Mpumalanga (Crowdfunding Sepcial)
- 8 days
- 5-7 guests
- Johannesburg, Panorama Route, Mariepskop, Greater Kruger
- Available
Mpumalanga, known as the “Place of the Rising Sun,” is a premier South African
province famous for its dramatic scenery, including the Blyde River Canyon, and
world-renowned wildlife experiences, notably the Kruger National Park. Your journey
begins with a convenient pick up from the O. R. Tambo International Airport and
leads you into the lush, scenic province of Mpumalanga, where natural beauty and
geological wonders set the tone. From the ancient formations of Sudwala Caves to
the cascading beauty of Mac Mac Falls, the experience unfolds through some of the
region’s most captivating landscapes. The journey continues along the iconic
Panorama Route, featuring highlights such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck
Potholes, Three Rondavels, and the vast Blyde River Canyon—offering you dramatic
views, unique rock formations, and unforgettable hiking and cruising experiences. As
the journey builds, you ascend the breathtaking Mariepskop before transitioning into
the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park where you will encounter the “Big
Five” and abundant birdlife. Throughout the journey, you will experience authentic
camping in some of the country’s most stunning locations, supported by comfortable,
mid-range and high-quality camping gear. However, there will be select lodge stays
along the way to provide you with moments to refresh and recharge to balance
adventure with comfort. This journey can be combined with another incredible adventure “Kruger to Cape” starting on the 12 of March 2027.
Price: 4’800
Trip Highlights
Day 1: Welcome to Mpumalanga
Upon your arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport or surrounding hotel, you will be greeted and welcomed. We will then start our journey driving through the grasslands into the lush province of Mpumalanga. Our first stop is the remarkable Sudwala Caves, among the oldest caves in the world. Here, you will descend into a fascinating underground world of ancient rock formations, vast chambers, and rich geological history. The journey continues to the scenic Mac-Mac Falls, where twin streams plunge dramatically into a deep gorge. Surrounded by forested cliffs, this is the perfect introduction to Mpumalanga’s raw natural beauty.Day 2: Panorama Route
We will begin our exploration of the Panorama Route with an early morning drive to the breathtaking God’s Window. From this elevated viewpoint, sweeping vistas stretch endlessly across forests and lowveld plains, often veiled in a mystical mist. After fully immersing ourselves in this magic, we will drive to the elegant Berlin Falls, where water cascades in a graceful column into a serene pool below. The journey continues to the geological wonder of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of swirling water have carved cylindrical rock formations into the riverbed, creating an extraordinary natural spectacle that will certainly blow your mind. The day concludes at the geological wonder of the Three Rondavels, towering rock formations that resemble traditional African huts, overlooking the majestic Blyde River Canyon.Day 3: Blyde River Canyon
We will start our morning with a hike at the leopard trail. The trail offers panoramic views of the northern section of the Blyde River Canyon. The trail passes waterfalls allowing you opportunities to dip in refreshing, cold water of the cascading waterfall pools to cool off from the hike. During the hike, you may spot various birds, such as Redwing starlings, and diverse plant life, including Proteas. Later in the day we will embark on a peaceful boat cruise on the dam below, allowing you to witness the towering cliffs and waterfalls from beneath.Day 4: Mariepskop
We will start our morning with an adventurous drive up the Mariepskop mountain which is at 1,947 metres above sea level. Mariepskop is the highest point of the Blyde River Canyon. On this this daring adventure, you will be rewarded with panoramic views that stretch across the Lowveld and, on clear days, as far as Kruger National Park. This is a place of quiet reflection, fresh mountain air, and unmatched photographic opportunities for you. A scenic afternoon drive leads us to Kruger National Park where we find time for a first short gamedrive.Day 5: Full Day Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife reserves, home to an extraordinary concentration of animals and over 500 bird species. From Orpen Camp, we focus our search along river systems, where wildlife naturally gathers and activity is at its highest. We deliberately take the quieter gravel roads, far from the busy main routes, allowing for more intimate and rewarding wildlife encounters. By evening, we arrive in the Satara region – renowned as one of the best areas in Kruger for predator sightings, especially lions.Day 6: Another Day for Safari
Waking up to the sounds of wildlife within the heart of Kruger. Today you will be taken deeper into Kruger, from the grasslands of Satara to the riverine ecosystems of Lower Sabie. Morning and afternoon game drives offering you excellent opportunities to encounter the Big Five and a rich variety of birdlife. As we approach Lower Sabie, the Sabie River attracts an abundance of wildlife, making this one of the park’s most rewarding regions for sightings. You will enjoy a sunset overlooking the river, where animals gather to drink as the day winds down.Day 7: Kruger National Park
Our journey continues along the Sabie River where you will have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife on game drives along the river. This stretch offers some of the most consistent and exciting wildlife viewing in Kruger. You can expect close encounters with elephants, buffalo, hippos, and possibly big cats resting in the shade. Later in the afternoon, we will drive to Skukuza. Arriving at Skukuza, the park’s largest rest camp, you can enjoy its facilities while still feeling deeply connected to the surrounding wilderness.Day 8: Departure
Your final morning may include a last early game drive—one more chance to witness the magic of the African bush at sunrise. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable exploration of Mpumalanga and Kruger to a close.Why choose this trip?
This journey is not just about reaching destinations – it’s about the experience built along the way. Designed for active travellers who appreciate nature, authenticity, and variety, it offers a diverse and well-balanced program.
We focus on camping in comfortable house tents with real mattresses rather than traditional accommodation, creating a closer and more genuine connection to the environment. Sleeping under the stars and being surrounded by nature becomes part of the experience, not just a backdrop.
The pace of the journey allows you to slow down and fully take in each landscape, making every step feel intentional. By the time you reach Kruger, the wildlife encounters feel more rewarding because of everything that came before.
This is a journey that unfolds gradually – one that connects landscapes, experiences, and moments into something that stays with you long after it ends.
Climate & Weather
At the beginning of March, you travel through both the Highveld and Lowveld during late summer, when the landscape is at its most lush, green, and alive. Expect warm to hot daytime temperatures between the mid-20s and low 30s°C, with pleasantly mild evenings—ideal for a comfortable camping experience. This is also when the Panorama Route is at its most spectacular, with full waterfalls and vibrant vegetation creating a rich and visually rewarding journey.
- Note on Trip Customization