In the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains, you’ll encounter Earth’s history in rocks billions of years old. There are also opportunities to experience nature and visit historic places that show Mpumalanga from different perspectives: from traces of early life to the stories of a mining town.

Barberton: Earth’s History in the De Kaap Valley

Barberton lies in the De Kaap Valley in the heart of Mpumalanga and is surrounded by the Makhonjwa Mountain Range. The Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains cover 40 percent of the Barberton Greenstone Belt. Their volcanic and sedimentary rocks are between 3.6 and 3.25 billion years old. The mountains are a World Heritage Site—a striking starting point for exploring the region’s geological history.

There are also different discoveries to be made along Barberton’s trails. The Heritage Walk is one of the town’s main attractions. The Geotrail gives visitors the chance to discover clues hidden in the rocks about the first life forms visible to the naked eye. A walk through the town and a search for geological traces thus offer two different ways to explore Barberton’s history.

Those interested in birdwatching will find more opportunities in the Barberton region: more than 350 bird species can be spotted along birding routes, hiking trails and in nature reserves. The Genesis Route offers a scenic alternative to the N4. It is 220 kilometres long and runs through the Makhonjwa Mountain Range, between Gauteng and the Kruger Lowveld.

Rock Formations and Wetlands

The Blyde River Canyon is the third-largest canyon in the world and the largest “green canyon.” The Blyde River Canyon Reserve includes several named natural formations: Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window. These names provide specific reference points for the landscape features found within the reserve.

The Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve offers a different natural focus. It is an internationally recognised wetland with high biodiversity. Its rich birdlife is complemented by rare and unusual plant species. In contrast to the striking rock formations of the Blyde River Canyon, the focus here is on wetlands, birds and plants.

Wildlife and Cultural Heritage in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park covers almost two million hectares and offers a wildlife experience. At the same time, it preserves cultural treasures, including San rock paintings and archaeological sites such as Masorini and Thulamela. Wildlife viewing and encounters with these historic traces are different facets of a visit to the park.

Daily flights to Kruger National Park depart from Johannesburg for Skukuza, Phalaborwa, Hoedspruit and Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). KMIA is located between Nelspruit and White River. As flight availability may change, check the latest schedules before your trip.

Cave Tours and Mining History

The Sudwala Caves are considered the site of some of the earliest evidence of human habitation anywhere in the world. Visitors can take one of two cave tours, including the four-hour Crystal Tour. This duration makes the tour easy to plan as a separate, longer activity; it does not indicate current opening hours.

Pilgrim’s Rest is a historic mining town on the Panorama Route. During the Second Boer War, it was home to an emergency mint: the famous and rare Veld Pond was struck using hand-crafted dies. The town’s history therefore includes a specific chapter that tells the story of minting at the time, beyond its mining heritage.

Discover More Destinations

Weltevreden, Skukuza, Secunda, Sabie, Middelburg, Malelane, Crocodile Bridge, Komatipoort, Hazyview, Hanover, Dullstroom, Barberton, Kemps Cottage, Graskop, Marloth Park, Matsulu, Buffelspruit, Mashishing, Brakfontein, Ligfontein, Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, Emanzana, Emalahleni, Emgwenya, Nkangala, Eastvaal District Council, Belfast

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