Mpumalanga means 'place where the sun rises'. It is bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland in the east, and Gauteng in the west. It is situated mainly on the high plateau grasslands of the Middleveld, which roll eastwards for hundreds of kilometres. In the northeast, it rises towards mountain peaks and then terminates in an immense Escarpment. In some places, this Escarpment plunges hundreds of metres down to the low-lying area known as the Lowveld. Most of the Game Parks are situated in the Lowveld. The area has a network of excellent roads and railway connections, making it highly accessible. Because of its popularity as a tourist destination, Mpumalanga is also served by a number of small airports. Nelspruit is the capital of the province and the administrative and business centre of the Lowveld.

Your essential kit should consist of binoculars, camera and film, sunscreen, strong walking shoes, sun hat, light tropical clothing, warm anorak for evening and night drives, insect repellent cream. This is nature as you've never experienced before. Get out before sunrise to find a predator still enjoying the last of it's nightly meal before finding a tree to shelter from the hot midday sun. Park next to a water hole to see the animal kingdom take in the basic elemnet for survival. Sit underneath a mopani tree to hear chorus of birds communicating via happy chirping and song.

Besides the Kruger National Park, one of the biggest game parks in the world, there are many private game farms to explore the Big 5, lion, elephant, bufalo, rino and leopard. The Lowveld is also rich in history, especially the historical village, Pilgram's Rest, where gold was mined about 120 years ago.