SECTION 4: CITY GUIDES | < BACK | NEXT >

4.7 NELSPRUIT

Nelspruit is the capital of the province of Mpumalanga. The city lies in the fertile valley of the Crocodile River, 330km (205.06 miles) east of Johannesburg in the hot and humid Lowveld. Malelane Gate, southern access to the Kruger Park, is about 60km (37.28 miles) away.

This is adventure sport epicentre of South Africa and from Nelspruit (Mbombela/Nelspruit) you can arrange to do anything, be it daredevil slalom canoeing, bungee jumping, river rafting or gorge

The town itself is quite large but still very pleasant and forms a road and rail link from Pretoria and Johannesburg to Maputo in Mozambique to the south-east, and the Panorama Route and Kruger National Park to the north and north-east.-swinging.

The dramatic escarpment and the cliffs in the Blyde (Motlatse) River Canyon provide some of the best hang-gliding and paragliding sites in South Africa, with unparalleled winter flying conditions. The province is also a haven for hang-gliders, microlight enthusiasts, parachutists and small aircraft adventurers. You can also take a hot air ballooning sojourn over Hazyview.

Graskop's insane gorge swing is a must. Freefall 68 metres, plummeting from zero to 160 km/h in just 3 seconds, swinging out like a human pendulum across the gorge (the views are spectacular and so is the after-rush). Try the zipline too (we call it a foefie slide) - a ‘hang-on-for-dear-life' experience down a 130 m high wire suspended 80 m above the gorge.

For those who prefer their feet on the ground, trout fishing is also very popular along the Highlands Meander and towns like Dullstroom and Chrissiesmeer attract keen fisherman from all over the country. 'Green hunting' with veterinarians for a cause is a refreshing alternative wildlife activity.
 
Mountain bikers, 4x4 aficionados and motorcyclists are a regular sight in and around Nelspruit and quad biking in the Sabie area is also extremely popular.

What’s on in Nelspruit: ( 082 411 7132 www.eventsxtreme.co.za
Restaurant Guide: http://www.infohub.co.za/mpumalanga/nelspruit/restaurants.htm

2010 Soccer Fan Camp: www.2010camp.com

SHOPPING

I'Langa Mall Nelspruit's newest shopping centre ( 013 747 2700 www.ilangamall.com

Casterbridge Farm Shopping Centre The White River Gallery's design is based on energy-efficient principles. It's lit by natural light during the day and fluorescent light with UV filters after dark. The gallery exhibits contemporary South African artists. ( 082-553-8919, www.whiterivergallery.co.za

Bosch Studio:
Smallholding outside White River. Ceramic studio with a range of work by ceramic artist Anton Bosch, including vast ceramic panels. Open Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 4pm, Saturdays from 8am to noon.
( 013 751-2859.

OUTDOOR

Lowveld Botanic Gardens:
There are several short trails through these magnificent gardens on the outskirts of Nelspruit, next to the Crocodile River.  Two waterfalls can also be viewed.  ( 013 752-5531 www.sanbi.org

Kruger National Park
This world famous game park and home of the Big Five is just around the corner. From Nelspruit you can enter the Park through Malelane gate (60km) or Numbi Gate (50km) while Hazyview and Malelane is situated next to the Kruger and Malelane gates respectively. Komatipoort is next the Crocodile Bridge Gate of the Park. Open Vehicle safaris are undertaken to and from the Park from Nelspruit, Hazyview and Malelane. For Private Safaris ( 021 7801391 info@greenlife.co.za

The Boondocks labyrinth near Kaapmuiden lies beside a flowing stream under a canopy of tall trees. Just standing next to it, before you've taken your first step on its winding trail, is a soothing experience.
( 082-808-2733, www.boondocks.co.za

Birding:
The Lowveld Birding society is very active and they present regular outings to surrounding areas. Contact them on ( 013 753-3238.  

Caves:
The Sudwala Caves near Nelspruit is the oldest known cave in the world.  Hour-long tours through the caves are conducted daily. ( 013 733-4152. www.sudwalacaves.co.za

Hiking trails:  
The Matumi trail:
In the Nelspruit Nature reserve ( 013 759-2298

HISTORIC. MUSEUMS & CULTURE:

 Pilgrim's Rest:
This entire gold-rush town is a museum, with original buildings, including houses, offices and pubs, restored. Museum open daily from 9am to 1pm and from 1.30pm to 4.15pm. ( 013 768-1060. www.pilgrimsrest.org.za

Skukuza Museum, Kruger National Park.
On display are Agfa Wildlife and Environment Award-winning photographs, paintings by prominent wildlife artists and displays devoted to the history of the park. There is also a research library. Open daily from 8.30am to 4pm and from 7pm to 9pm. ( 013 735-5611. www.sanparks.org

Lydenburg Museum:
Signposted, Lydenburg. This museum focuses on the history and prehistory of the area. Open weekdays from 8am to 4pm, weekends from 8am to 5pm. ( 013 235-2121. www.lydenburgmuseum.org.za

EXPLORE
 
Gold Panning:
Daily excursions to the alluvial claims on the Nood Kaap River. ( 013 719-9681.

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve covers an area of approximately 27000 hectares (270 km2)
( 013 752 7012 www.highlandsmeander.co.za

Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre ( 013 254 0777 www.birdsofprey.co.za

ADVENTURE

Horse Trails: Kaapsehoop horse trails offer several trails in around this historic village and in the surrounding mountains and forests- ( 082 7745826.  

Hot air ballooning:
Most of the flights take place in the White River/Hazyview area. ( 013 737-6950.

White Water rafting:  
Tours are undertaken on the Blyde, Sabie and Olifants Rivers. ( 013 751-1693 for further information.

Cycling and mountain biking:
There are also numerous mountain bike trails in and around Nelspruit.  ( 013 753-3204

4X4 Training and trail close to Nelspruit.  ( 013 755-4691.

Wilderness Trail
In the Mara area near Nelspruit.  ( 013 726 0148 or 0837657830

Paragliding:
Contact the Lowveld Slope Soaring Club for packages.  Five months training courses as well as once off tandem flights available any day of the week. ( 013 741-2133

Abseiling:
Near the Sudwala caves.  ( 013 744-7850.

Microlighting:
Pyramid Flying school offers short tandem flights on a microlight to explore the Lowveld from the air.  Flight training on micro-lights is also offered.  ( 013  744-7611 

COOL SPOTS

Fine Dining with great pricing and an atmosphere not to be missed can be found at the Salt Restaurant in White River ( 013 751 1555

Olivers Restaurant  ( 013 7050479 www.olivers.co.za

NIGHTLIFE

Blue Moon - Nelspruit - Live Entertainment ( 013 744-9033  www.blue-moon.co.za

Popular Pubs and clubs in the Nelspruit area are
Lumber Jacks. Café  Matrix, Utopia & Equador

ENTERTAINMENT
 
Emnotweni Casino ( 013 757 4300) is just outside of Nelspruit has gaming tables and a restaurant.

GETTING AROUND

Car hire
Africa-Car-Hire.com ( 078 669 4444
Sixt ( 013-750-2538.
Avis ( 013-750-1015.

Metered taxis
City Bug ( 013-753-3392.
Top Star Taxi ( 013-755-1503.

For Safaris: ( 021 7801391 www.e-gnu.com

For any further information  Lowveld Tourism on  ( 0861 102 102 www.lowveldtourism.com

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