Feb 10, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit
Nelspruit and its natural surrounding areas are filled to the brim with natural attractions of all kinds. When staying at our Nelspruit accommodation, guests are in the perfect place from which to explore mountains, hiking trails, dams and caves.
If caving is your thing, a day trip on the Panorama Route will bring you to the famous Echo Caves. This National Monument can be found in the Molopong valley which is situated near Ohrigstad.
The Echo caves were discovered in the 1920’s, by the owner of the farm Klipfontein, while he was searching for water in the area. After searching the land in and around his farm extensively, he came upon the caves and saw that his cattle had already found the caves and the water source. The caves are among some of the oldest of their type in the world and are now a Historical Monument.
The best, and safest, way to explore the caves are by signing up for a guided day trip. Of all the limestone caves, the Echo caves are not that well known, so a visit there is rather a personal affair, sometimes making it just you and the guide on the tour.
Early History and Cave Features
The Echo Caves have been a shelter for humans since the Middle Stone Age. San rock engravings can still be viewed within the caves and can be seen alongside beautiful, ancient rock formations which have taken centauries to form.
The caves were given their name by the local people who used to use the stalactites as a drum which served as an early warning system when Swazi tribes were approaching. The caves are about 40km in depth, and the sound from drumming on the stalactites can be heard throughout the caves. The caves have an eerily feel when the stalactites are drummed and your guide will give the experience.
Today the stalactites and stalagmites can be comfortably viewed from walkways with staircases where needed as well as railings for your safety. Electric lights are fitted throughout the guided tour areas.
The height in one of the rooms is an amazing 60 meters and the caves also boast a chamber 100 meters long. Guides will take you 2 km into the caves and en route you will have the opportunity to view the stunning cave features of stalagmites, stalactites, columns and flowstones.
The Echo Caves have not been thoroughly walked through as yet and so we can only surmise where they end. Some think it ends close to the Strijdom Tunnel, but that is just a calculated guess. For those of us that are not claustrophobic, special tours can be arranged to go deeper into the caves.
When you have absorbed all there is to see inside the caves, be sure to take a look at the various shops close to the area and buy a few keepsakes to remember your time in the area.
Nelspruit Lodge has a number of superb rooms for you to choose from. When staying in Nelspruit, our accommodation offers all of the creature comforts you could want. Book your stay today.
Feb 8, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit, Uncategorized
Not all who visit Nelspruit know exactly what our exciting little city has to offer or why it is firmly on the business map. For many years, Nelspruit was a small, mostly tourist focused town but in recent years, with the many new developments and city wide growth, we are more than the place in which people restock their vehicles when on the road to the Kruger or Mozambique.
Once you’ve planned your trip and booked your Nelspruit accommodation, you might find that there are a few blank spaces in your knowledge of the town that you’d quite like to fill. With this in mind, we have a list of a few of the frequently asked questions that you might find helpful.
- What is Nelspruit known for?
Today, the town of Nelspruit is a business hub in the Lowveld. Nelspruit is best known for being the capital of Mpumalanga. It has a rich and interesting history, while the town itself was founded in 1905, there is plenty of history that predates the buildings which sprung up to form the town we have. The town was named after the Nel Brothers who would bring their cattle to the area during the winter.
- How far is Pretoria from Nelspruit?
For those city slickers heading to our town on business, or for pleasure, knowing the distance will help with planning. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, it can take roughly 3 hours to drive the 319.15km from Pretoria to Nelspruit, if you are travelling at a speed of 110km/p.
- How old is Nelspruit?
The town is dated according to when the rail line from Lorenco Marques (Maputo) reached Nelspruit. It took roughly a year for the railway line to reach the town in 1892. This line went further on, connecting all of the small towns between Maputo and Pretoria, breathing new life into the area. So you can say that Nelspruit is well over 100 years old.
- How big is Nelspruit?
We refer to Nelspruit as a city, but when you can get to practically any area of the city within 15 minutes driving, it’s hardly right to call it a city. That being said, Nelspruit is about 72,63 square kilometres and each year that area grows.
- Does Nelspruit have an airport?
Nelspruit has two airports although the smaller one, the Nelspruit Airport, which once served as the only airport, is now used by hobby pilots and stores smaller aircrafts. The Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which is a 30 minute drive from the town was opened a few years ago. Flights to cities all throughout the country can be embarked on from this airport, while it also offers international flights to nearby countries.
Nelspruit Lodge is one of the best Nelspruit hotels to book your stay in. You can enquire or make your booking online.
Jan 12, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit
While staying at our comfortable Nelspruit accommodation, the avid golfer has a variety of spectacular golf courses in and around the area. Read our list of places to play golf.
- White River Country Club
Nestled in the plantations just outside White River, the White River Country Club offers an 18 hole champion parkland golf course. This golf course is a proud member of the CMASA and is a SAGU/70 – WGSA/70 course.The White River Golf Course was established way back in 1923, and the cost of the construction was 100 pounds with an annual maintenance bill that came to 150 pounds. Back then the mowing of the course greens was done by oxen and mules with the grounds men spraying paraffin on the excess grass and burning it off.During the depression years of the 1930’s, and the war years thereafter, the club was declared virtually bankrupt, surviving only due to the generosity of the Vice President.
Today the golf course has improved tremendously from those humble beginnings and after surviving a drought now has its own borehole. The club also sports a squash and tennis court, cricket and hockey facilities and an amazing swimming pool which is adjacent to the clubhouse.
The club has an excellent conference facility which can cater for up to 100 people with full bar and catering facilities, and it is fully air-conditioned. Recently, the Country Cafè was opened and has quickly become a gathering place for golfers and the general public. Not a golfer? Not a problem! You can enjoy a Sunday breakfast or brunch, or just a coffee and snack.
- Mbombela Golf Club
Formerly known as the Nelspruit Golf Club, this club was established in 1928 and moved to its present location in 1939. The Nelspruit Golf Course started out and remained a nine hole course until around 1967 when an additional nine holes were added. And this is the way it stayed until 1998 when it was once again upgraded.The Nelspruit Golf Club was made famous by annually hosting the Jock of the Bushveld Golf Festival, which it has been doing since 1968. The brainchild of J.J. Van Rensburg and Rip Riphagen, the first “Jock” was played from Thursday to Sunday. As the festival grew in popularity, Wednesday was included in 1969, followed by them including Tuesday in 1977 and then Monday 1981. This festival is considered the largest amateur golf tournament in the world, which today draws 800 amateurs from all over the country and more than 2000 rounds of golf gets played in this single week in May.If you are looking for the ultimate “bushveld” golfing experience, this is the course to be on. And after an enjoyable round of golf on the 18 hole course, you can retire to the clubhouse, have a shower and hit the bar for something long and cold to drink. The clubhouse is spacious and you can get a stunning view of Mbombela from the veranda. In addition to the veranda, there is a super lapa and a large deck area that can be used for functions. It is equipped with a kitchen and has a catering service.
On site there is a Pro-Shop, so should you have any golfing needs, be it golf clothing or golf equipment, the Pro-Shop will sort you out, at very competitive prices.
Make sure you take full advantage of these two golf courses when staying at our accommodation in Nelspruit!
Dec 23, 2018 | Nelspruit Accommodation, Things to in and around Nelspruit
As Nelspruit (Mbombela) is an up and coming place to enjoy a holiday and do business, more and more people are asking us how they can spend their days in the Lowveld. There are plenty of things to do while you are staying here, and one of those enjoyable things you can get up to is hiking.
Unlike the big cities and urban landscapes where the fun is to be found indoors, you can enjoy a different type of fun when you visit us. With wide open spaces and a more rural, rough landscape, getting outdoors and back in touch with nature is the one thing that you have to do while here.
The locals love to go hiking and when hiking in Mpumalanga, there are so many places you can visit. Whether it is a day hiking at a nearby dam, or a day spent visiting one of the local hiking trails, you can easily spend hours on end outdoors.
Planning your hike
When hiking around Nelspruit, the first thing you have to do is book your Nelspruit accommodation. Having a place to stay in town, to return to when your energy is spent and you have had your fill of the great outdoors will give you peace of mind. If you are booking your stay at Nelspruit Lodge, you will not only have comfortable accommodation, but you will also have meals and a cooling pool at your disposal.
And once your accommodation is sorted, you can start the fun hiking planning.
- Get a pair of comfortable shoes. Buying your shoes a few days before you go hiking is not a good idea as you will end up with painful blisters. It’s best to buy your shoes a week or two before you go hiking and wear them in.
- Get the right attire. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that you have to overspend and buy a whole new wardrobe. Instead, if you don’t already have some comfy clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, you should invest in a shirt and some shorts or three quarter
- Pack a backpack. When hiking in Mpumalanga, even the winter months can get really hot, so you’ll need plenty of refreshments. Packing a backpack with snacks, water and a few basic first aid necessities is a must and will make your hike more enjoyable.
- Do some planning. Know the route that you’ll be taking, check the weather you can expect on the day and if you can, have a map.
- Let someone know that you will be hiking.
Book your stay at Nelspruit Lodge and enjoy an exciting hiking experience close to our affordable accommodation.
Dec 21, 2018 | Nelspruit Accommodation, Things to in and around Nelspruit
While visiting Nelspruit, do visit the Crossing Centre, conveniently situated on the corner of R40 and Samora Machel Drive. The centre opened shop in 2003, and with just 25 shops, it has now grown and an additional 25 shops and an office block have since been added. The centre has 1500 free parking bays, including open parking bays as well as underground parking. The parking also has sufficient parking for disabled and elderly people. Friendly attendants are on site to watch your car while you shop. And shop you will when you see the number of stores here!
Crossing Centre has a wide variety of shops to choose from, so take your time and happy shopping!
Eateries
You can have a takeaway or eat at the centre. Fishaways, Mcdonalds, Steers and Debonairs are situated opposite the main centre and offer the option of takeaway or sit down eating, with seating both inside and outside the shop. The Mugg and Bean has a lovely open air atmosphere to enjoy your meal and the Wimpy offers inside and outside seating. If it’s a steak you after, visit Turn n Tender Steakhouse or if sushi is your thing, Kombu Sushi and Oyster Bar is the place to go.
Clothing
Outdoor Warehouse and Trappers offer not only clothing but cater to your general outdoor or camping needs. Sportsmans Warehouse not only stock sports gear but also keeps general clothing too, while the Kids Emporium will see that your children are well clothed. For a more elegant look, Thoughts is the place to shop and Solemates or Kingsmead the place to get your shoes. The Dropzone Laundry is on site to take care of all your laundry needs.
Banks
Standard Bank has a large branch at Crossing Centre. Capitec Bank and Nedbank also have branches at the Centre.
Hair Dresses
There are three hair dresses are Crossing centre; Moroccan Barber, Salon Arturo or Gary Romm.
Jewellery
Facets not only have jewellery but also a fascinating assortment of precious stones and crystals for sale. Violet and Rose Jewellery Co. have a branch at Crossing Centre and both companies have a goldsmith.
Kids Entertainment
The Splat Company has an indoor playground for hours of safe entertainment for children between the ages of 0-10. There is a colourful cafè on the premises offering light meals and drinks. The facility offers a baby changing room as well as a feeding room and a bathroom. Toy Zone has a large variety of children’s toys.
Other Services
The Crossing Centre has a dentist and an optometrist. Kodak Express is available to assist you with all things photographic. Postnet has a branch here for all your postage needs. Deeghuys is the place to get your frozen pies and cakes, while Woolworths has a food store. KLCBT and Dana Agency have offices to assist you with your tourist needs. There is A “Grand” Car Wash so you can have your car washed while you shop. Mopani Pharmacy has one of its branches at the centre and offers a not only a pharmacy but much more. Crossing Spar is a spacious spar for you to pick up all your essentials before you leave the centre.
When staying at Nelspruit Lodge, enjoying our affordable Nelspruit accommodation and our other facilities, be sure that you make the most of your time in Nelspruit by visiting Crossings.
Oct 15, 2018 | Things to in and around Nelspruit
If you have followed this blog from the first, you’ll already know all about the exciting places you can see during just a day on the road. In the second part of our blog, we’ll be highlighting the rest of the route.
Back on the road
After you’ve experienced all that Pilgrim’s Rest has to offer it is time to hit the road and head back in the direction you came and carry on past the natural bridge till you get to Graskop. Not quite in the same class as Sabie or Pilgrim’s Rest, Graskop does have its own charm. A look around the small shops in town will reveal several novelties to purchase. A popular place to grab a snack will surely be at Harrie’s Pancakes which is situated on the main street. Very reasonably priced, sweet, savoury or even veggie filled pancakes can be purchased at this pancake restaurant.
Leaving Graskop
Take the road north out of Graskop and you are in for a sight-seeing adventure. Do turn onto the R534 loop to have a stunning view from three different viewpoints of the amazing Mpumalanga Drakensberg Escarpment. The Pinnacle is the first, a beautiful buttress of free-standing rock rising out of the indigenous forest. The natural wonder can be viewed from two different viewing decks.
Next on the list of must-see attractions is God’s Window. Truly living up to its name, God’s Window can be viewed once you have traversed a steep footpath of about 900m to the very edge of the escarpment. From this vantage point, the whole of the Lowveld and even Mozambique can be viewed.
Wonder View is next on this extraordinary route. At 1730m above sea level, Wonder View is the highest viewpoint on the Panorama Route. This is the last viewpoint on the loop, but a sensational one not to be missed.
The Final Leg
Head out of Graskop and straight to the Lisbon Falls. Lisbon Falls is the highest waterfall in the region and tumbles a staggering 92 meters. Get back on the tar road and head north past the Berlin Sawmills to the Berlin Falls. This waterfall is spectacular not because of its height, but because of the cliffs behind the waterfall and the deep pool that it cascades into.
A visit to this area will not be complete unless you stop in at the famous Bourke’s Luck Potholes. An easy 25km north of the Berlin Falls, turn right into the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and get ready to be impressed by this natural wonder. Millions of years of whirlpools have carved huge potholes into the bedrock. Today we have the privilege of being able to walk right over this marvel of nature by means of bridges set safely 20 meters above. This is a good place to have a picnic and pay a visit to the visitor’s centre for information.
Heading north once more, about 5km down the road is the Lowveld View. This 1219 meter high vantage point offers a view of the Blyde River Canyon and this area goes from stunning rocky peaks to valleys that are filled with dense forest. From here you can also see the Blyde River as it eases itself through the canyon en route to the Blydepoort Dam.
The last but not to be missed attraction is another 4.6 km north. The aptly named Three Rondawels showcase nature at her very best. Three huge rock edifices stand out proudly in plain view sight with the Blyde River Canyon as a splendid backdrop.
Nothing can compare to this truly amazing part of South Africa, so take the time and come and enjoy the scenic area.
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