Mar 4, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit
Nothing to do on Sunday while staying in Nelspruit? Bring along your passport and nip across the border to the Sunday Fish Market in Maputo. The scenic drive there alone is well worth the experience, and with Nelspruit Lodge being nearby, you can easily make a day of it!
Sunday in Mozambique is a day to relax and socialize and what better place to meet than at the Fish Market.
The old fish market was a rustic affair, with squid and prawns placed in a bucket of ice to keep fresh and fish placed on newspaper on old wooden tables, with vendors sprinkling their fish with water from plastic bottles with holes in the lids. The new fish market is more upscale with vendors having a cement cubicle and table with running water.
The new Maputo Fish Market is based on the waterfront. This seaside attraction is buzzing on Sundays with both locals and visitors. Local vendors purchase their wares straight from the ocean directly from the fishermen. There is a wide variety of fresh fish, lobsters, crabs, calamari and more, which is sold by the kilogram at very affordable prices. Fish can be cleaned on request for an extra fee. Along with the wide variety of fish, vendors also sell a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, all grown in Mozambique.
Lunch, Snacks and a Drink by the Ocean
After strolling through the market and purchasing your choice of lunch, you can find a place to sit opposite the market where there is the waterfront patio which has umbrella covered tables with seating. For nominal fees, the restaurants on this patio will prepare your purchases to taste, be that your way or the traditional Mozambican way. Although all seafood in Mozambique is delicious, the prawns are a definite must, served grilled or fried either with peri-peri or garlic. Enjoy with rice or fries, and be sure to get some “Pao” bread rolls to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Snacks are a must, especially if you are feeling a bit peckish while waiting. Well known in the area is Rissois de Camarao. This is a crescent-shaped croquette which contains shrimp in either a spicy sauce or a peri-peri sauce. These can be enjoyed hot or cold, but they are always delicious.
At the restaurants, you can select your choice of side dish to enjoy with your fish. These restaurants offer a variety of salads, rice or fries. Matapa is uniquely Mozambican dish that is made from stewed cassava leaves that are blended with ground peanuts, garlic and coconut milk. Locals enjoy it as a side dish with fish and it’s well worth the try while there.
While waiting for your meal, you can enjoy a refreshing soda or alcoholic drink. Tipo Tinto is their national rum, best tried with a mixer, the locals enjoy it with berry flavoured soda. The beer of choice in Mozambique is Laurentina that was first brewed in 1932 and comes in three different flavours, Laurentina Clara, Laurentina Premium and Laurentina Preta.
Service is true “African” time, so sit back and relax with your drink, as the service is slow but the food is worth the wait.
Your stay at Nelspruit Lodge doesn’t have to be confined to Nelspruit, or even South Africa! Book your stay today and start exploring!
Mar 4, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit
While taking a break in Nelspruit, and staying at our lazy Nelspruit accommodation, why not take a trip to Kaapsehoop and indulge in a day of horse riding?
The best place to go horse backing riding is at the Kaapsehoop Horse Trails. Situated just 35km from Nelspruit, the Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is a true gem of a retreat for those who enjoy horse riding or while it is also the perfect place for every nature enthusiast. The retreat is situated on the Drakensberg escarpment, about 7km from the village of Kaapsehoop, which is well known for its wild horses.
The horses at the Kaasehoop Horse Trails are well-trained, with a good temperament and they are safe for novice and experienced riders. While out riding you will always be accompanied and guided by a team.
For the less experienced, those who might be a little nervous, there is an hour-long route, while for the more experienced there is the four to six-hour ride. All rides are through the pine forests and rolling mountains of the scenic escarpment.
One hour rides (for beginners) are a fun, laid-back ride, while the two-hour ride is for the more experienced rider. Regular riders can take the four or six-hour rides. This ride includes a stop at one of the great village restaurants, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading back to the retreat. Or if you prefer, you can take a ride through the plantation and have a packed picnic lunch before heading back to base.
While out there one can enjoy a refreshing drink or nibble at the Gypsy Caravan Café. The café is run by an eccentric Café Keeper who has many years of culinary experience and therefore you can be assured of a scrumptious treat while enjoying the surroundings. The patio is known as a meeting place where friends enjoy a cup of slow percolated coffee.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails also has a shop where you can purchase gifts of crafts, books and even photos are available so that you can take a piece of your experience home with you.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails also offers fun pony camps where you drop your children off for a few days and they can enjoy nature and horses while under constant adult supervision. Daily programmes include horse riding, swimming, hiking and plenty of outdoor fun and fresh air. Three meals a day are included in the package.
Should you be between the ages of 18 and 55, and be physically fit, you can also enjoy a working holiday. Volunteer Programmes are available from one week to twelve weeks. They will teach you basic skills but you are required to have some riding experience. A volunteer will be expected to work from 7-16 daily. Three meals a day are supplied on the working days and you will be allowed to have a day off when required. Accommodation is in the form of a two bedroomed flat for 4 people sharing. Basic laundry and kitchenette facilities are in the flat as well as an en-suite bathroom.
When staying at our Nelspruit accommodation, it is easy to spend a day riding horses in the town of Kaapsehoop. Don’t miss out on this exciting activity!
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