A hikers dream destination - 3 scenic Mpumalanga trails

With attractions like the Kruger National Park, and the breathtakingly scenic Panorama Route, spectacular mountainous landscapes, natural water features, and inviting forest lands, Mpumalanga has some of the best-known hiking trails in South Africa.

Here are three amazing hiking trails you will want to explore when on a visit in this magical province:

Escarpment Trail

Located on a thousand hectare fenced nature and game conservancy at Five Assegais Country Estate, this beautifully laid out path takes you over the Skurwerand, a spectacular landscape of wind and water eroded ancient sandstone, filled with yellowwood trees and aloe gardens with views over the Komati valley all the way to Swaziland.The trail then plunges into the Bankspruit gorge taking you past crystal pools and rapids through a pristine gorge forest to the foot of the second highest waterfall in Mpumalanga, then out of the gorge and across old veldt pastures filled with game back to the hiking camp situated on the very edge of the escarpment.

Kruger Walking Safari

This walking safari is conducted in the Greater Kruger National Park, in the Timbavati Nature Reserve, South Africa., smack in the middle of a “Big Five” game viewing area. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is home to over 40 mammal species, including Africa’s “Big Five” animals (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant). Other game that you may see whilst on your Kruger walking safari include hyena, jackal, giraffe, hippo, wild dog, zebra, kudu and impala, to mention just a few, and over 350 recorded bird species. You will be accompanied by an armed professional, experienced safari guide.

Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail

Experience the beauty of the third largest canyon in the world, The Blyde River Canyon, by taking a hike in the 60 kilometres long Blyderivierspoort trail.This trails filled with unique beauty spectacular views, diverse vegetation, varying rock formation features and indigenous riverine forests. Hikers will probably encounter diverse wildlife such as baboons and duikers. The trail starts at God's Window and ends at Bourke's Luck. A hike will take you 3 to 5 days depending on if you can hike the whole length.