Overview
Mpumalanga is South Africa's lowveld province, best known as the gateway to Kruger National Park, the Panorama Route and the Blyde River Canyon. Flights to Mpumalanga land at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), just outside Mbombela (Nelspruit), making it one of the most convenient starting points in the country for a safari or self-drive touring holiday.
Best time to fly to Mpumalanga
The dry winter months, May to September, are widely considered the best time to fly to Mpumalanga for wildlife viewing: thinner bush and animals gathering at waterholes make game sightings easier, and days are pleasantly warm with cool, crisp evenings. Summer (November to March) brings heat, afternoon thunderstorms and lush green scenery, which suits birdwatchers and photographers but makes animals harder to spot. April and October are excellent shoulder months, often combining good weather with fewer crowds.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Mpumalanga from the UK. The standard route is a long-haul flight from London to Johannesburg (OR Tambo) with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, taking around 11 hours, followed by a short domestic connection to MQP operated by Airlink or CemAir, typically under an hour in the air. Total journey time, including the connection, usually works out at 14–16 hours door to door, so it's worth checking the price charts on this page to see how fares and connection times vary by date and carrier.
Things to do in Mpumalanga
Once you land, the province rewards travellers who venture beyond the airport with some of South Africa's most dramatic scenery and wildlife.
- Kruger National Park: world-famous for Big Five safaris, with several gates within easy driving distance of MQP.
- Blyde River Canyon: one of the largest green canyons on earth, with sweeping viewpoints over the Drakensberg escarpment.
- God's Window: a striking lookout point along the Panorama Route with far-reaching views into the lowveld.
- Sabie and Graskop waterfalls: a cluster of scenic falls, including Mac Mac Falls, perfect for a self-drive day out.
- Sabi Sands and private reserves: bordering Kruger, offering luxury lodges and exceptional close-up game viewing.
At Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)
MQP sits roughly 25km from Mbombela and close to Hazyview and White River, both popular bases for exploring Kruger's southern and central gates. Car hire is available at the terminal and is the most flexible option for touring the Panorama Route, while many lodges and hotels offer pre-arranged shuttle transfers, which are worth booking ahead during peak safari season.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Mpumalanga
- Book your long-haul leg to Johannesburg several months ahead, especially for travel in the popular May to September safari season.
- Use the When to book chart above to spot the cheapest weeks and avoid South African and UK school holiday peaks.
- Flying midweek rather than at weekends often brings the fare down on both the international and domestic legs.
- Compare the domestic connection carefully, as Airlink and CemAir fares to MQP can vary considerably by time of day.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays in South Africa of up to 90 days, but your passport should be valid for at least 30 days after your return date. The local currency is the South African Rand, and pounds tend to exchange favourably. Mpumalanga's lowveld areas, including Kruger, carry a malaria risk, so it's worth speaking to a travel health clinic about antimalarial precautions before you fly.
