What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Africa? Is it a safari tour or perhaps big-game-viewing? If so, it’s time to discover the endless possibilities that Africa really has to offer. Although game drive, canoe, and walking safari tours are extraordinary and life-altering, Africa provides travelers with much more than the traditional safari tour.
One place in particular has positioned itself as a well-rounded activity hub for travelers looking for more than the traditional safari excursion.This place is Mpumalanga, South Africa, one of Africa’s most diverse and exciting places to enjoy a wealth of activities, rich historical heritage, tribal legends, and an abundance of exotic animals, lush flora and scenery.
Known for its deep valleys, waterfalls, rivers, and thick forests, Mpumalanga is teeming with wildlife and birdlife and is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, bird lovers, and curious travelers alike. On the western side of this glorious region lies the Kruger National Park—one of Africa’s most highly-acclaimed destinations for the seasoned traveler. When you’re looking to go on a game drive or walking safari, Kruger National Park is an absolute must. In addition, Mpumalanga is known for its 1870s legendary gold rush era, which has made it one of the most culturally and historically enriched areas in all of Africa.
With a deep-rooted history, high concentration of wildlife, and a variety of eco-systems, Mpumalanga has positioned itself as a premier destination for those looking for more than the traditional safari tour. Some of the region’s most popular activities include hot air ballooning, bungee jumping, paragliding, golfing, fishing, paintball shooting, river rafting, rock climbing, rock sliding, canoeing, caving, hang gliding, horseback riding, mountain biking, and mountain climbing. With so many to choose from it can be difficult deciding which activity is perfect for you.
Because there is such a wide spectrum of activities to choose from its impossible to spotlight them all, this is whyHills of Africa Travel has put a few highlights of some of Mpumalanga’s most popular activities below:
Sourin’: Home to the Blyde River Canyon, which has cliffs 2,296 ft. high, strong winds, and a high cloud base, Mpumalanga has positioned itself as the region’s leader in hang gliding and paragliding and has even hosted several of the nation’s paragliding championships. The province’s windy weather also makes it a premier spot to enjoy hot air ballooning, micro lighting, parachuting, and other flying activities.
Pedal through paradise: A paradise for biking enthusiasts, Mpumalanga’s mountainous town, Sabie, boasts biking trails for both the basic biker and for the advanced biker. The area is so popular for biking that the local biking association holds the South African National Mountain Biking Championships there every September. For those who tire easily from pedaling, Mpumalanga offers off-road 4X4 excursions through the various and highly diverse terrain of the region.
Uncover ancient relics: Travel back in time and explore Mpumalanga’s ancient cultures, the gold rush era, royal tombs, buried trade routes, and inspirational cave art. Learn about the region’s empires and royalty and the movement of the white settlers into the land. In addition, discover how Mpumalanga was rocked by a world war and observe the changes it’s had on the area as a whole.
Casting in the mountains: Freshwater rivers, and mountainous terrain make Mpumalanga a fisherman’s dream come true. Whether you’re a beginner fisher or an advanced one, Mpumalanga has the equipment, guides, and a variety of tours to accommodate your every need. A variety of fish are indigenous to the area including the tigerfish, bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellowfish carp, catfish, tilapia, and freshwater eel. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. While you enjoy the thrills of the big catch, it’s difficult not to take in the other wildlife that surrounds you, such as hippo, crocodile, and exotic birdlife.
Music in the air: Discover the enlightening dance rituals and pop culture of Mpumalanga’s unique community. With music genres ranging from acapella groups to jazz clubs and rock, it’s no wonder Africa has landed a spot as one of the world’s most renowned havens for inspirational and fascinating forms of music. Cultural village tours are also offered, where you are able to take part in community celebrations and observe dances, theatrical performances, and pop music.
Brace yourself: Canyoning is one of the most exciting and heart-pounding ways to observe the thick forests and exotic wildlife of Mpumalanga. Slide down rapids, paddle through winding streams, and sail down mini waterfalls on this exciting excursion and feel the adrenaline rush of a lifetime.
Cave diving: For the adventurist, cave diving is one of the most exciting ways to view some of the world’s most captivating and undiscovered territory. As you dive through underwater valleys and sink holes into ancient caves, you’ll observe an unforgettable underwater wonderland.
