Jul 15, 2018 | Nelspruit Lodge, Things to in and around Nelspruit
Nelspruit Lodge accommodates people from all over the country and because we are situated in a rich tourist area, we encourage guests to make the most of their time here by visiting various interesting places close to Nelspruit.
So while in Nelspruit for a few days, why not make a day of visiting Barberton? Barberton has a rich history, dating back to the 1880’s when it got caught up in the gold rush of that era.
Tom McLachlan discovered gold in 1881 in Jamestown in what is now Barberton, but due to the Malaria in the area, no-one wanted to go there. However, when “French Bob” (Auguste Roberts) discovered gold at Concession Creek in 1883, the gold rush went into overdrive.
Barberton got its name from Graham H Barber but it’s the people who lived there who gave this town its vibrant history.
Infamous Citizens
Go getting ladies like Cockney Liz and Golden Dane were known for selling their “wares” to diggers and pilgrims alike. Much is said about their ill-reputed ways, but in actual fact, these ladies not only entertained the men but it is known that they also gave their time freely to help in hospitals. Golden Dane was one of the only people brave enough to nurse diggers in their tents where they lay dying from malaria. Golden Dane died in Barberton where she was found in a coma after contracting malaria herself. She died without anyone knowing where she came from and without anyone knowing her real name.
Cockney Liz is another known character that Barberton was once home to. She too gained an unseemly reputation that she didn’t quite deserve. But she became an astute businesswoman and made a success of herself nonetheless. There is no record of what happened to Cockney Liz.
Things To Do In Barberton
- Eureka City
Take a 4×4 adventure into the past and visit Eureka City. Approximately 20km from Barberton, this small ghost town was established in 1885 after the discovery of gold on the Sheba Reef. Although in its heyday it sported music halls, a bakery, three hotels and shops as well as a racecourse, all that is left is the ruins of the buildings.
- Guided Heritage Walk Through Historical Barberton
For a taste of the history of Barberton, take a guided tour through the streets of Barberton with a tour guide that can tell you all those little extra bits of information. The walk starts at the Barberton museum and goes past the Lodge of St Johns in the south. Next stop is the Blockhouse, which was built during the Anglo-Boer war by the English to protect the hospital and concentration camp. Built in the 1890’s Fernlea House is next on the list and it has been restored and now houses an exhibition about Rimer’s Creek.
Belhaven House Museum was built in 1904 and is today decorated in a way that displays wealthy middle-class living in the era. 700 meters from Fernlea House stands the Turbine that in 1931 purified the town’s water. A popular gathering place for the locals in bygone days, Rimer’s Creek sported a tearoom that attracted the local barmaids on Wednesday afternoons.
Stopforth House is beautifully furnished with its original furniture and cutlery. Only the façade of the De Kaap Stock Exchange has survived and can be viewed en-route. In front of the Town Hall is a statue of Percy Fitzpatrick’s faith dog “Jock”. Opposite the Town Hall, you can gaze at the English Lodge with its classical architecture. In 1896 the Kaapmuiden – Barberton railway line was opened and a steam train locomotive similar to those once used is on display nearby, and this marks the end of the walk.
- Gold Mine Tour
Take a tour of where gold mining first started in the area. At Agnes Gold Mine you will be equipped with gumboots, lamp and hardhat and taken into an active mine as well as an inactive gold mine. While you are there you can also try your hand at panning for gold.
- Historical Cemetery
Aptly situated at the end of Gospel Street, this cemetery has graves the date back to the 1800s.
- Barberton Garden Of Remembrance
A large military camp was established in the northeast of Barberton during the Second World War. Replicas of the regimental crests and badges of the South African units that passed through this area have been erected in this camp.
Book your Nelspruit accommodation at our comfortable lodge and take a trip into the past when you spend a day in Barberton!
Jun 29, 2018 | Nelspruit Lodge
Up high in the misty mountains, just a 30-minute drive from Nelspruit, is the old village of Kaapsehoop. It is the ideal place to spend the day if you are looking to escape the city and get outdoors, and with all of the hiking trails and outdoor activities, you’ll find that Kaapsehoop has plenty to offer.
Kaapsehoop attracts all types of people, from creative and eccentric people looking for a haven of solitude to those who love the outdoors and just want to escape for a weekend. And the beautiful thing about Kaapsehoop is that there really is something for everyone.
Things To Do In And Around Kaapsehoop
This quiet mountain village is the perfect place to spend the day or even just an afternoon. Winters spent by the fireplace in a cosy pub, or summers spent exploring the hiking trails and watching distant storm clouds gather are just a few of the things that locals love to do. Other attractions include a visit to the numerous waterfalls found in between the forest tracks, viewing the wild horses as they come into the village for a snack, or simply walking right out to the escarpment and looking down onto the ancient De Kaap Valley.
Horseback riding, for both pros and amateurs, is another very popular past time and a wonderful way to see the surrounding nature. The Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is a famous company offering just such adventures! Recently Scooter Tours opened shop in the area, giving guests to the village an alternative way to get around. They are ideal for the whole family and their tours take you through the most beautiful surrounding areas.
About Kaapsehoop
Kaapsehoop was originally a mining town. But unlike its compatriot villages, this mining town did not explode into a bustling town. It remained the size that it is today, while nearby mining towns such as Barberton continued to grow.
The village that was once known as the “Duiwel’s Kantoor” was founded in the early 1880’s when gold was discovered in the small stream which runs through the village. Much of the plans to build a town was put aside in favour of digging for gold. But with bigger gold veins being discovered at Pilgrim’s Rest and Barberton in earlier years, and later with gold being found on the Witwatersrand, prospectors turned their attention to towns offering more wealth opportunities and interest in Kaapsehoop declined.
However, unlike other former gold mining areas, Kaapsehoop did not become a ghost town. Instead, it remained a small village and today it allows us to enjoy a break away from city life.
When visiting Nelspruit, a trip up to Kaapsehoop is a must. The short drive up the mountains, into that crisp air, is the perfect recipe for a revived mind. Because the climate up there is quite chilly, many prefer to leave the village before dark and spend their evenings at accommodation in Nelspruit, such as Nelspruit Lodge.
Our accommodation is in the ideal location for those wanting to explore other towns close to the city, as we are central and we have all the comforts you could want in a lodge! Book your stay at our accommodation in Nelspruit today!
Jun 15, 2018 | Accommodation in Nelspruit, Nelspruit Lodge
Nelspruit is one of those special cities. It is not yet completely urbanised as far as the eye can see, but it is busy and big enough to be considered a city. And every city needs a bit of nature in which citizens can escape for a bit of peace and quiet.
The Lowveld Botanical Gardens is just the place to do that.
The Lowveld is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Its warm weather makes for a tropical environment in which all kinds of luscious plants grow. As the capital of the Lowveld, and of Mpumalanga as a whole, Nelspruit is home to the Lowveld Botanical Gardens which is one place where you will see just about every type of indigenous plant in the area.
A Day in the Botanical Gardens
The Lowveld Botanical Gardens is shaped by the Nel River and the Crocodile River, both of which cut through the gardens and create natural boundaries. The rivers meet in the gardens and create a
stunning waterfall, which you can see at the Nels and Cascades Viewpoints.
The gardens are one of the 9 National Botanical Gardens of South Africa.
Founded in 1969, after the local Municipality decided that having such a garden would promote tourism, the gardens have become a place of education and conservation. The gardens were officially opened on the 10th of September 1971. The land consists of municipal grounds as well as land donated by the Board of HL Hall and Sons. The gardens cover a total of 165 ha and of all that land, only 30 ha has been carefully cultivated, the rest has been left to grow wild.
The last 40 years have seen many changes to the gardens, which now boasts a tea garden which is ideal for events as well as a children’s play area. But one of the best ways to experience the gardens is to pack a picnic basket and spend your day exploring all the paths before settling down for a snack.
The gardens have a small entrance fee and once inside, visitors have a number of tour options. You can easily spend your whole day enjoying the paths and sights of this beautiful garden.
Along with having a wide variety of plants local to the Lowveld, the gardens also have their very own African Rain Forest. When exploring the forest, you can walk closely along the Crocodile River and across a suspension bridge. This forest is not only filled with local plants, but it also has plants from the Coastal Belt and the Province of Limpopo.
Another interesting attraction is the useful plant’s section. An entire corner of the park is filled with plants that have a particular use, from astringents to plants known to ease pain. With all the information boards, you will learn all about the local plants that can be used as medicine when prepared correctly.
The Lowveld Botanical Gardens is one of the best places to visit when you are in Nelspruit. And the best place to stay in Nelspruit is at our lodge. We have the most comfortable and some of the most affordable accommodation in Nelspruit, and we are just a short drive away from the Botanical Gardens.
May 21, 2018 | Nelspruit Lodge
Sometimes, it is worth visiting a town just to eat at one of its more popular restaurants, cafes or coffee shops. Nelspruit might not be the biggest city you will visit while on your travels, but it sure has more than its share of fantastic places to enjoy truly delectable food.
When staying at Nelspruit Lodge, our central location means that there are countless fantastic places to eat just around the corner. Our Nelspruit accommodation also has an on-site dining facility, but we encourage you to try out some of the great places to eat in Nelspruit, while you are in the city. And to help you find the perfect eatery, here is our list of the best places, offering both fine dining as well as quick bites.
Kuzuri
Given the location of Nelspruit Lodge, Kuzuri is a must. They have only recently relocated into the area and they bring with them a fabulous, affordable menu. We are within walking distance of the popular Sonpark Centre which comes alive at night. This area is a hub of social activity. However, Kuzuri is more of a breakfast and lunch restaurant. The prices are very affordable and the myriad of food choices will not disappoint. This is a fine dining meets casual restaurant and its outdoor eating area is fantastic.
Check out their website to find out more: http://www.kuzuri.co.za/
Kombu Sushi and Oyster Bar
If you love your sushi, you will that Kombu provides a deliciously diverse sushi selection. Kombu can be found at the bustling Crossing Centre, and the ambience is enough to make this a memorable place to eat. With the low lighting and private booths, you can enjoy a meal on your own, host a business dinner or have a romantic night out. Kombu has a lot to offer.
Kombu does not have a website but you can give them a call on 013 752 2721
The Jock Pub and Grill
A completely relaxed, family-friendly environment, The Jock Pub and Grill is not only really affordable but the menu is really diverse and the food is always fresh. Weeknights are quite calm and easy going, while Friday and Saturday nights are generally party nights. They are open from early in the morning to late into the evenings, making it a fantastic place to stop for lunch.
Check out their menu by having a look at their website https://www.jockpubandgrill.co.za/
Cicada Restaurant and Craft Bar
Looking for a classier affair? Cicada might just have everything you are looking for. Cicada is well known for its cocktails as well as its sushi menu. There are many other meals to choose on the menu and while tucking into your meal you can gaze over the busy city. Cicada is also just around the corner from Nelspruit Lodge, within the Sonpark Centre.
Again, they don’t have a website, but you can contact them on 013 741 1751.
Nelspruit eateries offer something for everyone. If you are looking for a place to eat, simply ask our reception desk for a list of other recommendations.
May 19, 2018 | Accommodation in Nelspruit, Nelspruit Lodge
Visiting Nelspruit presents a whole lot of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and get outdoors. Hiking, picnics and safaris are all just a short drive away. The reason why most holidaymakers head to Nelspruit is to enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. But as an ever-growing city, we have some great indoor entertainment that you can indulge in.
We’re not well known for our malls and shopping centres. However, some recent new additions to the city have meant there is more to do here than hiking and safaris trips. In the past, our shopping malls have been just a convenient place to get your shopping done, but with Ilanga Mall’s recent revamp, there is a new reason to head to Nelspruit.
Ilanga Mall is located on the N4, just on the outskirts of our ever-expanding town. Ilanga Mall had it all and is still one of the best places to enjoy some good shopping, and some great food at one of its many eateries. After a day of hiking or after spending your time on a safari, coming to the mall in the evening and tucking into a meal is one of the best ways to end the day.
The open piazza style eating area brings all types of culinary tastes to one place. From relaxed dining to the more formal affair, with the variety of places to eat here, you are never without a choice. The mall also offers outdoor dining with great views of the busy city road as well as the distant mountains.
For the past few years, it has become the go-to shopping centre, but it lacked in the entertainment department.
But now with its recent expansion, the mall is the perfect indoor playground!
If the great outdoors doesn’t quite do it for you and you are rather in the mood for something else, you should consider some of the latest activities on offer at Ilanga. It is the only place in town where you can watch a movie, in great comfort and style, enjoy some gaming at the Fun Company and then try your luck at ice skating. You can have hours of entertainment while here and add some versatility to your holiday.
Nelspruit has become the perfect place to enjoy the best of both worlds. Your holiday planning can include trips to the nearby historical towns and you should spend some time in the Kruger Park. But once you’ve had your fill, you can include ice skating and a movie on those days when you don’t feel like adventuring!
Stay at the Best Lodge in Nelspruit
Booking the best accommodation in Nelspruit will be the perfect way to complete your holiday! Nelspruit Lodge is the best place to stay in town and our location is perfectly convenient for all travellers and holidaymakers.
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