Nelspruit (known as Mbombela these days) lies in the heart of the Lowveld Region , making it the ideal, accessible location to explore the reputable Kruger National Park. But in and around Nelspruit, there is a lot more than just the Big 5 to discover.
Do caves, botanical gardens, beautiful hiking trails and exhilarating 4X4 excursions excite you? Join us on a journey through the Lowveld to discover the place where nature and wildlife roam the surroundings with a deep roar.
Natural Nelspruit Attractions: Experience Nature
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Lowveld Botanical Garden
The Lowveld Botanical Garden is one of nine botanical gardens situated throughout South Africa. Want to experience a spectacular view? Visit the Cascades and Nels viewpoints where you will see the waterfalls coming from the Crocodile and Nels River. The rivers converge in the garden that also boasts the world’s first man-made rainforest.
Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala Caves are solutional caves that form a part of the Malmani Dolomite Ridge. Hold up – what does this mean?
Solutional caves are natural cavities formed underneath the surface of the earth. When the rock consists of dolomite or limestone and water erosion takes place, it produces a natural acid that dissolves the rock. This forms large hollow cavities – or impressive caves as we might know it.
Sudwala Dinosaur Park
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Sudwala Dinosaur Park
The Sudwala Dinosaur Park is just a stone’s throw away from the Sudwala Caves. Replicas of life-sized dinosaurs will leave your kids in awe. Add this fun and educational activity to your Lowveld trip itinerary.
Things To See, Nelspruit Wildlife
Chimp Eden
Chimp Eden, located 15km outside of Nelspruit, is home to chimpanzees that have been taken from their natural habitat in Africa. If you are an animal lover or interested in animal rehabilitation visit Chimp Eden to learn more about the sanctuary, the individual chimps and their stories.
Local Fruit Farms
Nelspruit is also the trading center for fruit growing in the Lowveld region. With its sub-tropical climate, it produces high-quality avocados, oranges, bananas, mangos, macadamia and pecan nuts. You can pick these up at vendors along the N4 – the perfect snack on your way to the Kruger National Park!
Other Notable Mentions
For the thrill-seekers out there, Nelspruit offers adventurous activities like river rafting, paragliding, rock climbing and even skydiving. If you want to skip the adrenalin rush, explore the picturesque hiking trails around this scenic region.
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- All children must be accompanied by an adult
- Vegetarian option available, please make it know if you want this option upon booking
- Advise any and all dietary requirements when booking
- Minimum of 2 people per booking
- There is walking involved
- Tour of the park and the Small Drakensberg mountain range
- All inclusive
- Very popular, requires booking far in advance
- Accommodation included
- 3 days of safari
- Big 5 sightings
- Minimum age may apply
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Tour through a private game reserve
- Meals provided
- Small group size
- Highly knowledgeable, expert guide
- Luxury accommodation options
- See the incredible wildlife in its natural habitat
- Learn interesting facts about the flora and fauna
- Fully guide and in-depth tour
- Small group size
- Game reserve safari
- Sometimes unavailable for extended periods of time
- May have minimum age
- May have limitations on group size