There are few superlatives that can adequately sum up the sheer scenic beauty of Mpumalanga. Its mountains, valleys, wildlife and all round geographic diversity are incomparable. All this makes for an ideal location for some world class game reserves. Here are two of the best:
Kruger National Park
Of course. The Kruger National Park is perhaps Mpumalanga's most famed and visited tourist attractions. Covering an area of roughly 20 000 square kilometres across not only Mpumalanga, but Limpopo too, the Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves on the continent. The park is not only home to the Big Five game animals, but also carries the distinction of having 147 species of large mammals, more than any other African game reserve.
Sabi Sands Game Reserve
"Sabi Sands is the best place in the world for a safari," reads the landing page on the official Sabi Sands website. They may have a point. There are several incredible accommodation venues here, including: Chitwa Chitwa Lodge, Noten’s Bush Camp and Inyati Safari Lodge. The Sabi Sands is also known for amazing sighting of the elusive leopard. And, with no fences between Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, other wildlife roams freely between the two parks. Interestingly, prior to the 1926 proclamation of the Kruger National Park, the two parks existed as one.