resemble traditional African huts and stand sentinel over the canyon. These ancient dolomite peaks, also known as the Chief and his Three Wives, provide some of the most photographed landscapes in South Africa. Walking trails around the viewpoints offer multiple perspectives of this geological masterpiece.
Next stop
Distance:
90 km
Travel time:
1h15
4
Day
Discover
1
Step back in time at Pilgrim's Rest, declared a gold field in 1873 and now preserved as a living museum frozen in the Victorian era. This quaint village saturates visitors with nostalgia, its corrugated iron buildings and timber verandahs maintaining the authentic character of South Africa's gold rush days. The entire town has been declared a national monument.
2
Try your hand at gold panning in the streams that once drew thousands of fortune seekers to this remote valley. The experience connects you directly with the prospectors who transformed this wilderness into a bustling mining settlement. Local guides share stories of the diggers who made-and lost-fortunes in these gold-bearing waters.
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Wander the atmospheric streets where restored buildings now house museums, craft shops, and characterful restaurants serving traditional fare. The Royal Hotel, established during the gold rush era, continues to welcome visitors with period charm. The surrounding hillsides offer hiking trails through indigenous forest to abandoned mining sites.
Next stop
Distance:
180 km
Travel time:
2h30
5
Day
Discover
1
Follow the legendary Panorama Route, the gateway to Kruger winding through the Lowveld along roads that traverse plantations, waterfalls, and thick indigenous forests. This scenic highway connects many of Mpumalanga's most celebrated attractions, from Graskop's famous pancakes to the canyon viewpoints that define the province's dramatic escarpment landscape.
2
Experience the Graskop Gorge Lift, descending 51 metres into the forest below on a glass elevator that provides stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and canopy. At the bottom, elevated walkways wind through the ancient forest, revealing waterfalls, indigenous trees, and diverse birdlife. The Cliff Café offers refreshments with spectacular gorge views.
Activities
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Explore Graskop's vibrant main street, famous for its pancake restaurants and curio shops selling African crafts and local produce. The town serves as an excellent base for exploring the Panorama Route, with all major attractions within easy driving distance. The surrounding forests and grasslands offer additional hiking and adventure opportunities.
Next stop
Distance:
35 km
Travel time:
30min
6
Day
7 photos
Discover
1
Conclude your Mpumalanga journey in Hazyview, a vibrant gateway town to Kruger National Park offering easy access to the reserve's Phabeni and Numbi gates. The town's tropical climate and lush vegetation create a verdant setting for adventure activities, from elephant interactions to cultural village experiences and aerial zipline tours through the forest canopy.
Activities
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Take advantage of Hazyview's position at the heart of the Lowveld to enjoy final game drives, riverside sundowner cruises, or relaxing spa treatments at nearby lodges. The town's diverse activity offerings ensure something for every interest, from adrenaline adventures to peaceful nature experiences. Numerous restaurants serve excellent cuisine reflecting the area's diverse cultural influences.
7
Day
Discover
1
Journey along the Sabie Waterfall Route, a well-kept secret encompassing eight magnificent cascades along a scenic 50-kilometre stretch of the R532. Though overshadowed by nearby Kruger and Blyde River Canyon, this route offers some of Mpumalanga's most spectacular natural beauty. Each waterfall presents unique character, from thundering torrents to delicate bridal veils.
2
Marvel at Mac Mac Falls, plunging an impressive 70 metres into a forested gorge, named after Scottish miners who prospected gold in these valleys. Continue to Lisbon Falls, cascading 94 metres in a spectacular double drop that ranks among the highest in the province. The forest pools below invite refreshing swims on warm Lowveld days.
Activities
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Visit additional waterfalls including Bridal Veil Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Lone Creek Falls, each accessible via short forest walks. The surrounding plantation forests and indigenous woodland create a green paradise of ferns, mosses, and towering trees. Picnic sites beside the falls offer peaceful spots to absorb the natural soundtrack of rushing water.
Next stop
Distance:
45 km
Travel time:
40min
8
Day
Discover
1
Explore Kaapsehoop, a picturesque village perched on a plateau high above the Lowveld with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside stretching to distant horizons. This charming Mpumalanga settlement is famous for its wild horses, descendants of animals abandoned during the Anglo-Boer War, which can often be seen grazing peacefully on the village outskirts.
Activities
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Hike the scenic trails of the Kaapsehoop Escarpment, where indigenous forest gives way to dramatic cliff edges and stunning waterfalls. The surrounding wilderness offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking, bird watching, and nature photography. The village's artistic community adds cultural interest, with galleries and craft studios welcoming visitors.
Next stop
Distance:
55 km
Travel time:
45min
9
Day
Discover
1
Discover Dullstroom, affectionately known as South Africa's trout mecca, where clear air, cool climate, and sparkling waters have attracted fly-fishers for generations. This small highland town punches above its weight with an eclectic collection of over 7,000 clocks displayed in local establishments. The crisp mountain air and cosy atmosphere make it the perfect retreat.
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Cast your line in pristine streams and dams stocked with rainbow and brown trout, following time-honoured fly-fishing traditions. Expert guides offer tuition for beginners while experienced anglers test their skills against wily fish in crystal-clear waters. The surrounding highveld landscape provides a stunning backdrop for this contemplative pursuit.
Activities
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Explore Dullstroom's charming collection of restaurants, pubs, and craft shops clustered along the main street. The town's reputation for excellent food draws visitors seeking hearty meals beside roaring fires on cold highveld evenings. Art galleries and antique shops reward browsers, while the famous clock collection adds quirky character to this beloved destination.
Next stop
Distance:
60 km
Travel time:
50min
10
Day
Discover
1
Arrive at Wakkerstroom, a birder's paradise famed for 370 different avian species recorded in the surrounding wetlands and grasslands. Guinea fowl roam the streets while cranes feed in the vlei with the historic church steeple poking the sky in the background. This peaceful village offers some of the finest bird hides in South Africa for serious twitchers.
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Explore the wetlands and grasslands surrounding this charming village, where patient observers can spot blue cranes, wattled cranes, and numerous other rare species. The vlei system attracts both resident birds and seasonal migrants, making every season rewarding for birding enthusiasts. Guided walks reveal the remarkable diversity of this Important Bird Area.
Activities
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Discover the character of this historic village beyond its birding reputation, exploring local shops, galleries, and welcoming establishments. The surrounding countryside offers scenic drives and walking trails through pristine highveld grasslands. Wakkerstroom's peaceful atmosphere provides the perfect antidote to busy modern life.
Next stop
Distance:
85 km
Travel time:
1h10
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🛡️ Travel advice - South Africa
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❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Autumn (March-May): Perfect weather with comfortable temperatures (18-26°C), minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for safari and outdoor activities. Excellent wine harvest season, beautiful landscapes, moderate tourist numbers, reasonable accommodation rates.
Spring (September-November): Excellent weather with warming temperatures (16-24°C), blooming wildflowers, and perfect conditions for wildlife viewing. Whale watching season, jacaranda blooms, moderate prices, excellent photography opportunities.
Summer (December-February): Warm temperatures (20-30°C) with occasional rainfall, peak holiday season, and vibrant outdoor atmosphere. Beach season, highest accommodation rates, school holidays, excellent for coastal activities.
Winter (June-August): Cool, dry weather (8-20°C) perfect for safari with excellent wildlife viewing and clear skies. Peak safari season, whale watching, cozy wine estates, moderate accommodation rates.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 9 and 13 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in South Africa?
Rainbow nation with incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. Experience safari adventures, wine regions, and authentic African experiences from Cape Town to Kruger. The country offers wildlife encounters with cultural diversity and natural beauty. South Africa provides comprehensive African experiences with modern amenities and cultural richness.