Welcome to a place so scenic that almost everywhere, there’s a breath-taking mountain view. It’s this and so much more that ensures visitors to the region are entranced and keep coming back for more. With its wealth of natural and cultural diversity, it’s not surprising that few parts of the world can match the Kruger Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, an ancient landscape framed by what is likely the oldest mountain range on Earth, the Barberton Mokhonjwa, which preserves some of life’s earliest forms.
A glance down from the rugged Klein Drakensberg Escarpment explains just how the Panorama Route got its name. The mountain cliffs and the Blyde River Canyon plunge down, laden with waterfalls, into lush indigenous forest and the iconic Kruger National Park and private game reserves make the region one of Africa’s signature wildlife destinations.
A place of historical and cultural significance, the Kruger Lowveld region celebrates Iron Age trade routes and African traditions that reach back across many centuries. Gold rushes at Pilgrims Rest and in Barberton were precursors to the discovery of gold in Johannesburg. Steeped in the history of traditional cultures, pioneers and fortune seekers, visitors will encounter a contemporary Lowveld culture with a wealth of stories that inspires the senses and connects one to the land and its people.
Visiting three countries in one day is also possible from the Kruger Lowveld, as is taking a leisurely drive to enjoy the solitude, relax, discover oneself and connect with nature. For the wildlife enthusiast, the nature lover, the adrenaline addict, the romantic, the rambler, the historian and the culture junkie…there is something for everyone in the Kruger Lowveld. Experience the natural splendour, meet interesting people, learn about the history, absorb the culture, enjoy great food and hospitality, get active, explore and make those memories that last a lifetime.
Go out and explore…
- Kaapschehoop with its wild horses, quaint eateries and inviting atmosphere.
- Try your luck at gold panning, go on a guided heritage walk or go on an offroad adventure in Barberton.
- Delve into the origins of the Earth on the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail.
- Experience the splendor of the Lowveld National Botanical Garden within Mbombela.
- Go on an exhilarating adventure in Hazyview and enjoy quad biking, river rafting, ziplining and many adventures for the brave at heart.
- Self-guided or not, surprise sightings await at every turn in the Kruger National Park.
- Experience the Blyde River Canyon from below on a boat cruise or from above, in a hot air balloon.
- Have a pancake, jump off the Big Swing or relax in Graskop Gorge’s Afromontane Forset.
- Visit the iconic Royal Hotel Pilgrim’s Rest, a gem from the gold rush era.
- Grab a mountain bike, explore the outdoor mecca of Sabie!
- Visit the Lydenburg Museum in the town of Lydenburg/Mashishing where the replicas of the Lydenburg Heads are kept.
- Visit Marloth Park and enjoy a sundowner overlooking the Kruger National Park.
- Go trout fishing or try your hand at catching our fierce fighting game fish, the Tigerfish.
