Nelspruit is the capital city of Mpumalanga and lies on the Crocodile River. Mpumalanga is home to some of the largest bodies of water in South Africa.
Mpumalanga is Zulu for “the place where the sun rises”, it shares its border with Swaziland and Mozambique making it rich in wildlife and abundant in diversity.
Don’t forget to check out what’s happening in Nelspruit Today and This Week.
Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is a much loved treasure to all South Africans, rated 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, this is one of the largest parks in Africa!
The Kruger stretches for nearly 2 million ha, providing its inhabitants with an undisturbed natural environment where they can thrive.
The park is the most well-known Reserve in Africa. They have an array of free roaming wildlife available to view:
- Giraffe
- Zebra
- Elephant
- Hippopotamus
- Various buck and gazelle
- Warthog
- An array of bird life
- Frogs and toads
- Butterflies
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Duikers
- Many Many more
Visitors are advised to use off road vehicles if you want access to every corner of the park, there are also guided or private tours available through the Kruger.
The best times to visit the Kruger would be in the early morning and late evenings as this is when the wildlife is most active.
They have multiple hides throughout the park where you can watch the more timid wildlife without frightening them away.
- Address: Malan Gate, Nelspruit
- Contact Details: 012 426 5000
- More Info: Website
Tip: The best time to see predators is when they are most active, during sunrise.
Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala Caves part of the Malmani Dolomite Ridge, are solutional caves which means that they were formed by the natural acid in groundwater seeping through faults and joins, dissolving rock. Besides a visit to the caves there are many other activities available:
- Fish Spa, have fish gently nibble away old skin cells.
- Visit the Dinosaur Park, just a short walk from the caves.
- Mankele Mountain Bike Park, you can rent a bike or bring your own, they also have a kids friendly park for the younger riders.
Rated 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, the Sudwala Caves are well worth the visit, with plenty of activities for all ages. There is lots to see and do and you might just leave having learnt something new.
- Cost:
- R95 - Adults
- R80 - Pensioner
- R50 - Kids (U16 yrs)
- Free - Kids (U4 yrs)
- Address: R539, Nelspruit
- Contact Details: 083 446 0228
- More Info: Website
Tip: A guided tour is well worth the short wait, as the guides are knowledgeable and very entertaining, clearly displaying a passion for what they do.
Lowveld Botanical Garden
The Lowveld Botanical Gardens are fed by the Crocodile and Nels River, the two rivers cascade through the gardens creating picturesque waterfalls you won’t easily forget.
Receiving a 4.5 star rating on Tripadvisor, visitors reviewed the Gardens as the perfect spot for any real nature lover.
The park is abundant in flora with a range of tropical diversity, there are well sheltered benches scattered about the park allowing you to take in all its glory. They have a small cafeteria that serves refreshments.
If you are feeling a little more adventurous a visit to the Snake Park may be on the cards. All in all the Gardens are a nice escape from the busy hubbub of the city.
- Address: off White River Rd, Nelspruit
- Contact Details: 013 752 5531
- More Info: Website
Nelspruit offers spectacular views if you’re an avid hiker, the mountain ranges here cater to all skill levels. The subtropical climate of the Lowveld provides a tropical Eden for nature lovers.
Tip: Don’t rush this visit, pack a picnic and enjoy the short trails and spectacular views, the best visiting time is early Spring as the garden comes to life with the change in season.
Other Things To Do in Nelspruit
Everything about Nelspruit may have a small town feel but we assure you this city is far from that. While in Nelspruit one should take a trip to the famous Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world.
The lovely 3 hour drive will award you the opportunity to take in the beautiful landscape of Mpumalanga.
From big game tours to sunsets along the Mpumalanga horizon, Nelspruit will leave you breathless.
A nature lover's dream the sub tropical climate boasts a diverse array of plantlife that include alien vegetation, the land is just as welcoming as the people who are lucky enough to call this town their home.
Feel like something else? Check out a movie in Nelspruit. Or check out what events are happening.
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