The Kruger Lowveld region is located in the north eastern corner of South Africa predominantly in Mpumalanga Province. The region borders the countries of Mozambique and Swaziland and includes the southern half of the Kruger National Park. We are situated about 400km (250 miles) from Johannesburg / Pretoria; and 1800km (1120 miles) from Cape Town.
Take a look around our website to find out why we remain – and will forever be – South Africa’s premier inland tourism destination.
Very few places on earth can beat the unspoiled, natural beauty, expansive vistas and diversity offered by the Kruger National Park. Covering an area of close to 20 000 square kilometres and extending 360km from north to south, the park is the flagship of South Africa's national parks and is considered one of the largest and most diverse wildlife reserves on the African continent.
Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries – from San rock paintings to majestic iron age archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela – is evident in the park. These treasures represent the cultures, people and events that played a role in the history of the park.
With an extensive and excellent road network, supported by an almost endless supply of publications, most visitors can explore the park on their own easily and safely. For the not so adventurous and Africa novices, guided tours on open-sided safari vehicles are available. They are also available for visitors staying outside the park. For the more outdoorsy types, wilderness trails, back-pack trails and a guided 4x4 trail along the entire eastern boundary of the park are available.
There are numerous accommodation options scattered through the park to suit the needs of every class of visitor. There are 11 large national park-run rest camps, offering self-catering bungalows, permanent tents and campsites. Most of these have a shop, restaurant and swimming pool, and offer the guest guided drives, including night drives, and guided walks.
The park also has seven smaller bushveld camps, which forgo the larger camp amenities for greater peace and tranquillity. Most of these camps are situated at the end of roads reserved for use by camp residents only.
For those seeking the ultimate luxury, there are several privately-run, award-winning game lodges situated in exclusive-use, traversing areas within the Kruger National Park. Here your every desire is catered for, from privately-guided safaris and sumptuous food prepared by leading chefs, to an extensive wine selection and spa treatments.
The Panorama Route
The town of Lydenburg/Mashishing is the gateway from the west into this famous and iconic South African tourism destination – the Panorama Route. Renowned for its dramatic scenery and breath-taking views, the Panorama Route is a must visit for both domestic and international visitors.
For South African visitors, the region represents an intrinsic element of our heritage – an essential part of learning about and discovering our country. As an international visitor, it is simply an essential and not-to-be-missed component of any meaningful explore South Africa itinerary.
The essence of the Panorama Route is to drive the route and stop along the way at view sites and unique natural wonders. From Lydenburg/Mashishing you can enter the route from two roads: either the R36 via Ohrigstad and then right onto the R532, or via the R37 and Long Tom Pass, one of South Africa’s renowned mountain passes.
Taking the R36, you will pass the turnoff to Robbers Pass and Ohrigstad Dam and Nature Reserve and just after Echo Caves, turn right onto the prime section of the route. Here you can stop and see several iconic attractions - Blyde River Canyon and Blydepoort Dam, the Three Rondawels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Lowveld View, Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, Wonder View, God’s Window and the Pinnacle. It is for these natural attractions that the Panorama Route is famous.
If you take the R37 you can enjoy a prelude of the town of Sabie and its landmark waterfalls: Bridal Veil Falls and Lone Creek Falls. Then on to Graskop (perhaps for a pancake?), and follow the route from the lower side, starting at the Pinnacle and ending at the junction of the R532 and R36.
An interesting loop on the Panorama Route is Vaalhoek Road – a well-maintained gravel road suitable for almost all vehicles that run from Bourke’s Luck Potholes to Pilgrim’s Rest – a gem of a trip!
