Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Boasting the third largest canyon in the world, be prepared to have your breath taken away when you look out over this majestic space. The beauty pales in comparison to many other sites, and its sheer magnificence, along with natural wonders such as: Bourkes Luck Potholes; God’s Window; The Three Rondavels, make this a must see nature reserve for your Mpumalanga tour. Be sure to pack your swimming costume, hiking boots, and picnic basket for an unforgettable experience.
Manyeleti Nature Reserve
Meaning ‘place of stars’, this soul-rejuvenating nature reserve borders the Kruger National Park, which lends itself to not only amazing outdoor rest and relaxation, but animal sightings too. The boundary is unfenced, allowing the animals to roam where they please - so keep your binoculars out and your eyes peeled!
Loskop Dam Nature Reserve
A very large and spectacular nature reserve, the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve consists of 23 612 hectares of land, situated around the Loskop Dam, on the Olifants River. You can expect to see many buck roaming the plain, such as Eland, Wildebeest, Antelope, as well as Giraffe and Zebra. Watersport and boat lovers will be in their element with ample opportunity to take to the water and enjoy the views from there. For more information, visit our-provincial-parks/loskop-dam-nature-reserve.
Barberton Nature Reserve
If you’re heading to Barberton Nature Reserve, you’ll want to take in the views as you head into the park. Situated just 30 km from Barberton, and 15 km from Nelspruit, it’s an easy access nature reserve with a high species diversity. Through the middle of the reserve you’ll find the Noord Kaap River with a steep escarpment on the Northern side and lower hills on the Southern side of the valley - hence the steep entrance, and majestic views!
Songimvelo Nature Reserve
Meaning ‘We are conserving nature’ in siSwati, this nature reserve boasts 48 000 hectares of reserve and the highest known plant diversity for the Mpumalanga province. You’ll be spoiled for choice of landscape in the nature reserve, with areas of grassy plains to mountains and rolling hills - it is truly a spectacular vision to behold. To top it all off, Songimvelo Nature Reserve is home to four of the big five, and 73 species of mammals. What’s not to love - but best you go and see for yourself. For more information visit our-provincial-parks/songimvelo-nature-reserve.
hrigstad Dam Nature Reserve
Whilst not the largest nature reserve, taking up only 2536 hectares, this smaller area offers much value for the visitor. Set against the Drakensberg Escarpment there is ample opportunity for hiking and bird watching, fishing and hunting. Home to well over 200 species of birds, including the crowned eagle, the Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve is a must add to your list of reserves to visit in the near future.
Andover Nature Reserve
Rich in wildlife, the Andover Nature Reserve is the ideal hideaway for those trying to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and get lost in the quiet of the bush. Home to 7000 hectares of roaming space for giraffe, kudu, bushbuck, buffalo, antelope and more, Andover nature reserve is often considered a ‘truly wild’ and undeveloped area. Add to this its proximity to the Kruger National Park, and the animals that naturally wander their migratory routes, it’s a wonderful space to take in all that Africa has to offer.
It’s time to make that list and start ticking off the nature reserves you’ve been to in Mpumalanga. If you haven’t been to any as yet - it’s time to get started!
