Nelspruit Information and Tourist Attractions
Nelspruit Information
Nelspruit the capital of Mpumalanga lies in the hot lowveld valley of the Crocodile River. Since Nelspruit inception as the capital in 1995, this formerly farming community has really taken off. Nelspruit, although a fairly large city today, still has an abundance of areas rich in natural bush and it’s roads are lined with lilac jacaranda and purple bougainvilla . In October 2009 the city of Nelspruit was officially named Mbombela, residents have been given 3 years to formerly adopt the name.
With its sub-tropical climate Nelspruit produces an abundance of citrus fruits as well as bananas, mangos, pears, avocado etc. It is also home to the Government Research Institute for Citrus and Subtropical fruits. Just outside Nelspruit you will find the Lowveld Botanical Gardens with its first man made rain forest, a major tourist attraction.
Nelspruit also known as the Gateway to Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park is the ideal base from which to explore Mpumalanga. The city has two airports and forms rail and road links between Pretoria and Johannesburg and Maputo and Kruger National Park
Nelpruit offers holiday accommodation for everyone’s needs, from Nelspruit guest houses, bed and breakfasts, Hotels, Lodges, self catering accommodation and much more…………..
Climate
Nelspruit has a sub-tropical climate receiving most of its rainfall in the summer months between December and February. The region is the coldest in July when the mercury drops to 6.2”C on average during the evenings. The average midday temperatures during summer months are 27.9”C and during winter are 21.4”C. For more information please visit www.weathersa.co.za
Places of Interest and Activities in and around Nelspruit
Lowveld Botanical Gardens
The character of the Garden is shaped by the two main rivers that cut across it, namely the Crocodile River and the Nels River. Before these two rivers converge in the Garden, they form spectacular waterfalls which can be viewed at the Cascades and the Nels viewpoints. When in bloom the clivias at the Main Garden's entrance are a beautiful and welcoming sight. Walking through the enchanting African Rain Forest enables one to cross the Crocodile River through the famous suspended bridge, where the cascading waterfall can also be viewed. The South African Forest contains fascinating vegetation from the Coastal Belt as well as the Limpopo Province. The Garden plays a critical role in conservation of rare and endangered species and played a pivotal role in establishing the cycad gene bank. The Garden also boasts one of the largest collections of South African fig trees. The mystical Baobab tree is famous for its unique shape and medicinal properties. Various plant species have been introduced into the Garden. These include South African coastal species and a unique collection of plants which represents the rapidly disappearing tropical forests of central and west Africa. More information
Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala Caves are the oldest known caves in the world, and as such, are a `must-see' on the itinerary of any visitor to Mpumalanga. These incredible caverns lie in the Drakensberg escarpment which separates the Highveld from the lowlands of Mpumalanga. The caves are situated in Pre-cumbrian dolomite rocks of the Malmani Group, formed over a period of some 3000 million years, capturing in stone a time when the area was covered by warm shallow in-land seas. These are amongst the second oldest known sedimentary rocks on the earth, and represented in the cave are fossils of the first oxygen producing plants on the earth, Collenia. One can clearly see in the different layers and textures in the rock a reflection of the result of the different weather patterns taking place in the building of an ancient seabed. Besides the awesome rock displays the caverns also boast an array of calcium formations, aged but active, anciently and patiently still growing More information
Kruger National Park
The world-renowned Kruger National Park offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa. Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares, SANParks - Kruger National Park is unrivalled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies. Truly the flagship of the South African national parks, Kruger is home to an impressive number of species: 336 trees, 49 fish, 34 amphibians, 114 reptiles, 507 birds and 147 mammals. Man's interaction with the Lowveld environment over many centuries - from bushman rock paintings to majestic archaeological sites like Masorini and Thulamela - is very evident in the Kruger National Park. These treasures represent the cultures, persons and events that played a role in the history of the Kruger National Park and are conserved along with the park's natural assets. More Information
Chimpanzee Eden – The Jane Goodall Institute
Set on a 1000 hectare game reserve, JGI Primate Haven is a home to chimpanzees that have been misplaced from their natural habitat. The world renowned Jane Goodall Institute has made this tranquil venue their Nelspruit sanctuary and has committed itself to the rescue and care take of chimpanzees in need of refuge. Being the 1st and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, this venue will be able to bring the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity through education and eco tourism. More information
CrocRiver Enviro Park
Located in nelspruit, the CrocRiver Enviro Park is by far the largest facility of its type in Africa. The CrocRiver Enviro Park offers the visitor a variety of attractions, amongst which are the Turtle Ponds, the Crocodile Ponds, the Fish Pond (all linked, the first overflowing into the other two), the Water Monitor Lizard Pond; the Auditorium, fully equipped with modern audiovisual facilities; the Desert House, in which a desert like atmosphere was created, is home to the Reptile Gallery where indigenous and exotic reptiles from all over the world are displayed. The Animal Touch Farm is another important feature of CrocRiver Enviro Park designed to acquaint city children with farm livestock. Pony Rides are provided for the younger visitors. Adjacent to the Animal Touch Farm there is a children's play area, featuring a Jungle Gym, a Jumping Castle and various tables in a very shaded area, making this an ideal safe venue for children's parties. More information
