The Place of the Rising Sun (Mpumalanga) appears a rather grandiose name for a province that is also one of the smallest and most laidback of the nine provinces in South Africa. But it is named such with good reason, for Mpumalanga deserves far more than a cursory glance en route to the Kruger National Park.

Mpumalanga boasts the world's oldest cave system, a fascinating gold-rush history, a river canyon that is the world third-deepest, twisting mountain passes, steep valleys, rivers and beautiful forests. Phenomenons like the Blyde River Canyon and its massive escarpment that drops into the lowveld beyond, the 3 000-million-year-old Sudwala Caves, God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels make Mpumalanga both scenically blessed and fascinating.

With the southern parts of the Kruger National Park on your doorstep, quite literally – from the province's capital, Nelspruit, it is a couple of hours' drive to the gates of the park making a day trip do-able – Big 5 game viewing is one of the major reasons people visit the province.

But there are also quaint, historic towns like Dullstroom, Pilgrim's Rest, Barberton and White River that are worth a stopover, incredible hikes along the route of epic waterfalls around Sabie, drives like the Panorama Route and the Highlands Meander, and hidden gems like Kaapsche Hoop, and the Lowveld Botanical Garden.

Nelspruit too is worth a visit. It caters hugely to shoppers and there are no fewer than three shopping malls, making stockpiling before heading into Kruger something of a pleasure.

Find bed and breakfast and self-catering establishments in towns along the Panorama Route or the Highlands Meander, visit little towns like Waterval Boven and Waterval Onder and learn about the stones at Adam's Calendar.

Book your campsite, rondawel, game lodge or nature reserve accommodation in game reserves bordering the Kruger National Park.

And visit the lowveld towns of White River and Nelspruit and stay in guest houses, hotels or country retreats, or head out into the Wild Frontier towns of Skukuza, Sabi Sands, Hectorspruit or Malelane and find hidden escapes and self-indulgent retreats. There is something for everyone in Mpumalanga.