The Cultural Heartlands is the ‘Gateway to Mpumalanga’ for those travelling from Gauteng and parts of Limpopo Province and provides a beautiful introduction to Mpumalanga. It includes the towns of eMalahleni (formally Witbank), Kraanspoort, Middelburg, Ogies and Stoffberg, as well the holiday destination of Loskop Dam.
The Cultural Heartlands epitomises the vibrancy and spirit of South Africa’s ‘Rainbow Nation’, with its mix of culture, history, wildlife, industry, agriculture and adventure, all of which have their place in the region and give the Cultural Heartlands its unique appeal.
It is an area characterised by a wonderful mix of rolling Highveld grasslands, mountain bushveld, dams, rivers and temporary pans. These diverse habitats provide homes to a wide selection of South African plants and wildlife including a number of rare and endangered species like the Woolly Cycad that can be found nowhere else in the world!
Home of the iconic Ndebele people with their striking traditional dress and painted houses, the Cultural Heartlands is also a rich agricultural region, which also plays a crucial role in the countries energy supply with its reserves of coal and impressive power stations.
The region is also a treasure trove of South African history, with many of its towns playing pivotal roles in historical events that have shaped our Nation.
So whether it’s the vibrancy and colours of the Ndebele, the rush of adrenaline you get from the regions abseiling, 4x4, horse riding, skydiving and hiking adventures, a chance to step back in time on a historical tour, perhaps test your nerves on the ghost tour, or simply to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the wonderful natural surrounds, the Cultural Heartlands has something for everyone to enjoy.
Click on a red pin to find out more about each town and the attractions found in Mpumalanga’s Cultural Heartland.