Lowveld

The Lowveld is a vast, low-lying geographic region in Southern Africa, situated between the high-altitude central plateau and the Indian Ocean coastal plain. It is characterized by an altitude ranging from 150 to 600 meters above sea level and a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Geologically, the area is exceptionally old, featuring Archaean granite and gneiss formations that date back over 3.5 billion years. The region is world-renowned for its biodiversity, encompassing the iconic Kruger National Park and supporting a wide array of wildlife, including the Big Five and majestic Baobab trees. Human history in the Lowveld is equally significant, with the Iron Age site of Mapungubwe providing evidence of a complex kingdom that flourished between 1075 and 1220 AD. Today, the landscape remains a vital ecological corridor and a focal point for conservation efforts in South Africa and Zimbabwe. The combination of its ancient geological foundations and rich cultural heritage makes the Lowveld a unique and essential part of the African continent southern landscape.

Nearby cities

eMalahleni

Formerly called Witbank, this is the heart of the coal mining region and supplies numerous power stations.

Middelburg

A strong industrial and agricultural center, famous for the production of stainless steel and coal.

Mbombela

Previously known as Nelspruit, this city serves as a gateway to the Kruger National Park.

Standerton

A large agricultural town on the Vaal River, specializing in dairy, maize, and poultry farming.

Ermelo

The gateway to the Mpumalanga grasslands is a center for anthracite coal mining and wool production.

Secunda

The second purpose-built industrial town by Sasol, producing petrol and other fuels from coal.

Dullstroom

Dullstroom is South Africa's fly-fishing capital, known for its cool highland climate, world-class whisky bars, and picturesque trout dams.

Hazyview

A key hub for adventurers, the gateway to Kruger National Park and the scenic Panorama Route.

Ressano Garcia

A major border town connecting Mozambique and South Africa.

Graskop

Graskop is a charming small town on the Panorama Route, famous for spectacular viewpoints like God's Window and the Graskop Gorge Lift.

History & landmarks

Skukuza

Skukuza is the bustling administrative capital and largest rest camp of the Kruger National Park, situated on the banks of the Sabie River.

Nature

Blyde River Canyon

One of the largest 'green' canyons in the world.

Olifants River

A major river in the northeast of South Africa.

More places

Crocodile Bridge Gate

Well-known entrance to Kruger Park, often good game viewing opportunities.

Pilgrim's Rest

Pilgrim's Rest is a historic small town formed after the discovery of gold in 1873, looking almost unchanged today.

Kusile Power Station

A massive coal-fired power station currently under construction, designed to be one of the largest in the world.

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Kendal Power Station

One of Eskom's base-load coal-fired power stations and the largest indirect dry-cooled power station globally.

Sasol Secunda Plant

A massive synthetic fuel plant producing liquid fuels and chemicals from coal.

Ressano Garcia Gas Plant

A modern gas-fired power plant utilizing natural gas piped from Inhambane.

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Ngonini Forest

This forest in the north borders large citrus orchards and is an important sanctuary for local birds and small animals.