The Lowveld of South Africa
The Lowveld is a popular tourist and holiday destination in South Africa. The Lowveld is that region of South Africa where the Kruger National Park is located. This is a warm region with a healthy climate and tourists will find there is lots to do.
Things to do in the Lowveld
- Abseiling
Abseiling is presented at Ekhukhanyeni Outdoor centre near Nelspruit and near the Sudwala caves at Waterfall abseiling is available in the mountains near Waterval Boven. Kloofing and abseiling adventures are presented at the Blyde and Sabie Rivers as well as at the Berlin falls.
- Ballooning in the Lowveld

Most of the flights take place early morning in the Hazyview and Lydenburg area and it is normally rounded off with a breakfast. There are two local companies who provide this service.
- Big Swing
A Big Swing Bunjee is now open in the gorge at Graskop. This unique experience will allow you to free fall and then swing free in this spectacular gorge. Foofie slide over the gorge is also available for the faint hearted. Open every day except Mondays from 08:00 to 17:00. Contact Lowveld Info for information and bookings.
- Birding
The Birdlife Lowveld is very active and they present regular outings to surrounding areas. Contact Lowveld Tourism. You can also go on a birding safari from Nelspruit to one of the game reserves or the Blyde Canyon.
- Blyde River Canyon
Some of the most dramatic views over the Lowveld are enjoyed from the viewpoints over the canyon, which is the largest Grand Canyon in the world. Several hiking trails are also available. Contact the Mpumalanga Parks Board at Lowveld Tourism.
- Lowveld Hiking trails
The Matumi trail: In the Nelspruit Nature reserve with beautiful river walks and picnic spots. Half hour walk. Starting at Andries Pretorius road at the Old Trim Park. There is also another trail leading to the historical Hindu Temple site in the Reserve. Phone
Elandshoogte hiking trails: Near Ngodwana on the escarpment - Two day trails with overnight facilities on the edge of the Escarpment. Book with Sappi on or .
Lowveld Botanic Gardens: There are several short trails through these magnificent gardens on the outskirts of Nelspruit, next to the Crocodile River. Two waterfalls can also be viewed. Phone for further details.
Safcol Hiking trails: Safcol manages several hiking trails in the Lowveld including the Loerie trail, Fanie Botha near Graskop, Uitsoek trail near Sudwala, Houtbosloop and the Kaapsehoop trail near Nelspruit and the Prospectors trail near Pilgrims. For reservations contact Lowveld Tourism.
Some operators also undertake guided trails on the escarpment and in the Blyde River Canyon.
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Kruger National Park
This world famous game park and home of the Big Five is just around the corner. From Nelspruit you can enter the Park through Malelane gate (60km) or Numbi Gate (50km) while Hazyview and Malelane is situated next to the Kruger and Malelane gates respectively. Komatipoort is next the Crocodile Bridge Gate of the Park. Open Vehicle safaris are undertaken to and from the Park from Nelspruit, Hazyview and Malelane. For Kruger Park accommodation or on-line safari bookings contact Lowveld Tourism
- Lowveld Botanic Gardens
You can explore these magnificent gardens on several hiking trails and view the extensive indigenous tree collection, one of the largest collections of cycads, the African Rainforest and two waterfalls. There is also an abundance of bird life and beautiful picnic spots. There is also a restaurant and coffee shop in the gardens. Regular Sunday concerts are held during the winter months. Phone .
- Paragliding
Contact the Lowveld Slope Soaring Club for packages. Five months training courses as well as once off tandem flights available any day of the week. Phone Anton or Rooies on or .
- Phumelani Cultural Experience
Situated at the Numbi Gate to the Kruger Park. An authentic African cultural performance is presented for groups by members of the Mdluli Tribe. A buffet meal is also served. Lowveld Tourism
- Lowveld Safari's
Several local tour operators do full day or half day open vehicle safaris into the Kruger Park. Night safaris are also undertaken to some private big five reserves in the Sabi Sand and Timbavati areas. For bookings contact Lowveld Tourism
- Shangana Village
Visit an authentic African Village and get to know their fascinating way of life. During the day there are one-hour tours through the village, traditional lunches and the picturesque Marula Crafts market. In the evening a dance, music and drama feast is presented with a traditional meal.
- Sudwala Dinosaur Park
Next to the Sudwala caves. Life sized, scientifically accurate models of dinosaurs greet you as you wonder through a lush sub-tropical forest. Tel .
- Sudwala Cultural Village
See the traditional way of life of several South African tribes in their original homes. Tribal dancing is presented on request. There is also a crafters village where a goldsmith and potter demonstrate their trade to visitors. Tel .
- Tours of the Lowveld
Several tour operators present tours to the Kruger Park, Escarpment, Mozambique and Swaziland from Nelspruit. For further enquiries contact Lowveld Tourism
- Township Tours
Come experience the fascinating culture of the rural and peri-urban areas of the Lowveld around Nelspruit, White River and Hazyview. Day trips and half-day trips are undertaken by seasoned tour guides into these townships. Tours include visits to the local tribal chiefs, shebeens and the sangoma (medicine man). Experience the local cuisine and home made beer, see traditional dancing or visit one of the schools in the area. Contact Lowveld Tourism.
- Waterfalls
The most spectacular waterfalls occur in the area around Sabie namely the Bridal Veil falls, Horseshoe falls, Lone Creek falls, the Mac Mac falls between Sabie and Graskop and the Lisbon and Berlin falls just outside Graskop.
- White Water rafting
Trips are undertaken on the Blyde, Sabie and Olifants Rivers by qualified guides.
Accommodation in the Lowveld
- Amakhulu Central Reservations
Merle offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She specializes in the Lowveld region.
- Accommodation in the Lowveld
This website is the best I have yet come across for accommodation in South Africa. You communicate directly with the accommodation establishment and the entire booking is carried out online.
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