Attractions

The famous Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that compares with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares is unsurpassed in its diversity of flora, fauna, bird and wildlife. A lengthy list of wildlife which call the park home includes the Big 5, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, sable and African wild dog. Numbi Gate is the nearest point of entry into the Kruger National Park. Most months of the year, it opens at 05:30 and closes at 18:30, but call ahead at +27 13 735 5133 to confirm the exact time.

The Panorama Route is one of the most spectacular travel routes near White River South Africa. Your journey will lead you through the rugged mountain range of the northern Drakensberg, which offers dramatic views of the Lowveld. The most spectacular stretch is the Blyde River Canyon, which can be reached from Graskop via the R532. The largest canyon on earth and the third deepest in the world, it starts at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and ends at the Three Rondavels, with striking lookouts along the route; an ideal half, or full day scenic trip. Many stunning waterfalls and quaint towns (including Pilgrims Rest) can be enjoyed along the way.

Situated 15 kilometres outside White River, is an incredible 159 hectare area dominated by rocky, rugged river scenery. It is the perfect haven for visitors to enjoy a picnic and stroll around the beautiful gardens. The character of the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens is shaped by the two main rivers that cut across it; the Crocodile and Nels Rivers. Before these two rivers converge, they form spectacular waterfalls. The Garden plays a crucial role in the conservation of rare and endangered species and also played a pivotal role in establishing the cycad gene bank. Various plant species have been introduced into the Garden. This is a great choice of things to do in Mpumalanga.

Golfers are spoilt for choice in the Lowveld with a host of courses on offer. The Nelspruit Golf Course is a must to play when visiting the area and offers all indigenous Lowveld trees and over 256 different species of birds. There are no fairway bunkers at Nelspruit but this is compensated for by strategic positioning of trees.

White River Country Club is set amongst picturesque plantations on the banks of the White River, which intersects at many points, making water one the defining features here. Both Gary Player and Reg Taylor had a hand in designing today’s course. The eighteen hole championship course plays to a length of 6036m with a rating of 71.

A few minutes outside of Nelspruit tourists can take explore the Sudwala Caves and visit the pre-historic themed park featuring life-sized dinosaur models. The dinosaur park is well maintained and accessible and is an enjoyable tourist attraction for anyone visiting in or around Nelspruit, and is also an exciting, educational tour venue. Take a leisurely stroll through the park on your own or take an informative guided tour, where several aspects of pre-historic life and evolution are covered.

The Genesis Route lies in the heart of Mpumalanga in the Makhonjwa Mountain Range. The 220km figure of eight Route showcases some of Mpumalanga’s most diverse landscapes and spectacular viewpoints, from rolling savannah grasslands through rocky mountainous ravines and indigenous forests. It has recently won tentative World Heritage Status, making it only the ninth place in South Africa to do so. The Route is home to a unique geology found nowhere else in the world, packed full of vibrant cultural experiences and action packed adventures.