For more than four billion years the forces of nature have moulded this region and created some of the most breathtaking attractions in Africa. Here are the top ten natural attractions to visit in Mpumalanga:
1) The Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon is the largest green canyon in the world, thus making it one of the most visited attractions in South Africa. There are three ways in which you can visit the Canyon: from the viewpoints at the Three Rondavels, white river rafting, flying over it with a helicopter or in a microlight.
2) Waterfalls
In Mpumalanga, there are tons of waterfalls, which are worth visiting like the Horseshoe Falls, the Lone Creek Falls, the Mac-Mac Falls, the Lisbon Falls and the Berlin Falls.
3) The Genesis Route
The Genesis of Life is located on the Makhonjwa Mountains, South of Barberton. The area has some of the oldest volcanic pieces on the earth with evidence such as Bacteria Microfossils and fossils of the first oxygen producing plant called the Collenia.
4) The Lake District
The lake district in South Africa, near Chrissiesmeer is a group of majestic lakes that are home to 20 000 flamingos and were in ancient time inhabited by the Tlou-tle people who lived on the larger lakes, on rafts.
5) The Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park, which is one of the largest national parks in Africa is home to the Big Five animals and the Big Six Birds. The Park is a must visit attraction in South Africa.
6) God’s Window
God’s Window has no frame, no glass and no handles; it is simply a view so magnificent. God’s Window has a panoramic view of: the Lowveld, over Mountains, River and Waterfalls.
7) Kadishi Tufa Waterfall
The Kadishi Tufa Waterfall is the second tallest tufa waterfall in world and it drops into the elegant Blydepoort Dam. Tufa waterfalls are formed from water that runs over dolomite rock, which absorbs calcium. Due to water running over this rock formation it erodes faster than the rocks surrounding it. The erosion gives the waterfall and the rock a look of a crying face. This is the very reason that it is known as “the weeping face of nature”.
8) Bourkes’s Luck Potholes
Visit the natural wonder called “Bourke’s Luck Potholes”. These Potholes have been formed over decades, due to the water that swirls over the rock formations that meet at the Treur River and the Blyde River.
9) Sudawala Caves
Visit the Sudwala Caves, which are regarded as the oldest caves in the world. Go see the PR Owen Hall known as the Amphitheatre, which has its own natural cooling system.
10) Lowveld Botanical Gardens
Visit the National Botanical Gardens, which is divided into eight sections. Enjoy a picnic on the lawns and look out for birds feeding off the nectar of the flowers. A brilliant photo opportunity, if you can catch it.
