The Drakensberg Escarpment divides Mpumalanga into a westerly half consisting mainly of high-altitude grassland called the Highveld and an eastern half situated in low altitude subtropical Lowveld/Bushveld, mostly comprised of savanna habitat. The southern half of the Kruger National Park is situated in the latter region. The Drakensberg exceeds heights of 2000m in most places with this central region of Mpumalanga being very mountainous. These regions have alpine grasslands and small pockets of Afromontane Forest. The Lowveld is relatively flat with interspersed rocky outcrops. The Lebombo Mountains form a low range in the far east forming the border with Mozambique.

Nelspruit is the legislative capital of the province. This town is the administrative and business centre of the Lowveld and provides a perfect base from which to explore the province. Witbank is the centre of the local coal-mining industry; Standerton, in the south, is renowned for its large dairy industry; Piet Retief in the south-east is a production area for tropical fruit and sugar; while a large sugar industry is also found at Malelane in the east. Ermelo is the district in South Africa which produces the most wool; Barberton is one of the oldest gold-mining towns in South Africa; and Sabie is situated in the forestry heartland of the country.

The Panorama Route, one of the scenic highlights of any tour through South Africa, proceeds along the escarpment. In the expanse of the Lowveld lies the Kruger National Park, the world's biggest game reserve. The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga includes some magnificent tourist destinations, such as: The Bourke's Luck Potholes, The Sudwala Caves, God's Window,

The Three Sisters, Pilgrim's Rest (with its historical restored buildings filled with curios of the highest quality, as well as the history of the Gold Rush in South Africa), The Lydenburg Heads as well as a variety of Trout Farms and Trout Fishing venues.

The Panorama Route is a must for all tourists to Mpumalanga Province. Chrissiesmeer is the largest natural freshwater lake in South Africa. It is famous for its large variety of aquatic birds, especially flamingos. The Sudwala Caves, deep in the dolomite rocks of the surrounding mountains, is a worth- while tourist stop. This evergreen comer of the country has enormous tourism potential.

Steeped in the history of pioneers, hunters and fortune seekers, fascinating gold rush towns abound. Barberton and Pilgrim's Rest are among the most famous. A special, additional dimension occurs in the Middleveld region which is inhabited by Ndebele people, notable for their traditional costumes and attractively decorated houses.

En route to the Kruger National Park through Mpumalanga, you have the advantage of some stunning scenery. Turn off the N4 to the village of Dullstroom, travel over the Long Tom Pass and its splendid panoramic views to Lone Creek Falls and the charming forestry town of Sabie.

Just beyond Sabie, the Mac Mac Falls are worth stopping for; and you can treat yourself to a swim in the crystal-clear pools. A small detour leads to Pilgrim's Rest; a fascinating historic town, well worth exploring before continuing to Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve. In the reserve, you can feast your eyes on the Blyde River Canyon and the rich bird life. At the southern tip of the reserve, the view from God's Window stretches to eternity across the Lowveld. From there, it's a short and easy drive to some of the finest private game reserves in the country and Orpen Gate to the Kruger National Park

The greater Kruger Park area covers the Kruger National Park and the surrounding private game reserves. Fencing has been taken down between these game reserves to form a huge area where animals are free to roam and migrate.

The private game reserves offer excellent accommodation, a good many being rated five stars. Game viewing is also very good in the private game reserves where you are most likely to see the big 5.

The Kruger National Park offers a range of different accommodation to suit the traveller from luxury 5 star to modest caravanning.

The world-renowned Kruger Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa.

Established in 1889 to protect the wild-life of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.

A flagship of South African National Parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of flora and fauna.

There are also many archealogical sites worth visiting highlighting man's occupation in this area. Bushman rock painting and restored iron-age villages add to the thrill of visiting this area.