Mpumalanga, means Place where the sun rises. Due to the province's spectacular scenic beauty and abundance of wildlife, it is one of South Africa’s major tourist destinations. Mpumalanga falls mainly within the Grassland Biome. The escarpment and the Lowveld form a transitional zone between this grassland area and the Savanna Biome.

The area has a network of excellent roads and railway connections, making it highly accessible. Mpumalanga is also served by a number of small airports, such as the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Mbombela is the capital of the province and the administrative and business centre of the Lowveld. Other important towns are eMalahleni, Standerton, Piet Retief, Malalane, Ermelo, Barberton and Sabie. Large-scale manufacturing occurs especially in the northern Highveld area, particularly chrome-alloy and steel manufacturing.

The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains were added to the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s prestigious World Heritage List in July 2018, becoming the 10th World Heritage Site for South Africa.

The site comprises 40% of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, one of the world’s oldest geological structures. The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains represent the best-preserved succession of volcanic and sedimentary rock dating back 3,25 to 3,6 billion years.

Aptly known as "Paradise Country", few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the Mpumalanga Lowveld and escarpment. Mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterise 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 Mpumalanga 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 Pilgrim's 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.

Bethal

Bethal is situated in the Cosmos Country region of Mpumalanga, South Africa. Established in 1880, Bethal is a small farming town. Farming in potatoes, maize, sunflower seeds, sorghum and rye.
There is also mining activity in and around Bethal with 20 coal mines and 3 gold mines in the region. The mines offer tours, which is a must-see for any visitor to the town and area.

This town has many interesting attractions for visitors, amongst them is a visit to the museum, which is based in the old Magistrates office. It has been restored to its original state and is now officially a national monument.

Tourists can visit the Memorial Square in Bethal, the site of the burial of Boer soldiers who were killed in battle.

Farms in the area offer agricultural tours and a range of locally grown farm produce is available. Bethal has a range of accommodation options available from Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels to Self Catering units.

Middelburg

Middelburg is a large farming and industrial town situated in the Cultural Heartlands region of Mpumalanga in South Africa. Originally named ‘Nasareth’ in 1846, but renamed to Middelburg in 1872 because of its location between Pretoria and Lydenburg.
The town is situated close to one of the main routes of the Kruger National Park and is a convenient stop for visitors to the park.
There are a number of interesting activities to do in Middelburg which include hiking trails, a native Ndebele tourist village and the chance to visit the beautiful Dutch Reformed Church, built in 1890.
The Kees Taljaard Park Stadium regularly hosts rugby matches and a number of local festivals and events.
The Middelburg Dam plays host to the annual Middelburg Mile swimming event. The event, celebrated its 40th year running in 2013 and is the world’s largest open water swimming event. Middelburg has a range of accommodation options available from Bed and Breakfasts, Guest Houses to Self Catering units.

Carolina

Carolina is a small scale Precious Stone mining town situated in the Grass and Wetlands region of Mpumalanga in South Africa. Carolina and surrounding area has such wonderful natural beauty with plenty of sparkling lakes and rivers.

It is a mixed farming and small scale coal mining town along with the Precious Stone mining.
Situated near to Carolina is the Komati Gorge and River. This beautiful area allows for a whole range of activities including, picnicking, swimming, fishing, hiking and boating. Plenty of exciting water sports can be enjoyed.
For the avid bird watcher there are a wide variety of wonderfully vibrant birds, including the Bald Ibis and Crowned Crane. The Nooitgedacht Nature Reserve, which is situated near to Carolina is also home to over 200 species of birds.
There are many adventurous horse and hiking trails that can be enjoyed in and around this region. Most of these trails are day trails, but there are several 2 day trails available where one can stay overnight in a trail hut.
Carolina has a great historical heritage, with a few interesting battlefields to be visited. Carolina has a range of accommodation options available from Bed and Breakfasts, Self Catering units and Guest Houses.

Badplaas

Lying at the base of the Ndlumudlumu Mountains is, Badplaas, which falls under the Kruger Lowveld region of Mpumalanga, South Africa. Badplaas has its very own hot, sulphurous spring that holds litres of healing water. Badplaas became established through the discover of gold in Barberton, as it had become a stopover on a wagon route that was making its way into the Lowveld. This area has a wide variety of bird life, including the Malachite Humming bird (or Sunbird) and the Trumpeter Hornbill. There is a diverse range of activities available in and around Badplaas, including hiking. There is a walk that will take the visitor along a 100-year old water canal up to a waterfall with views over the valley.
There is also plenty of game viewing at various game farms, as well as, a 9-hole golf course about 7 kilometres from Badplaas - A Forever Resort, for that avid golfer.
Mountain Trout offers lessons in trout fishing as well as tours of the hatchery's and produce - a definite must see for any visitor to this town. Badplaas has a variety of accommodation options available from Guest Houses, Bed and Breakfasts to Self-catering units.