Aptly known as “Paradise Country”, few regions in the world can match the extraordinary beauty of the lowveld and escarpment. Mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests characterise the landscape. It is difficult to conceive an area of greater historical, scenic and wildlife diversity anywhere in the world.

The Mpumalanga’s Highlands Meander is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting some of the sub-continent’s rarest birds and most spectacular wildflower displays — all just two-hour’s drive from Johannesburg. The entire region is a birder’s paradise, boasting some of South Africa’s last breeding populations of grey and red winged francolin. It is also home to Africa’s only breeding community of wild Black Leopard, who haunt the wild mountain ravines and streams that characterise the Highland Meander

The Panorama Route is best known for its cultural heritage and its dramatic landscape. The region includes towns such as Hazyview and White River. The Blyde River Canyon, a gigantic gorge 26km long, is a natural wonder. From God’s Window (a very aptly named viewpoint) you can experience an almost boundless view across miles of thickly forested mountains and the canyon. The nearby Bourke’s Luck Potholes (deep cylindrical cavities) are an intriguing geological phenomenon formed by river erosion and the action of floodwaters.