South Africa: Major road upgrades underway in Mpumalanga's Kruger Lowveld region!

Several key roads in Mpumalanga’s Kruger Lowveld region are currently undergoing significant upgrades, following a strategic takeover by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL). The agency has assumed responsibility for crucial provincial routes previously managed by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport.

These improvements aim to enhance road safety and accessibility across one of South Africa’s most popular tourism destinations, home to world-famous attractions such as the Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route, and scenic towns like Hazyview and Graskop.

Roads scheduled for upgrades in the Kruger Lowveld region include:

• R540: From Dullstroom to Lydenburg/Mashishing – a key route for travelers en route to the Panorama Route.
• R538: Connecting White River and Hazyview – essential for Kruger National Park access.
• R538 to R40 Intersection at Hazyview: Critical for easing traffic flow in this high-traffic tourism hub.
• R533: Linking Graskop and Bushbuckridge – a scenic drive along the Panorama Route.
• Mbombela Area Roads: Upgrades around Crossing Shopping Centre to support urban traffic.
• R571: From Komatipoort to the Marloth Park intersection – a major southern Kruger entry point.
• R40: From White River to Mbombela – vital for regional connectivity.
• Plaston Road: Including the Karino section leading to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).
• Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail: From the Bulembu Border to Barberton – part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Low’s Creek to Kaapmuiden: Supporting eco-tourism and regional logistics.

Roads in other tourist towns such as White River, Hazyview, and Mashishing (Lydenburg) are also receiving much-needed attention. Importantly, work on the R540 between Dullstroom and Mashishing (Lydenburg) already commenced some weeks ago. While still under re-construction with some “Stop-Go’s” in place, tourists now take comfort in safe passage to the northern parts of the Kruger Lowveld region.

These roadworks are set to make travel through the Kruger Lowveld region smoother and safer, reinforcing Mpumalanga's reputation as a top-tier destination for both local and international tourists.

Kruger Lowveld covers the Ehlanzeni District of Mpumalanga, including the following four local municipalities:  City of Mbombela, Thaba Chweu, Nkomazi and Bushbuckridge, as well as the Southern part of Kruger National Park and the surrounding Private Nature Reserves.
The following major towns are in the Kruger Lowveld:  Mbombela (Nelspruit), Hazyview, White River, Sabie, Graskop, Malalane, Barberton, Mashishing (Lydenburg) and Bushbuckridge.
Other villages / towns are:  Pilgrim’s Rest, Klaserie, Acornhoek, Thulamahashe, Lilydale, Mkhuhlu, Komatipoort, Kanyamazane, Kabokweni, Low’s Creek, Kaapsehoop and Marloth Park.