Mpumalanga
Adventure Tourism at its Best

It has always surprised me that some tourists travel to South Africa – a supposedly perilous country – and occupy their stay with even riskier activities. Sports such as bridge swinging, abseiling, river rafting and quad biking are just some of the pursuits that travellers – both local and international - participate in during their excursions. And, while I have always favoured a more relaxed state of travel, it was on a recent trip to Mpumalanga – a province with arguably the best outdoor activities in the country – that I discovered the intense appeal of adventure tourism and the lure of voluntarily increasing the body’s natural flow of adrenalin.

Adventure tourism has been defined as a type of niche tourism involving exploration or travel to areas where the traveller should ‘expect the unexpected.’ Usually involving an outdoor leisure activity, adventure tourism includes the performance of acts that may entail low or high levels of physical activity and may also involve some degree of risk. Adventure tourism is certainly growing in popularity in South Africa, and tourists are beginning to seek unusual holidays, as opposed to the more conventional seaside vacations.

Mpumalanga, which means ‘land of the rising sun’ in the local SiSwati language, has it all when it comes to adventure tourism. The province’s diversity has been exploited by the region’s adrenalin freaks, who invite tourists to experience this unique and innovative approach to enjoying the province’s attractions. Water rafting and tubing

Mpumalanga boasts some of the country’s highest waterfalls, deepest canyons and largest rivers, and as such is the perfect location for wild water activities. Some of the most popular water-based adventures in the province include white-water tubing and river rafting. These activities provide an optimal way in which to combine the thrills of a dynamic sport with the beautiful natural surroundings.

Mpumalanga’s Sabie River in particular offers fantastic rafting and tubing facilities and is one of the cleanest river systems in the country. Whereas the rafting on the Lower Sabie offers excellent fun for the whole family, the tubing that takes place on the Upper Sabie, is more of a high-adrenalin activity and is not suitable for young children.

Those in search of a more ‘bushveld’ rafting safari should head for the province’s largest river, the Oliphants, where an excellent combination of game viewing and white-water rafting may be experienced along Mpumalanga’s most exhilarating rapids.

Quad biking
Feel like some noisy motorised action? The many quad bike trails available in the province provide exhilarating engine-powered action that will certainly set the pulses racing. One such company, the Sabie River Adventure Centre, offers guided outrides through the plantations and indigenous bush of the Sabie River Valley. Inspired by the mountains and natural gradient, these tracks are both suitable for the beginner and challenging for the more experienced driver.

Big Swing and High Wire
If it’s a true endorphin-stimulating activity that one seeks, then the Big Swing and High Wire slide just outside Graskop will certainly provide a fulfilling experience. Bold adventurers are dared to fly across the gorge on a 131 m high wire ‘foefie slide’, 80 metres above the ground. And if that does not satisfy their desire for the ultimate escapade, then they may experience the rush of a 68-metre freefall in less than 3 seconds on one of the world’s highest cable gorge swings.The extreme ‘fear’ factor on the Big Swing is unequalled. The beauty of the scenery on the descent into the gorge is phenomenal. Or so I’m told… And the experience is just as invigorating when done with your eyes closed.

Too many to mention, Mpumalanga offers numerous other adventure sports. These include abseiling, mountain biking, microlighting, skydiving, archery, paragliding and caving. But not all of the province’s activities are adrenalin-inducing, and those looking to enjoy Mpumalanga’s laid-back charm may do so while game viewing, hot air ballooning, gold panning, hiking or by simply taking in the breathtaking scenery. An even more chilled experience awaits visitors at the province’s secluded health hydros and yoga retreats.

Mpumalanga’s nightlife is rather offbeat, and visitors are encouraged to try the township jazz tours, hit the local theatres, attend outdoor rock concerts, or gather at parties in forests or on misty mountain tops.

Mpumalanga, with its bountiful sunny weather, soaring peaks, steamy jungles and expansive waterways is home to South Africa’s most diverse and vibrant African cultures, exciting wildlife, ancient ruined cities, secluded mountain retreats and wild sports. The province’s rich culture makes it a truly remarkable destination for any traveller – especially those who favour an increased blood flow, heightened pulse rate and improved physical performance.

Mpumalanga has been described as South Africa’s most exciting and diverse tourism destination. It is hardly surprising then that the province was chosen to host the launch of Tourism Month, which was celebrated throughout the month of September. The launch took place on 23rd August at a gala dinner at the vibrant Shangana Cultural Village. Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi and South African Tourism chief executive officer, Mr Moeketsi Mosola hosted representatives and key individuals from the travel and tourism industry at this high-spirited event.

Commenting on the focus on Mpumalanga, Mosola says that the province is “an all-year round destination offering a plethora of experiences to any traveller. I want to encourage our own people to take a Sho’t Left this Tourism Month and discover what Mzansi has to offer.”