All MTPA attraction sites in Mpumalanga reopen after heavy rainfall!

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has confirmed that all attraction sites managed by the Agency are now fully open to visitors. This announcement follows a comprehensive post-rainfall assessment conducted after recent heavy rains impacted parts of Mpumalanga’s tourism sector.

Visitor safety remains MTPA’s highest priority. While all sites are operational, tourists are advised to exercise caution, particularly when travelling on access roads that may still be slippery due to ongoing or residual rainfall. Visitors are encouraged to drive carefully and remain alert while exploring natural and outdoor attractions across the province.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, MTPA staff are deployed on-site at all facilities to assist visitors and provide guidance where needed. Tourists are requested to strictly adhere to all posted safety regulations, instructions from officials, and general park guidelines during their visit.

In addition to popular destinations, the MTPA is encouraging travellers to explore a wider range of attractions across Mpumalanga, including lesser-visited sites in the Nkangala and Gert Sibande regions. These areas offer diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities that complement the province’s well-known nature reserves and scenic routes.

With all MTPA-managed attractions now open, Mpumalanga once again welcomes visitors to experience its rich natural heritage, wildlife, and tourism offerings - responsibly and safely.

 

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Mpumalanga Travel Advisory: God’s Window, The Pinnacle and Bourke’s Luck Potholes closed! [update]

last update 14 January 2026

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has the precautionay decision to close the Swadini viewing sites and the Three Rondavels viewing sites due to persistent heavy rainfall. 

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced the temporary closure of God’s Window and The Pinnacle, following the earlier shutdown of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, as persistent heavy rainfall continues to affect parts of the Mpumalanga escarpment.

According to the MTPA, the decision follows additional on-site safety assessments, which identified heightened risks linked to saturated ground, slippery walkways, reduced visibility, and potential rockfalls. These precautionary closures have been implemented to protect both visitors and staff until weather conditions improve and the sites can be safely reopened.

What travellers should know about God’s Window
God’s Window is one of the most iconic viewpoints along the Panorama Route, offering sweeping views over the Lowveld and, on clear days, as far as the Kruger National Park and Mozambique. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,700 metres above sea level, the site is particularly vulnerable to mist, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, which can significantly reduce visibility and make footpaths hazardous. During adverse weather, the lookout often becomes completely obscured by cloud, limiting the visitor experience even when technically accessible.

Closure impact at The Pinnacle
The Pinnacle is a dramatic freestanding quartzite rock column rising from indigenous forest near Graskop. The site is accessed via steep paths and viewing platforms, which can become extremely slippery during prolonged rainfall. Ongoing wet conditions increase the risk of erosion and falling debris, prompting authorities to restrict access until safety standards can be assured.

Travel advice for the Panorama Route
Travellers planning to explore the Panorama Route are advised to monitor official updates from the MTPA, allow for itinerary flexibility, and consider alternative attractions that remain open and safe. Weather conditions in the region can change rapidly, particularly during the rainy season, and further closures may be announced at short notice.

Visitors are strongly urged not to attempt access to closed viewpoints and to respect all safety signage and instructions. Updates on reopening dates will be communicated once conditions stabilise and thorough safety inspections have been completed.

 

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Mpumalanga: Panorama Route attractions open after week-long strike!

After a week of negotiations between the management of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) and the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (NEHAWU), the strike by MTPA employees that closed several attractions along the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga during the last week has been ended on the night of the 02 July 2019. The affected tourist sites, such as Three Rondawels, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes, are open for business again since 03 July 2019. The strikes were reportedly peaceful and no disruptions on the region’s roads were reported.

South African Tourism: New promotional video about Mpumalanga

South Africa's tourism body, South African Tourism, has released a new promotional video about Mpumalanga on youtube.com. The video covers the province's most popular tourist destinations, including the famous Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Enjoy!