In 1995, the province known as the Eastern Transvaal changed its name to Mpumalanga, which literally means where the sun rises. It is here that the sun rose for mankind, as the oldest remains known to man are found here, making Mpumalanga the true cradle of mankind. If you are looking for a tourist destination like no other, Mpumalanga is the place to go. It is one of the most diverse historical, cultural and scenic areas, and is home to one of the largest and most famous wildlife reserves in the world.

Hundreds of ancient San rock art sites indicate the existence of the Bushmen even before the Nguni migrated from the north. The region was defined by the borders of different clans, which changed as they formed alliances with other clans. For centuries, the Mpumalanga were nomadic warriors who roamed the area in search of land for their cattle and safety for their clans.
It is here that the legends of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba come from, as well as the stories of Jock the Bushveld, the Staffordshire bull terrier whose hunting exploits made him famous.

Due to the very diverse past that Mpumalanga has, it now has a very diverse culture. There are native beads, handicrafts and home paintings that show the history of the peoples who inhabit this town. Accommodation is easily found in all areas of the region in hotels, bed and breakfasts, lodges, and spas. Along the trails there are cabins and cabins along the way for the more adventurous.

Mpumalanga is home to the Kruger National Park, one of the largest wildlife reserves in the world. Here you will find 147 different species of mammals, 114 reptiles, 507 species of birds, 49 species of fish and also many species of plants. There are many rest camps, overnight hideouts, and lodges in the park. Take a 4×4 expedition to the park or one of the many smaller sanctuaries nearby for the ultimate wildlife adventure.

If it’s historical attractions that interest you, Mpumalanga has plenty to offer. Pilgrims Rest is a vivid reminder of the region’s 19th century gold rush history that defined the modern state of South Africa today. It is a quaint little town whose history dates back to the 1870s when gold was discovered on a farm called Ponieskrantz. It soon became a thriving town and was named a National Monument in 1986. There are still dig sites outside of town with a gold panning demonstration and a recreation of what a gold camp would have looked like. If your stay extends beyond the day, a stay in a Victorian-style establishment is a must.

There are many natural attractions that the visitor must see when coming to Mpumalanga. Here you will find the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon, which is also home to the second tallest Tufu Falls in the world. Blyde River Canyon is also home to God’s Window, a famous rock formation, and the Bourkes Luck Potholes. Another must-see natural attraction is the Sudwala Caves, some of the oldest caves in the world. They were discovered in the 19th century by the Swazi prince Somquba. They are more than 30 kilometers long with 600 accessible meters.

So no matter what kind of adventure you seek, be it historical, cultural, or whether you seek the beauty of nature or the wilderness of animal sanctuaries, the unique diversity of Mpumalanga is a vacation you won’t regret and will never forget. .