The Abel Erasmus pass has been a sightseeing destination on the Panorama Route for many years. These amazing photos show how the view on the Olifants river looked from the Abel Erasmus viewpoint looked.

Due to the closure of Phabeni Gate today, Skukuza can only be accessed from Paul Kruger Gate, Numbi Gate and Malelane Gate. Crocodile Bridge Gate remains closed, no access from Skukuza to Lower Sabie.

The Skukuza to Phabeni Gate route is currently closed due to flooding, as a stream has cut off access along the S1 road. Phabeni Gate is therefore inaccessible via Skukuza at this stage.

Day visits with quotas have re-opened in Southern Kruger gates of Malelane Gate, Numbi Gate and Paul Kruger Gate. All private guided safaris vehicles (OSVs) form part of the quota Vehicles (OSVs) will form part of these gate quotas. Most likely all dirt roads remain closed for safety and to protect their integrity. Game viewing and travel is therefore limited to main tarred roads.  For independent day visitors, we recommend you call the gate ahead to check whether the quota h

This interactive map  from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is great to explore South Africa geography and location of Nature Reserves and other protected environments. They are arguably offering the best topographic and terrain base map layers for Mpumalanga and South Africa exploration and travel planning for the adventurous, hikers and nature lovers. This map is similar but is overlaid with protected areas  showing the official South African Regist

Bolt’s website claims to be operating in White River, with rates between White River and Nelspruit for about R150, and rates in White River town for R50. In reality no car is ever available, and it looks like bolt is not operating here, or no drivers find it profitable to work on the Bolt platform. If you are looking for transport to and from White River to other main towns, please find more information on White River shuttles here. If you are looking for alternatives to Bol

Uber seems to be newly operating in White River. When we tested their app in January 2026 cars were available with rates or R220 for Uber Go and R270 for UberX from White River to Nelspruit. Rates within town were R76 for Uber Go and R95 for UberX (before an available R31 promo discount). If you are looking for transport to and from White River to other main towns, please find more information on White River shuttles here. If you are looking for alternatives to Uber you’ll fi

Whether you are visiting family, have a job interview or want to organise a guided tour of Kruger or Panorama Route with a local operator, this article will help you find the right shuttle operator. Shuttles offers a scheduled and reasonably priced transport, if a taxi is not your cup of tea. We have listed most of the reputable companies available, but have not tested them personally. Please do your due diligence before choosing a provider. Shuttle companies differ transfers

Some of Mpumalanga’s most beautiful landscapes are preserved in nature reserves. Contrary to iconic national parks like Kruger National Park which are centrally managed by SANParks, many nature reserves are managed on a provincial level. We enjoy visiting these reserves due to the outstanding landscapes, biodiversity and feeling of seclusion. Unfortunately, we’ve witnessed many reserves in a state of disrepair, with this trend seemingly accelerating. Daily Maverick summarises

The 10 biosphere reserves in South Africa

SAFCOL has announced the closure from 12th January 2026 of some waterfalls due to heavy rain. The following waterfalls are closed: Lone Creek Falls Bridal Veil Falls Mac Mac Pools Forest Falls You can still visit Horseshoe falls, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Sabie Falls which will be spectacular at the moment.

Due to heavy rain, all activities have been suspended on the Graskop Gorge Lift for the 12th January 2026 and 13th January 2026. Find ideas for alternative things to do on the Panorama Route  here.

With both Bourke’s Luck Potholes and all activities at the Graskop Lift Closed here are alternative activities still open. Please double-check their status with the operator before committing to travelling there. Grab a raincoat and an umbrella, embrace the rainy season and make unforgettable memories by exploring in the rain. Waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls - with these rains, all the waterfalls will be at their most spectacular. Though some waterfalls have closed, Berli

The MPTA has announced the temporary closure, until further notice, of Bourke's Luck Potholes due to heavy rain. Bourke's Luck is on the premier sights on the panorama route. While the potholes are closed, consider visiting these alternative sights. The full MPTA announcement is reproduced below: The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) wishes to inform tourists and members of the public that Bourke’s Luck Potholes will remain temporarily closed due to heavy rainfall i

H1-2 Skukuza Low Water Bridge has closed on 11 January 2026

Nelspruit Riverside Mall waterpark has re-opened, now called Central Park.

We always recommended Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria as our preferred restaurant to our guests because of it’s relaxed vibe, lovely setting and delicious food.  Late in November 2025, a devastating fire destroyed Picasso’s Mexican Taqueria in White River, leaving the building completely destroyed. Picasso’s owners hope to re-open in 6 months.  In the meantime, we recommend the alternative restaurants to our guests. You can support Picasso’s staff during this difficult time in the

The Reconciliation Day long weekend is almost here, Book your White River stay today and treat your family to a relaxing, fun-filled holiday! ilanda Guest House in White River is ready to welcome you with open arms for Reconciliation Day. Because Reconciliation Day falls on a Tuesday this year, you can make an extra long weekend from the 12th to ​16 December. With accommodation options to suit every need—from cozy rooms to our spacious 4-bedroom apartment—there’s no better pl

Experience the Ndlovu Youth Choir live at the Lowveld Botanical Gardens on 6 September 2025. Celebrate Heritage Month with world-class music.

Join the Spring Awakening Hike & Picnic at Forest Falls in Sabie on 13 September 2025. Enjoy a scenic hike, forest waterfall, and relaxing picnic. Stay nearby at ilanda Guest House in White River.