Mpumalanga, meaning "the place where the sun rises," is a photographer’s dream destination. The beautiful places in Mpumalanga, known for their dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and serene waterfalls are filled with places for photographers and adventures to capture in their memories or in a lens. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, Mpumalanga’s places of interest are bound to inspire your creativity and elevate your portfolio.
In this guide you will find some of the best places to visit in Mpumalanga for breathtaking shots as well as photography tips for each destination.
Blyde River Canyon: Nature's Masterpiece
The Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world, is without doubt one of the best places in Mpumalanga for landscape photography. Its lush green cliffs, dramatic escarpments, and the winding Blyde River create a natural palette that is nothing short of extraordinary.
For the lover of landscape images, there are incredible viewpoints like the Three Rondavels where a wide-angle lens, patience and a tripod can capture the beauty and grandeur of the canyon.
Of course, golden hour will never disappoint at any of the best places in Mpumalanga and these sunrises and sunsets are the best time to capture detailed textures and colours.
Pro Tip:
Remember to carry a polarising filter to reduce glare and enhance the vibrancy of the greens and blues. The filter will also help you to capture the depth and details of the water below.
God’s Window: A Heavenly Perspective
God’s Window is by far one of the most beautiful places in South Africa. Here, endless views of rolling hills, lush forests, and distant horizons make it one of the top attractions in Mpumalanga. The endless landscapes will invite you to see as far as the lowveld on a clear day, while misty mornings create an ethereal alternative for unforgettable landscapes. There is no doubt that the name itself hints at the heavenly vistas to be found there.
Pro Tip:
You’ll want to arrive early to avoid crowds and capture the tranquillity of this natural wonder. Use a tripod to experiment with long-exposure shots, especially in the mist, for dreamy effects.
Kruger National Park: One of the Top Attractions in Mpumalanga
A list of attractions in Mpumalanga would not be complete without mentioning Kruger National Park. Spanning nearly two million hectares, the park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Here, your long lens, used from the safe distance of a game vehicle offers incredible opportunities for wildlife action shots. From lions and leopards to elephants and rhinos, Kruger offers unparalleled opportunities to capture the Big Five in their natural habitat.
For bird lovers, the park is home to over 500 bird species, making it one of the best places in Mpumalanga for bird photographers.
Much like all the best places to visit in Mpumalanga for photographers aim to shoot during the early mornings and late afternoons. This way you will not only catch the best light, but also the superb wildlife activity too!
Sabie Waterfalls Route: One of the Best Places in Mpumalanga
The exquisite Sabie area is dotted with spectacular, cascading waterfalls which makes it one of the top places of interest in Mpumalanga for photographers. Be sure to stop at popular spots like the Mac Mac Falls, Lone Creek Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls to capture thunderous rolling water in all of its natural splendour.
Each waterfall has its unique charm, from the thunderous Mac Falls to the gentle, veil-like Bridal Veil Falls. If shooting flowing water is your thing, Sabie Waterfalls and its surrounding forests should be on your list of attractions in Mpumalanga.
Pro Tip:
Use a neutral density (ND) filter to experiment with long exposure photography as this will create a silky effect on the flowing water and add a magical touch to your images.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes: A Geological Wonder
If you’re looking for exquisite attractions in Mpumalanga to inspire your eye for abstract photography then Bourke’s Luck Potholes, natural rock formations carved over centuries by the swirling waters of the Treur and Blyde Rivers is not to be missed. Here, intricate textures and patterns of the rock formations harmonise with light and shadows to create interesting images.
You could also capture the movement of water through the potholes for dynamic shots.
Pro Tip:
Bear in mind that overcast days are ideal for photographing the potholes, as the diffused light reduces harsh shadows and enhances the textures.
Panorama Route: A Photographer’s Paradise
In a remarkable symphony of nature, the Panorama Route ties together many of the best places to visit in Mpumalanga and offers endless opportunities for incredible shots. From scenic vistas like Wonder View to historical sites like Pilgrim’s Rest, this route has it all.
For iconic landmarks, don’t miss the Berlin and Lisbon Falls, two of the best places in Mpumalanga and by far the most photogenic waterfalls and along the route.
If you are enthralled by local culture, then don’t miss Pilgrim’s Rest, another of the province’s most loved attractions. Here, you can capture the charm of a bygone era with its preserved 19th-century buildings.
Pro Tip:
Keeping the best time of day in mind for shooting these places of interest in Mpumalanga. Plan your stops along the route in advance and allow plenty of time at each location to experiment with different angles and compositions. Make sure that you have safe accommodation lined up in advance.
Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains: Ancient Beauty
When it comes to the best places in Mpumalanga, the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed. This geological wonder is without doubt among the important places of interest in Mpumalanga to display the Earth’s geological history.
While you are here, prepare to be enthralled by unique rugged terrain and ancient rock formations that will help you to deliver one of kind images. Besides the unique landscapes, you’ll be delighted in area’s rich flora, fauna, and diversity.
Pro Tip:
Again, remember that golden hour lighting can bring out the warm tones of the rocks and enhance the natural beauty and detail of the scenery.
Kaapsehoop: Horses and Highlands
Kaapsehoop, a small village perched in the Mpumalanga highlands, known for its wild horses and dramatic rocky outcrops, is with certainty, one of the most beautiful places in Mpumalanga for capturing serene landscapes and wildlife.
Here, opportunities about to capture story book scenes of wild horse in their majestic freedom roaming freely in the misty highlands. While you’re there, unusual rock formations present opportunities to capture unique foreground elements for landscape shots.
Pro Tip:
Aim to visit during the early morning hours when the mist creates a mystical atmosphere and use a telephoto lens to capture close-ups of the horses without disturbing them.
Sudwala Caves: An Underground Adventure
For something different, you could explore the Sudwala Caves, one of the oldest known caves in the world and certainly one of the most intriguing places of interest in Mpumalanga for photographers who hope to capture unique, atmospheric shots.
If the idea of shooting the stalactite and stalagmite interiors of caves, illuminated by artificial lighting appeals to you, then a visit to Sudwala Caves is for you.
Pro Tip:
To capture as much detail as you can, use a tripod and a slow shutter speed to focus on intricate patterns and rock formations in the low-light environment.
General Photography Tips for Mpumalanga
- Pack Versatile Gear: If you have space, a combination of wide-angle and telephoto lenses will prepare you for everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed wildlife shots.
- Check Weather Conditions: Mpumalanga’s weather can change quickly, so plan your outings around clear skies or misty mornings, depending on the mood you want to capture.
- Be Patient: Remember that great landscape shots require waiting for the perfect moment, whether that is the right lighting or awe-inspiring animal behaviour.
- Respect Nature: Remember to always stay on designated paths, leave zero trace of your visit and avoid disturbing wildlife as this will help to preserve these beautiful places in Mpumalanga for generations to come.
Ultimately, Mpumalanga offers endless inspiration for photographers. From the dramatic vistas of the Blyde River Canyon to the serene waterfalls of Sabie, this a province that simply brims with natural beauty. Not only that, but the many attractions in Mpumalanga cater to every type of photography.
Feeling inspired?
If so, pack your camera and head out to explore the best places in Mpumalanga, and capture memories that will last a lifetime.
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