Discover Nkangala: Nature, Culture and Hotels

This will help you first decide which interests are most important for your trip.

Nature reserves: wetland, river landscape and thornveld

Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve is an internationally recognised wetland with high biological diversity. It is located in Emakhazeni Local Municipality, about 15 km north of Dullstroom in Mpumalanga province. The wetland landscape and species diversity define its nature-focused appeal.

Loskop Dam Nature Reserve covers 23,612 hectares around Loskop Dam on the Olifants River. Its natural floodplain has been restocked with animals originally native to the area, including eland, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and white rhinos. The area therefore combines an extensive protected area with a river and floodplain, as well as a diverse range of wildlife.

The landscape is different in the 11,223-hectare Mkhombo Nature Reserve: the protected area preserves eastern Kalahari thornveld around the shores of a large reservoir. Compared with the wetland at Verloren Vallei or the floodplain at Loskop Dam, this description offers a distinct nature-focused appeal within Nkangala.

Ndebele culture and a granite landscape

SS Skhosana Nature Reserve lies in the cultural heartland of the Ndebele people. Granite outcrops surround the reserve, shape the landscape and give it a warm red hue in the sunlight. Its wildlife also stands out for its specific diversity: the reserve is home to hartebeest, wildebeest, zebras and kudus, as well as a rich variety of birdlife. The area thus combines a cultural setting with a distinctive landscape and several wildlife species.

Dullstroom: trout fishing and outdoor routes

Dullstroom is a major destination for trout fishing and is part of the “Trout Triangle”. It also has mountain biking and trail running routes. Fishing and two different route-based activities therefore come together in Dullstroom as travel interests.

The Bird of Prey Centre in Dullstroom is a conservation and education centre that offers visitors flying displays featuring birds of prey. Its focus on birds of prey adds another specific interest to the fishing and route activities. Check when flying displays are held before your visit.

A historical focus in Nkangala

In April 2021, the Nkangala District launched the Nkangala Resistance and Liberation Heritage tourism Route. For travellers interested in history, the route has a clear focus on resistance and liberation heritage in Nkangala.

You can narrow down your travel focus by considering the differences described: Dullstroom brings together trout fishing, mountain biking and trail running routes; the nature reserves range from wetlands to rivers and floodplains to Kalahari thornveld. SS Skhosana Nature Reserve combines a granite landscape and wildlife with the cultural heartland of the Ndebele people. These distinctions can help structure your search for a hotel in Nkangala.

Discover more destinations: Groot Drakenstein, Kwamhlanga, Delmas, Leeuwfontein, Tweefontein, Weltevreden, Ehlanzeni, Eastvaal District Council.

For the broader travel overview: Mpumalanga.