5 Must-see places in Mpumalanga

Graskop Gorge Lift

The lovely Graskop Gorge is located south of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. The Graskop Gorge Lift Company operates a number of adrenaline-pumping attractions here, including the tallest cable gorge swing in the entire world (a 230-foot free fall in under 3 seconds). You may also enjoy taking the 167-foot journey down the gorge’s wall in a glass-fronted viewing lift or span the gorge on a highwire zipline.

Entrance Fee: R30/adult, R20/child

Lift Rides: R205/adult, R170/pensioner, R140/child (Advance booking advised)

God's Window

God’s Window is a famous natural landmark found along the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga. God’s Window is situated within the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, and offers a magnificent viewpoint over the greenest canyon in the world. Gods Window is so called for the panoramic view of the Lowveld more than 900 m down into lush indigenous forest clad ravine. The majestic cliffs plunge over 700 meters to the Lowveld

On a clear day it is possible to see over the Kruger National Park towards the Lebombo Mountains on the border with Mozambique.

Entrance fee: free

SkyWays Trails

Visit Skyway Trails nearby Hazyview to continue your aerial adventure of the Graskop gorge. The attraction is home to the longest aerial cable path in the province, which features eight different zip lines that will take you on an exhilarating ride through the forest. As an alternative, you can attempt the Tree Top Challenge, a raised obstacle course with 19 tasks that is appropriate for all ages. Be advised that on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day the location will be closed. Skyway Trails is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Shangana Cultural Village

The residents of the traditional villages of Shangana invite guests to share in the way of life of the Shangaan people. The picturesque villages are set in the shade of ancient trees in a reserve of forest and grassland.

They offer daytime tours (09:00 - 16:00 on the hour), as well as an Evening Festival when the history of the Shangaans is presented by a huge cast of choristers and dancers before dinner is served inside the huts. Prior bookings for the evening festival is essential. Located about 52km from Graskop on the R535 towards Hazyview.

Tariffs:

Varies from R145 to R510/person, depending on time of day, as well as lunch & dinner options.

The Long Tom Toboggan

The Long Tom Toboggan is the longest of its kind on the entire African continent, measuring a staggering 1.7 kilometres, or just over a mile. Its entire length is equal to no fewer than 17 rugby fields. The course takes passengers through the mountains and forests, showcasing this part of Mpumalanga off to utter perfection as you reach speeds of up to 45 kilometres an hour. Twist and turn while you drink in the gorgeous wild flowers painting the countryside; plummet down grasslands as you savour the clean, crisp air and the warm sunshine.