Vacation In Mpumalanga
Travel along on a journey in Mpumalanga – with Stokvel. We went and hunted for exceptional places for you to enjoy your short weekend getaways or a full-blown holiday, or even a honeymoon.
This blog post is a guide to planning the perfect vacation in this beautiful part of South Africa. Make sure to read on for insider tips and advice for a hassle free vacation in Mpumalanga.
Nestled in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, your Mpumalanga holiday destination starts at Emmarentia Dam, one of the country’s largest man-made lakes. With a resort that has it all from fun to adventure, bushwalking, boating on the dam and fishing.
No matter where you live in the world, if you have ever dreamed of visiting South Africa, then you definitely want to consider this destination. You will find many different attractions in Mpumalanga that are considered to be some of the best in the country, including bird watching and horse riding. Many people also choose to visit the historical sites as well as taking part in other outdoor activities. Otherwise, if you’re looking to see some spectacular scenery, one of the top choices would be swimming in the rivers.
Vacation In Mpumalanga
The South African province is inspired by the spectacular scenery of the Mpumalanga Mountain ranges. Townships with wooden artworks and black townships create a pleasant ambiance in the villages, where one can practice afro spirituality and related cultural activities.
South Africa’s beautiful Mpumalanga province sits in the eastern portion of the country, bordering Swaziland and Mozambique, and is home to the country’s most famous animal reserve, Kruger National Park, as well as some fantastic resorts for all budgets and styles of travelers.
The majority of resorts in Mpumalanga tend to be on the boutique side, with a lot of upscale inns and guesthouse choices. Many of these are in the gateway towns serving Kruger National Park, like Hazyview and Nelspruit.
There are also country estate choices in other parts of the province where the focus is on eating farm-to-table fare and hiking in the lush, green hills and canyons this province is also famous for – the iconic Blyde River Canyon is one of the top attractions in Mpumalanga.
There are also options to stay at a game reserve-style resort, where safaris are included in the rate, and you can head out in a vehicle or on foot with a guide to look for lions, elephants, zebras, and more. For more on where to stay, check out our list of the best resorts in Mpumalanga.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa
If you’ve ever wanted to experience farm life in the lap of luxury, then check out the lovely Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa. The property is on a working farm that sits on the banks of the Sabie River in Hazyview, just a 15-minute drive from Kruger National Park.
An excellent choice for a romantic getaway, the retreat offers accommodation in rustic-glam tents that are beautifully designed and come with handmade furnishings, ultra comfortable beds, and the option to shower in private outside. They also feature Wi-Fi, so you won’t be cut off from the news unless you want to be.
Onsite amenities include two farm-to-table restaurants, one of which sits adjacent to the river. There is also a spa by the river and a swimming pool. If you would like to tour the farm, which cultivates fruits, nuts, and flowers, that can also be arranged.
Address: R536 Sabie Road, Hazyview 1242, South Africa
Accommodation: Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa
2. Nkomazi Game Reserve
For a proper safari experience, head to Nkomazi Game Reserve in Badplaas. The reserve is home to all the Big 5 animals, and safaris are included in the rates, along with all your meals.
Safari drives usually last around three hours and depart around dawn and just before dusk as these are the best times of day to spot animals. Guided walking safaris with rangers are also offered.
Accommodation at the five-star lodge is in beautifully appointed, raised platform tents that have you sleeping in the lap of luxury. All have private outdoor baths and plunge pools with views of the Komati River.
The food here is quite good, and there is also an outdoor pool and options to book spa treatments.
Address: R541, Badplaas 1190 South Africa
Accommodation: Nkomazi Game Reserve
3. Cheetah Plains
Located in the private Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park, the five-star Cheetah Plains is a new luxury safari lodge with a unique look to it. Rather than a traditional African lodge style, it has an ultra modern vibe about it.
Accommodation is in private villas that can sleep up to eight people, making it a popular choice with multi-gen families and groups of friends. Villas have four bedrooms, lots of indoor and outdoor space, and a private swimming pool. They also come with chef’s kitchens although all meals are included in your daily rate, so there is little need to cook for yourself.
Other perks to staying here include twice daily safaris in electric powered Land Cruisers with knowledgable guides. Guests also can borrow a Nikon D850 camera to shoot professional-style photographs. You’ll get to keep the memory card as well.
Address: Sabi Sand Game Reserve S36, Kruger National Park 1383, South Africa
Accommodation: Cheetah Plains
4. Walkersons Hotel & Spa
Sitting on 800 hectares in the countryside, Walkersons Hotel and Spa is about 20 minutes’ drive from Dullstroom town and also about the same distance from Verloren Valaei Nature Reserve should you like to spend time outdoors.
This luxury resort features all suite accommodation. These are country chic with fireplaces and lake or mountain views from private patios. If you’re traveling with kids or just like to cook for yourself, some of the suites have kitchenettes. There is also an option to rent one of the three cottages on the grounds.
Rates include half-board of breakfast and dinner. Amenities on the property include fishing lakes and hiking trails, a swimming pool, spa, and a gym.
Address: Walkersons Private Estate off R540, Dullstroom 1110, South Africa
Accommodation: Walkersons Hotel & Spa
5. Highgrove House
It’s not the Highgrove House that British royals, William and Kate, live in, but this property with the same name as that famous royal dwelling is also quite posh. Between the towns of Hazyview and Whiteriver, this Mpumalanga hotel offers country manor house lodging on a 64-hectare farm.
The rooms are filled with antiques and Persian carpets and have a colonial-English period ambience about them.
On-site amenities include a restaurant, swimming pool, and spa all set amid beautifully maintained grounds. Day trips to Kruger National Park can also be arranged.
Address: 1 Highgrove Ave Off R40 between Hazyview and Whiteriver, Hazyview 1242 South Africa