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 No one need wonder why Mpumalanga (the former Eastern Transvaal) is one of South Africas top tourist destinations. The answers are easy to find. Some people are drawn by the magnificent scenery, other by the fauna and flora, and yet others by the saga of the 1870s gold rush era and a wealth of fascinating tribal legends.
Aptly known as "Paradise Country", few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the lowveld and escarpment. Mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterize the landscape. This is also big Game Country, the setting for dozens of sanctuaries teeming with wildlife and birds. Among them, the Kruger National Park is world renowned, as are several of the luxurious private reserves on its western boundary. The entire area offers exceptional opportunities for bird watching, hiking, horse riding and fishing. Streams once panned for gold have become the haunts of eager anglers and lazy trout.
Steeped in the history of pioneers, hunters and fortune seekers, fascinating gold rush towns abound. Barberton and pilgrims Rest are among the most famous. A special, additional dimension occurs in the Middleveld region, which is inhabited by Ndebele people, notable for their traditional costumes and attractively decorated houses.
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