The spanking new Mpumalanga airport is the best way to arrive in the region. Whether you're going to Kruger National Park, the Great Lowveld or other parts of Mpumalanga - this is probably the most convenient hub for you.
Panorama Route Transportation Guide
Getting to and around the Panorama Route
By Air
The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport airport currently services flights connecting it to Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. There are an increasing number of charter flights which also travel to and from here and cater to the tourist population coming to explore the more exclusive game reserves at Sabi Sands and beyond.
For transport from the airport to the city (or from the city to the airport), we recommend Green Path Transfers, who offer eco-friendly airport transfers in hundreds of destinations around the world.
Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about South Africa.
Flights to South Africa
By Road
If you're getting to the Panorama Route by road, you will be rewarded by some really special views and scenic drives. To get here from Johannesburg, join the N12 towardsWitbank. From Pretoria the N4 connects to Witbank and places further afield.
At Belfast you can decide which route you'd prefer to take - the choices are many. A popular choice is the Dullstroom- Mashishing route to the north which heads onward to Sabie via the beautiful Long Tom Pass on the R540 and then the R37 or to Pilgrims Rest on the R540 and R36. Another favourite choice is to drive on down the N4 to Nelspruit via the heavenly Elands River Valley.
If you're going further south towards Ermelo then it is best to hit the N17 to Secunda and drive via Swaziland. Alternatively, join the N2 to KwaZulu-Natal and Piet Retief.
The main road that connects Bushbuckridge and Barberton in the Lowveld is the R40.
By Trains
Train services are surprisingly under developed in the region and there are trains connecting only some of the major towns and cities in the region. Scheduled services run between Nelspruit, Gauteng and Mozambique. There are trains that run at night but these tend to be less than comfortable and are quite crowded, though easy on the wallet. Reserve tickets well before you arrive and try and opt for first or second class if you don't want to spend your time on board being jostled or cramped in small seats between people.
Luxury train services operate between Swaziland, Mozambique, KwaZulu Natal, the Cape, Gauteng and the game reserves in Mpumalanga. These include the world renowned Blue Train as well as Rovos Rail plus some steam engine-driven sightseeing tours to key landmarks of historical significance such as Lydenburg, Machadodorp and Waterval Onder. These luxury trains operate out of Cape Town or Johannesburg and offer travellers the opportunity to explore the great outdoors without compromising on comfort or facilities. Journeys on these trains epitomise the high life, with 5 star accommodation, great service and fine dining.
Shuttles
Inter city shuttle buses operate regularly between key centres in Mpumalanga and connect the region to the international airport at Johannesburg as well as other towns in Gauteng. There are up to two express services to
Gauteng daily that take just 3 to 4 hours and allow you to travel in the relative luxury of an air-conditioned 20-seater bus. There are similar connections to Durban, Polokwane, Maputo and Mbabane.
Forming part of the transportation around the Panorama route, there is just one operator for backpackers called the BazBus and this service connects Nelspruit, Witbank/Middelburg and some other large cities.
Long Distance Buses
There are connections between the provincial capital of Nelspruit and Gauteng, Swaziland and Mozambique every day. Other cities that are linked by these services include Ermelo, Komatipoort, Malelane, Hazyview, Machadodorp, Middelburg and Witbank. Express buses, which have just 40 seats and are air conditioned, typically take about 5 hours to get from Johannesburg to Nelspruit. Chartered buses connect Kruger National Park, private game reserves in the region and smaller towns to the main cities.
Minibus Taxis
The fastest, most popular and lowest cost way to commute in South Africa is by the minibus taxi. But a word of caution - try this only if you have nerves of steel!
These tiny 18-seater buses connect the smallest of towns and villages in the area. Travelling by these ‘taxis' is a great way to meet with and mingle with the locals. You'll meet all kinds. The added convenience of these taxis is that they drop you off at whatever point you want along the route since there are no fixed stops - but be prepared for the minibuses to be packed well beyond capacity.
Metered Taxis
Mpumalanga's larger cities and towns have the regular metered taxi services one is more familiar with. These are far more expensive than any of the public transport, but are quick and safe. Remember that these services only operate within city limits - so hopping into one of these to travel between cities is, sadly, not an option.
Car Hire
Most major global car rental agencies have a presence here. You can find counters in major cities as well as at key airports. The choice of vehicles ranges from the small to the large and you can pick deciding on your budget. All rentals come with built-in theft and accident insurance.
Most companies will come to drop off or collect your car when you need them to, even if you are a little out of the way from the city centre.
Hitch-Hiking
Hitch-hiking in Mpumalanga is not a bright idea. This may save you a buck or two but could get you into a lot of trouble. Crime is not unheard of, so it is best to avoid this method of getting around the Panorama Route. You'd do far better to take public Panorama Route transport or go through anorganised ‘lift club' as the local tourism authority advises.
