The marvels of Mpumalanga

THERE’s no doubt that Mpumalanga has much more of a tourism offering than just safaris. Now this abundant province is encouraging travel agents to see the wealth of experiences that can be enjoyed by families on holiday, romantic honeymooners and corporate groups outside the safari offering. Ntwanano Mtungwa, Executive Manager for Tourism at the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), told Travel News that the province offered a complete holiday experience that combines wildlife, spectacular scenery, adventure, culture, heritage, gastronomy and warm hospitality. Longer stays “Clients are increasingly looking for personalised itineraries that combine multiple experiences over several days. Encouraging longer stays allows visitors to explore the province’s diverse regions while supporting local businesses,” said Mtungwa. The Panorama Route remains one of the province’s strongest products, with the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Lisbon and Berlin Falls and the Graskop Gorge Lift attracting families, couples and self-drive travellers throughout the year. “New boutique lodges, luxury safari offerings and unique glamping experiences have expanded the province’s accommodation portfolio, catering for a diverse range of travellers and budgets.” Active, outdoor, adventure tourism is big in Mpumalanga and it keeps growing. Hiking, mountain biking, trail running, ziplining, white-water rafting and quad biking are available in several destinations, among them Sabie, Graskop and Hazyview. Mtungwa said cultural and heritage experiences were also important. “Attractions such as the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site, Matsamo Cultural Village and the Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre are becoming valuable additions to travel itineraries.” Road access Road infrastructure has long been a key consideration particularly for self-drive holidays and multi-stop itineraries. “Road infrastructure upgrades remain a priority, particularly along key tourism