Mpumalanga in South Africa
History
History
Human history in this region starts around 46 000 years ago when red ochre was mined here. San Bushmen http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushmen later inhabited the area and some of their rock art can still be found today. Some time after the bushman, the area was used by travelers from Asia for mining and trading. Between 1400 and 1700 there was an inflow of people from further north in Africa, notably the Nguni and Ndebele.
In 1836 European settlers arrived in the region and in 1871 the first of a number of gold rushes occured with the discovery of gold on a farm near Polokwane (then Pietersburg). A number of wars followed betreen the boers and local tribes, as well as between the boers and Britain http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Boer_War.
In 1926 the Kruger National Park was proclaimed and in 1948 a fisheries institute was established in Lydenburg leading to the abundance of trout farms in the area today.
Health
Malaria may occur in the Lowveld regions. Consult a travel clinic or your doctor for the latest information and preventative measures. Also see the Mosquitoes travel topic.
Getting there
By car
For most tourist destinations in Mpumalanga, follow the N4 toll road from Pretoria or Johannesburg. The road is in very good condition. Alternatively, follow the N12 from southern Johannesburg, it will join the N4 at Witbank.
On the N4 between Bronkhorstspruit and Witbank, be on the lookout for an overpass that has thousands of mud swallow's nests build on it's underside. It has been a nesting spot for the birds for years and is quite spectacular.
If you are heading to the southern parts of Mpumalanga, follow the N17 from Johannesburg.
By plane
Kruger Mpumalanga Airport has flights to Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Vilanculos. It is situated in the north of Nelspruit and only 30 minutes to the next Kruger National Park gate.
Getting around
By car
One of the best ways to get around is by rental car. There is a lot to see and do in this area and you might want to change your plans on short notice as you discover new places. Having your own transport gives you the freedom to do this.
By motorbike
Mpumalanga is a biker's dream with scenic winding routes and relatively little traffic. There are many motorbike rental agencies in South Africa, MotoBerlin, ph: +27 (0)11 745-1515 in Johannesburg being one.
