1309 Travel Guide

Lowveld National Botanical Garden is one of South Africa nine national botanical gardens, covering about 159 hectares in the outskirts of Nelspruit, capital of Mpumalanga. The garden displays the rich tropical and subtropical plant communities of the Lowveld region, particularly famous for native trees and rainforest plants. Built on hills along a river, the garden has rich natural landscape layers, with multiple themed areas including waterfall trail, rainforest trail, native arboretum and medicinal plant area. The garden is also home to rich birdlife and butterflies, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers, and an important window to understand South African lowland ecosystems.

Blyde River Canyon is one of South Africa most spectacular natural wonders, recognised as the third largest canyon in the world. Located at the eastern foot of the Drakensberg Mountains in Mpumalanga, the canyon was carved by the Blyde River over millions of years, reaching depths of 750 metres. Along the canyon are famous viewpoints including the Three Rondavels, God Window and Bourke Luck Potholes, offering breathtaking views of tropical rainforest intertwined with rivers. It is one of the steepest green canyons in the world, with dense vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and is a paradise for photographers and nature explorers. Rich birdlife and wildlife can be spotted along the way.