Wondrous wildlife, thrills, ancient history, warm hospitality and unforgettable memories…that is the Kruger Lowveld region! Few destinations can match the Kruger Lowveld for its natural and cultural diversity. This magnificent region prides itself on being the outdoor and adventure capital of South Africa with limitless activities, all within 100km. Our region is the beginning of an adventure that will last you a lifetime.
The region is bordered by the towns of Komatipoort in the east, Lydenburg/Mashishing in the west, Barberton in the south, and Hoedspruit, Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge in the north. In between these and linked by a network of highways, scenic roads, mountain passes and interesting byways, are the towns of Sabie, Graskop, Pilgrim’s Rest, Hazyview, White River, Nelspruit/Mbombela, Malalane, and, of course, the Kruger National Park and surrounding private game reserves.
We are fortunate to have the iconic Kruger National Park and other renowned wildlife destinations. Also, in our midst sits the recently inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail. This mountain pass lies between the town of Barberton and the Josefdal border Post with eSwatini. A bucket list contender, this amazing and scenic piece of wilderness is of immense geological importance. On the 37km self-drive route one comes across illustrative panels that reveal a distant geological past of more than 3 billion years old. The trail can take anything from a couple of hours, to a full day, depending on your appetite for knowledge.
Explore the Panorama Route’s many breathtaking waterfalls and attractions set against mountain cliffs and the unbelievable Blyde River Canyon. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, but the largest green canyon in the world! This wondrous canyon is home to amazing fauna and flora and views that simply take your breath away like the picturesque Gods Window, which is so called for its idyllic panoramic view over the canyon’s lush indigenous forest.
The Kruger Lowveld region is home to a diverse people with a wealth of stories that inspire the senses and connect one to the area’s fascinating history. A contemporary Lowveld culture exists, which can be experienced through our many local events and array of one-of-a-kind restaurants. Naturally easy going, locals are always ready to make visitors feel welcome and share a story, or two.
Must do…
- Shop at the curio-sellers stationed along the Panorama Route.
- Drive the very scenic Vaalhoek (gravel) road between Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Pilgrim’s Rest, following the old Belvedere power line and the Blyde River.
- Visit the museums, go gold panning or take the ghost tour in Pilgrim’s Rest.
- Eat a pancake in Graskop.
- Tube down the Sabie River.
- Mountain bike in and around Sabie.
- Trout fish in and around Lydenburg/Mashishing.
Must see…
- The wild horses and rock fields at Kaapschehoop.
- The Lowveld National Botanical Gardens in Nelspruit/Mbombela.
- The 40 000-seater Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit/Mbombela, built for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup.
- The “sentinel of the Lowveld” – Legogote – the mountain shaped like a lion’s head.
- The unique geology of the Barberton-Makhonjwa Mountainlands World Heritage Site along the Bulembu Road, near Barberton.
- Jock of the Bushveld statue in front of the town hall in Barberton.
- The vast, undulating sugar cane fields between Malalane and Komatipoort.
Must do…
- Adventure activities in the Sabie River Valley, on the R536 near Hazyview.
- Loads of contemporary country shopping in White River.
- The Barberton Heritage Walk, starting at the Barberton Museum.
- Tiger fishing in the Komati River.
- State-of-the-art retail therapy and entertainment in the capital city, Nelspruit/Mbombela.
