Staycations in Mpumalanga

Overview

Mpumalanga is the gateway to the Kruger and, for many South Africans, the home of the classic safari. This is where the private reserves of the Sabi Sand deliver some of the best leopard sightings on earth, and where the main Kruger camps such as Skukuza put the Big Five within easy reach of a self-drive or guided drive.

Beyond the game, the province climbs into the escarpment and the scenery of the Panorama Route, with the Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and a string of waterfalls. A staycation here can be pure safari, pure scenery, or a bit of both.

For a great many South Africans, a first safari happens here, and plenty come back year after year. The mix of accessible Kruger camps and world-famous private reserves means there is a version of the trip for every budget.

From R1,690 per person sharing · 14 packages · Best for: Kruger safari & the Panorama Route

Why Choose a Mpumalanga Staycation?

• World-class safari: the Sabi Sand is famous for close, unhurried Big Five sightings, leopards especially.
• The Panorama Route: the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window are a scenic day out.
• Easy Kruger access: camps such as Skukuza and the southern gates are among the most accessible in the park.
• Family and luxury lodges: options run from family-friendly rest camps to five-star private suites.
• All-inclusive stays: many lodges bundle game drives and all meals into the rate.

What Can You See and Do in Mpumalanga?

The safari is the headline, but Mpumalanga has more. Spend your mornings and evenings on game drives in the Kruger or the private Sabi Sand, then trade the bushveld for the escarpment and the Panorama Route, where the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window line up a spectacular day's drive. Add horse trails, hot-air ballooning, waterfalls and the old gold-rush town of Pilgrim's Rest, and you have a province that mixes wildlife with genuine scenery.

Where Should You Stay in Mpumalanga?

The choice comes down to the kind of safari you want. The southern Kruger camps, led by Skukuza, are the most accessible and family-friendly, ideal for self-drive game viewing. The private Sabi Sand, sharing an unfenced boundary with the Kruger, delivers the closest, most exclusive sightings and the plushest lodges. For scenery over game, base yourself along the Panorama Route around Graskop and Hazyview, within easy reach of both the canyon and the park's gates.

Which Mpumalanga Staycation Packages Are Available?

Here is a selection of Mpumalanga staycations on offer right now, with live lead-in prices. Prices are per person sharing unless noted, and every package can be paid off in Easy Installments.

Middelburg Riverside Getaway (2 nights, from R1,690)

Middelburg is a Highveld town in Mpumalanga, a practical, affordable base with easy access to the province's wider attractions. This 2-night family stay includes comfortable accommodation, daily breakfast, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R1,690 per person sharing, down from R2,190. It suits families wanting space and easy activities for all ages.

Malalane Self-Catering Escape (2 nights, from R3,545)

Malalane is a southern Kruger gateway town on the Crocodile River, close to the park's Malelane gate. This 2-night self-catering stay includes 4-star accommodation, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R3,545 per person sharing, down from R4,045. A flexible base for those who prefer to set their own pace.

Kruger National Park Staycation: Safari & Bush Adventure (2 nights, from R3,565)

Kruger National Park is South Africa's flagship game reserve, a vast Big Five wilderness roughly the size of a small country. This 2-night safari includes 4-star accommodation, breakfast and dinner, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R3,565 per person sharing, down from R4,065. It suits wildlife lovers and first-time or returning safari-goers.

South Africa Safari Getaway – Skukuza Safari Lodge Kruger National Park (2 nights, from R4,750)

Kruger National Park is South Africa's flagship game reserve, a vast Big Five wilderness roughly the size of a small country. This 2-night safari includes 4-star accommodation, breakfast and dinner, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R4,750 per person sharing, down from R5,250. A strong pick for anyone chasing Big Five sightings and time in the bush.

Kruger Gate Safari Escape (2 nights, from R4,930)

Kruger Gate is a southern entrance to the Kruger near Skukuza, putting the game-rich south of the park within easy reach. This 2-night safari includes 4-star accommodation, breakfast and dinner, with hotel facilities and taxes covered. It suits wildlife lovers and first-time or returning safari-goers.

Komatipoort Gateway Escape (2 nights, from R8,830)

Komatipoort is a lowveld town at the Kruger's southern tip near the Mozambique border, a handy gateway to the park. This 2-night safari includes comfortable accommodation, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R8,830 per person sharing, down from R9,330. A strong pick for anyone chasing Big Five sightings and time in the bush.

Family Getaway in Kruger Park (3 nights, from R10,175)

Kruger Park is South Africa's flagship game reserve, a vast Big Five wilderness roughly the size of a small country. This 3-night family stay includes 4-star accommodation, breakfast and dinner, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R10,175 per person sharing, down from R10,675. It suits families wanting space and easy activities for all ages.

Tshokwane Wilderness Retreat (2 nights, from R11,700)

Tshokwane is a well-known picnic and rest spot in the central Kruger, in classic Big Five country. This 2-night safari includes comfortable accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus game drives, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R11,700 per person sharing, down from R12,200. A strong pick for anyone chasing Big Five sightings and time in the bush.

Boutique Hideaway in Kruger Park (2 nights, from R13,680)

Kruger Park is South Africa's flagship game reserve, a vast Big Five wilderness roughly the size of a small country. This 2-night safari includes 5-star accommodation, breakfast and dinner, plus two daily game drives, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R13,680 per person sharing, down from R14,180. It suits wildlife lovers and first-time or returning safari-goers.

Train Escape in Kruger Park (2 nights, from R19,375)

Kruger Park is South Africa's flagship game reserve, a vast Big Five wilderness roughly the size of a small country. This 2-night safari includes 5-star accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus two daily game drives, with hotel facilities and taxes covered, from R19,375 per person sharing, down from R19,875. A strong pick for anyone chasing Big Five sightings and time in the bush.

What Types of Staycation Does Mpumalanga Offer?

• Big 5 Safari Tour: guided Big Five game drives from bush lodges and rest camps.
• Family Staycation: family-friendly stays with room and activities for all ages.
• Self Catering Special: self-catering bases with the freedom to set your own pace.

What's Included in a Mpumalanga Staycation Package?

• Star-rated accommodation for your chosen number of nights
• Daily breakfast on most packages (many safari lodges add lunch and dinner)
• Access to hotel and resort facilities
• All applicable taxes in the quoted price
• Easy Installments, so you can spread the cost over time
• Flights and transfers, unless the package says otherwise
• Extra meals and activities not listed on the package

Inclusions vary from one package to the next, so check the individual package for exact details.

Who Are Mpumalanga Staycations Best For?

Mpumalanga is for safari seekers of every budget, from families in a Kruger rest camp to couples in a private Sabi Sand suite. Add the Panorama Route and it also works for road-trippers and photographers who want dramatic scenery alongside the wildlife. If you would like a different sort of escape, it is worth comparing a city-and-safari break in Gauteng.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Mpumalanga?

Winter, roughly May to September, is the classic time to visit for game viewing, with dry, sunny days and sparse bush. The green summer season from October to April brings lush landscapes, newborn animals and full waterfalls on the Panorama Route, along with heat and afternoon storms. If you would rather travel in a different season, Sun City and the Pilanesberg in the North West is worth weighing up for its own climate.

What Should You Know Before You Book?

The southern Kruger and Sabi Sand are a roughly four-to-five-hour drive from Johannesburg, or a short hop to Skukuza or Nelspruit airports. This is a malaria area, so take precautions, especially in the wet summer months. Self-drivers can explore the main Kruger roads independently, while private reserves include expert-guided drives; either way, book popular lodges and rest camps well ahead in peak season.

How Do You Plan Your Mpumalanga Trip?

Two to three nights suits most safaris, long enough for several drives and, if you like, a day on the Panorama Route. If the scenery is a big draw, add a night around Graskop or Hazyview so you are not rushing the canyon. Self-drivers should book Kruger rest camps early, as the popular southern camps fill fast, and private Sabi Sand lodges are smaller still and sell out well ahead in peak season. Families do well in the rest camps, while couples tend to prefer the private reserves. Travelwings can help you weigh up a self-drive against a guided lodge stay. Many travellers fold a stay here into a wider trip alongside the beaches and Berg of KwaZulu-Natal.

How Do You Book a Mpumalanga Staycation?

To book, complete the enquiry form on this page, call the Travelwings South Africa team on +27 (0)12 006 0002, or email holidays.za@travelwings.com. Everything is priced in rand, and Easy Installments let you spread the cost on eligible packages, so you can lock in a rate now and pay it off before you travel.

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Disclaimer: Prices shown are indicative lead-in rates, per person on a double-sharing basis unless stated otherwise, and are subject to availability, seasonal demand and change without notice. Inclusions vary by package. Please confirm the current price and details with Travelwings before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mpumalanga Staycations

1. How much does a Mpumalanga staycation cost?
Lead-in prices currently start from around R1,690 per person sharing and reach about R49,250 per person sharing for the most premium lodges and hotels. Most packages sit in between, and the live prices on this page are the best guide.

2. What is the cheapest Mpumalanga staycation package?
At the time of writing, the Middelburg Riverside Getaway is the lowest-priced option, from about R1,690 per person sharing.

3. How long are the packages?
Most Mpumalanga staycations run for 2 to 4 nights, with a mix of short weekend breaks and longer stays. You can also ask about extending a package.

4. Are flights included?
These are local staycations, so most packages are accommodation-based and do not include flights, though a few clearly marked fly-in options do. Check the individual package for what is covered.

5. Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Eligible packages can be booked with Easy Installments, letting you secure a rate now and pay it off over time.

6. What is included in a Mpumalanga staycation package?
Packages typically include star-rated accommodation, daily breakfast, access to hotel facilities and all taxes, with inclusions varying by package. Safari packages often add lunch, dinner and daily game drives.

7. When is the best time to visit Mpumalanga?
Winter, roughly May to September, is the classic time to visit for game viewing, with dry, sunny days and sparse bush.

8. How do I book a Mpumalanga staycation?
Complete the enquiry form on this page, call +27 (0)12 006 0002, or email holidays.za@travelwings.com. The Travelwings South Africa team can help you choose a package and arrange Easy Installments.

9. Are these staycations good for families?
Yes: the Kruger rest camps are very family-friendly, though this is a malaria area, so take precautions in summer.

10. Do I need a car?
A car is ideal for self-driving the Kruger and the Panorama Route, but private Sabi Sand lodges usually include transfers and drives if you would rather not.