The Cultural Heartland is often referred to as “Lanatus” country because of the Encephalartos Lanatus, a species of Cycad (some are more than 4 000 years old), which is endemic to the catchment area of the Olifants River, where it grows wild.  There are many wild flowers like Arum Lilies which transform the area into a magical garden during summer. The Cultural Heartlands is a region within the province of Mpumalanga in South Africa.

This region is also known for its abundant mining and farming, and offers agricultural tours to working farms and industrial tours to the collieries and steel manufacturing plants. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Boer War Route leading through the area. There are plenty of fascinating relics from this bloody period to look at.

The Mpumalanga Cultural Heartlands immerses visitors in the colourful Ndebele culture.  These people are famous for their vibrant house painting, bead work and crafts, all of which are on display at cultural villages in the region.  Visit these colourful villages such as Kwaggafontein, Matibidi, Waterval and Twoline. Here community tourism is on the rise, allowing visitors to enjoy authentic South African rural life. Stop by the village of Botshabelo, where the Bible was translated for the first time from English into Ndebele.  

Loskop Dam has a catchment area of 3 540 square kilometers and the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve is the ideal area to go game viewing by boat. The massive Witbank Dam offers many activities including parasailing, windsurfing and skiing, for the watersport fanatic.

The Cultural Heartlands has established itself as a corporate giant through its steel and mining industry, which includes the mining of a very rare kind of marble at the appropriately named Marble Hall. 

This region offers visitors a range of accommodation options ranging from Bed and Breakfasts, Self-catering units as well as Hotels. View our accommodation section for a list of options available.