ATTRACTIONS

Nature Reserves in the province

Situated in the heart of the Lowveld is a wildlife sanctuary like no other, its environment so unique that it allows those who enter its vastness to immerse themselves in the unpredictability and endless wilderness that is the true heart of Africa.

The leading game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park consists of nearly 2 million hectares of land that extend for 352 kilometres (20 000 square kilometres) from north to south along the Mozambique border allowing for an indescribable wildlife experience. It ranks with the best in Africa and is the flagship of the country’s national parks.

The best time to observe game is during the winter months (April - September), as water is limited to rivers and waterholes, where the wildlife congregates. Visibility is favorable as the vegetation is less dense. Summer (October to March) the rainy season makes for excellent bird viewing, while November and December can be described as the calving months. Fortunate - you to bare witness to this miracle.


The Kruger National Park shares borders with the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in the north of the country. It now forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park allowing game to freely migrate across the connecting borders. On completion, the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park will meander across 35 000 square kilometres, 58% of it South African, 24% Mozambican and 18% Zimbabwean territory.

This the land of elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, warthog, lion, spotted hyaena, baboon, hippo, impala, kudu, vervet monkey, waterbuck, tsessebe, wildbeest, bushbaby, mongoose, duiker, steenbok, klipspringer, genet, bats and more species of mammals than any other African Game Reserve.

The Kruger is the perfect self-drive destination, alternatively there are guided tour operators, with an excellent infrastructure that can assist picnic sites, rest camps, waterholes and game drives. Kruger Park is definitely a notable reserve offering an incredible experience of Africa.

The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is undeniably the most unrivaled private game reserve in South Africa. Located on the south-western corner of the Kruger National Park the Sabie Sands Game Reserve covers a vast area of natural wilderness. The absence of restricting fences between the Kruger Park and Sabi Sands allows wildlife to roam freely between the two game sanctuaries.

Nothing can compare to the sight of a lion, elephant or rhino roaming free in the bush; or as haunting as the sound of a hyenas laughing in the dead of night. This is What makes the Sabi Sabi experience memorable is the sights, sounds and smell of these wild and untamed animals observed in there natural habitat.

Day and night safaris in open game vehicles, led by well trained Game Rangers and skilled Trackers, follow the animals on and off-road, deep into the heart of the untamed African Bushveld. Walking safaris affords guests the opportunity to feel the rhythm of untamed Africa as nature intended, through the soles of your feet.

Be assured that the best and most exclusive private game lodges in the country are located in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve affording excellent opportunity of encountering the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino).

The well known Loskop Dam Nature Reserve can be found deep in the Cultural Heartland of South Africa’s Mpumalanga. The Loskop Dam is a 27km long dam, and the reserve covers 230km2. With these credentials the dam is undoubtedly the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Nature Reserve is a wilderness paradise and home to an abundance of vibrant birdlife and exciting wildlife. There are more than 70 species of mammals on the reserve including 3 of the Big Five (Buffalo, White Rhino, Leopard). An assortment of wildlife such as hippo, warthog, giraffe and other wildlife flourish in this spectacular reserve.

The Loskop Dam Nature Reserve is located in a Malaria-free environment blessed with subtropical weather and good summer rainfall. Anglers from across the country gather at the dam to take part in the annual Light Tackle Boat fishing competition. Species found in this dam are carp, blue and red breasted bream, yellow fish, sharptooth catfish, eels, mudfish and an abundance of other varieties.

Game viewing by boat, water sports, hiking trails, hunting, horse riding and paint ball affords visitors the prospect to explore the wonders of this serene and picturesque area from every angle. The Loskop Dam Nature Reserve is an ideal destination for the visitor seeking harmony between man and nature.

The Blyde River Canyon Reserve offers visitors a remarkable experience that they will remember long after leaving the lowveld. Blyde Canyon cuts through the Drakensberg Mountain Range, one of the seven major mountain systems in Africa.

The impressive mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment give the area its name of 'Panorama Route'. The different viewpoints are named after the scenic view they offer, God's Window and Wonder View hint at the scale of their scenery. The 'Pinnacle' a single quartzite column rising out of the deep wooded canyon and the ‘Three Rondavels' ('Three Sisters’) are three giant spirals of dolomite rock rising out of the far wall of the canyon. Their domed heads are covered in vegetation while their sides are stained with flaming orange lichen. From the vantage point of the 'Three Rondavels' one can see the far-reaching Swadini Dam in the distance, which demarcates border of the reserve.

The unique geology and climate of this high rainfall plateau give rise to numerous cascading waterfalls, rich in varied plant life influenced by extreme climate, a choice of altitudes and diverse soil conditions.

The variety of plant life supports an abundance of fauna such as klipspringer and dassies seeking food and shelter in rocky crevices. The grassland is the habitat of the grey rhebuck , oribi including rodents, reptiles, seed-eating birds and a variety of insects. Game animals prefer the cover of wooded bushveld and the dense growth on the riverbanks.

Five of South Africa's primates can be seen in the The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (the somango and vervet monkeys, bushbabies, chacma baboons). The kings of inland rivers the hippopotami and crocodile live, hunt and graze in swampland of the Swadini Dam. For the bird lover a kaleidoscope of birdlife is resident in the reserve and all species of South African Loerie can be observed here.

One of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world, the Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve is situated on the eastern side of Lydenburg along the scenic Long Tom Pass to Sabie. The reserve is a sanctuary for more than 100 bird species, a number of smaller game and mammal species, as well as for a rich variety of flora.
(Bushbuck, Kudu, Impala, Zebra, Eland, Grey Rhebuck and Steenbok)

Rumored to be the most beautiful location in the world, the reserve covers 2200 hectares and the Klipgatspruit divides the mountainous area into a deep valley. The
Different biomes main include thornveld, bushveld, grassland covering the hillsides and plateaus with protea woodland reaching to the higher altitudes. The ravines are dotted with small islands of forest nourished by the tributaries of the Klipgatspruit.

Scenic views of montane grassland can be seen along the Long Tom Pass which is attired in mountainous gorges and cliffs and a large concentration of widespread Sugarbush on the mountain plateaus.

Archeological ruins (dating back to the Later Iron Age) consisting of stone walled villages and agricultural terraces, as well as the remains of Anglo-Boer War forts are preserved on the reserve. Copies of the well known 800 year old Lydenburg Heads, found in the area, are housed in the museum.

The Gustav Klingbiel Reserve is unique with spectacular views, unbelievable sights and provides an opportunity for relaxation on an unequaled scale.

Beyond the borders of Dullstroom is home of the breathtaking Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve. The reserve provides sanctuary to the rare Wattled Crane - a wetland-dependant South African bird. Dullstroom is blessed with favorable trout fishing locations and is home to the annual trout festival frequented by many a visitor.

For the novice hiker short non – demanding trails through the Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve lead across the Suikerboskop mountain offering excellent opportunity to explore the surrounding area.

A visit to the old British blockhouse and war graves dating back to the Second Anglo-Boer War offers a glimpse into the past. Be advised to take along sun protection and warm clothing as the weather in Dullstroom can change at a flip of a coin.

The Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve is a fantastic travel destination with its magnificent flora and numerous proteas, awesome birding opportunities and the rare wattle crane a major attraction, affording it a not to be missed status.