Where is it? The recently opened KMI Airport at Primkop is 25 kms from Nelspruit and within easy distance of the Kruger National Park and top reserves in the Sabi Sands area, including Mala Mala, Londolozi, Sabi Sabi and others. The KMI is also the gateway to the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park (which now includes wilderness areas in adjacent Mozambique and Zimbabwe), the Blyde River Canyon and many other Lowveld destinations.

Who flies there? The KMI caters primarily for international visitors to the Kruger National Park and many private game sanctuaries in the area. Anyone destined for the Kruger National Park is able to hire a rental car at the airport. SA Airlink, SA Express and Nationwide are local carriers using the airport; SAA is considering the introduction of flights early in 2003.

Special features

• State of the art technology enables the KMI to handle the largest and most modern aircraft
  
• "Meet and greet" facilities are available for tourists destined for private game reserves.
  
• The African-themed restaurant (where venison is a la carte) is superbly positioned for views of the bushveld runway.
  
• The smoking lounge, equipped with bar, coffee and other refreshment facilities, incorporates an outdoor area with a view of the apron.
  
• The curio and jewellery shops sell only "made in South Africa" pieces.
  
• The KMI has banking facilities, ATMs, car rental depots, VIP lounges, information desks and shaded parking.
  
• Conference facilities are available, some with outside lapas, with catering provided on request.
  
• The Southern Sun (Intercontinental and Holiday Inn) and Protea Hotel groups have kiosks for onward hotel reservations.

Health Visitors to the Mpumalanga Lowveld are advised to take precautionary anti-malarial drugs, particularly during the rainy season (between November and April).

What to see in the area

• The Kruger National Park, one of the world's biggest and most accessible game reserves
  
• The Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes, among the most scenic destinations in South Africa
  
• Pilgrim's Rest, an old gold mining village with some beautifully restored buildings.
  
• Barberton, where tours can also be arranged to Eureka City, an 1880s mining settlement Try your hand at gold panning there.

Where to stay? For accommodation in the Kruger Park, call the SA National Parks at 012 343 1991 or email: reservations@parks-sa.co.za

Useful numbers
Mpumalanga Tourism Authority at 27 13 337 8741 or email: nchimhandamba@mta.mpu.gov.za.

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