Mpumalanga, also known as 'the place of the rising sun' in the local SiSwati language, has a broad spectrum of cultures, landscapes and attractions to offer. The province encompasses large areas of the Kruger National Park and also includes a host of private game reserves from rustic bushcamps to luxurious secluded lodges. Mpumalanga offers the visitor a close and exhilarating encounter with the wildlife of Africa against the backdrop of the bushveld.
The capital of Mpumalanga is Nelspruit, which is located in the heart of the Lowveld in the Crocodile River Valley. Today the industrial hub of the Lowveld area, the town first took its name in 1884 and tells the tale of pioneers and gold panners. The area is one of the biggest citrus-producing areas in South Africa.
The province enjoys year round sunny weather which together with its mountainous landscape, tropical forests and wide expanses of water, has made it a popular adventure sport destination.
One of the greatest wonders of the province is the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon - the third largest in the world. The 60-km long canyon with soaring cliffs of up to 700m creates a green chasm, at the bottom of which a river winds through sub-tropical jungle home to a variety of wildlife and some of Southern Africa's most thrilling rapids. The canyon is the result of the tearing apart of Gondwanaland, the ancient super-continent, that broke up millions of years ago to form Africa and Asia.
Another of Mpumalanga's best-kept secrets is in the village of Chrissiesmeer in the central grasslands district. This is southern Africa's largest natural freshwater lake district, surrounded by 270 lakes and pans, which attract 20 000 flamingo each year.
