5 ways you can become an Eco-Friendly Visitor

5 ways you can become an Eco-Friendly Visitor

To be a part of the “sustainable travel” movement, you need to know what you can do to make your travels eco-friendly.

Sustainable travels are those that take into account the current and the future economic, environmental and social impact that their trip will have.

This practice of travelling is becoming increasingly important as more and more people are able to travel and yet often leave a harmful impact behind them, an impact that they are oblivious to. In order to make sure that the beautiful places we love to visit are able to remain in the best conditions so that future generations can enjoy them, we need to focus on how we can make a difference.

At Nelspruit Lodge, we welcome hundreds of guests into the heart of the Lowveld each year. Some are here on business while others are taking advantage of our warm weather and hospitality while enjoying a fantastic holiday.

If you want to play a part in making sure that your travels are environmentally friendly, then these tips are just for you.

  1. Don’t buy disposable
    There is no doubt that when on the road, or travelling around town, you are going to get thirsty and will end up buying something to drink. But instead of buying plastic water and cold drink bottles, and instead of using paper or plastic coffee cups, you should think about bringing a reusable bottle and a reusable mug.
  1. Support Local
    Every town in South Africa has those small, family owned shops. In Nelspruit, in particular, the economy is largely localised with loads of local brands. Instead of supporting chain stores and chain restaurants, look for the smaller shops and help them stay open by buying from them.
  1. Tour Local
    When you find yourself in the heart of the Lowveld, with the Kruger National Park right on your doorstep, and you are looking for something to do while on your holiday, you can always find a local tour company to take you on a safari or on a tour of a historical town. There are loads of local tour companies in the Nelspruit area, and if you are having trouble finding the right one, you can always ask for our assistance.
  1. Drive don’t fly
    There is no doubt that flying is a lot easier and in some cases safer, but if you were to fly from location to location, then you are leaving a really horrible carbon footprint. Luckily, South Africa has an incredible network of maintained roads that are easy to drive, and then there is always the option of a shared transfer, which can save you loads of money.
  2. Hotel Savings
    Even when you are at the Nelspruit Lodge, there are some things that you can do to ensure that your stay is environmentally friendly. Doing the most basic of things like hanging your towel to dry and then reusing it, not requesting your linen to be changed each morning, and making sure that you bring your own toiletries, can ensure that your travels are more sustainable.
5 Must Visit Scenic Towns in the Lowveld

5 Must Visit Scenic Towns in the Lowveld

Given the events of the past year and the accompanying upset of the tourism industry, the small towns around Nelspruit can really do with a few more visitors this year. Using Nelspruit Lodge and our stunning accommodation in Nelspruit as your starting point, and as the place to return to after a fun day of exploring, here are our 5 Must Visit Scenic Towns.

  1. Sabie
    Winter is here in full force, and the small town of Sabie takes on a whole new character at this time of the year. As the winter cold descends and the mists settle, sometimes staying throughout the colder days, there is no better place to embrace the season and enjoy every moment of it.In the winter months, Sabie is every outdoor adventurer’s ultimate destination. The leaves are falling and crackle underfoot as you explore the various hiking trails, some of which go through forests and pass waterfalls.

    Sabie is also the best place for a bit of winter fishing.

  1. Pilgrim’s Rest
    Since this ancient gold mining town is a bit out of the way, and has in recent years suffered a few setbacks, tourists sometimes miss out on a visit here. But Pilgrim’s Rest is full of amazing things to do as well as places to see.The local cemetery is one such place that you should take a walk around and there are also a few hiking trails to take a walk on.

    When you are in the town, make sure to drop in at the Royal Hotel. This 127 year old place is in dire need of visitors and even if you just stop here for a bite to eat, you will be helping the 55 employees to hold onto their jobs as they fight to keep the doors open.

  1. Barberton
    Another gold mining town, Barberton is not at all on the tourist trail but it really deserves to be. A visit here should be spent exploring the mountains, which you can visit as a part of a 4×4 tour or they can be explored on foot, a journey that is far more rewarding.There are many museums to visit, and many of them have been remodelled to represent how the houses looked when they were still lived in over 100 years ago.
  1. Dullstroom
    It might not exactly be a part of the Lowveld, and it is a bit of drive from Nelspruit, but a visit here can still quite easily be done within a day.Dullstroom went from being a small, unassuming village which used to only be attractive to those visiting the town for a spot of fly fishing, to one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations. If you are travelling to Nelspruit from Johannesburg, a stop at Dullstroom is both easy and a must, since it is literally along the way.
  2. White River
    It is the town that went from being just another small town, to being one of the most exciting places to visit. White River is seemingly two towns. One part of it is the old town that is still the business hub, while the other part of it is a beautiful, bustling, tourist driven area.Most who visit Nelspruit, with the goal of paying a visit to the Kruger National Park, will pass through White River to get there. While passing through, stopping at one or two local shops or having lunch at one of the up and coming local restaurants is a must.
The 5 Accommodation Features Every Business Traveller Needs

The 5 Accommodation Features Every Business Traveller Needs

Whether you are living on the road or if you are only an occasional business traveller, having accommodation that is suited to your needs is a must. And when selecting your Nelspruit accommodation, you need to make sure that you are staying in the right place.

At Nelspruit Lodge, we have become one of our city’s top business accommodation facilities. We cater to business people of all types, ensuring that they have everything they need in order to have a successful time while in the city.

Given our experience when it comes to accommodating guests, we have identified the 6 most common features that every business person should look for.

  1. Location
    To get to meetings on time or to be on the project site when you are needed, you need to book your accommodation according to the location. Centrally located accommodation is vital because it makes it easier for you to get around, especially if you are staying in a town that you are not familiar with.When you are in a good location, you won’t have to travel very far to get to where you are needed and you will also be closer to certain amenities like restaurants and shops.
  1. An Office away from your Office
    Business travellers still need a place to work and since you are already booking accommodation, why not make sure that the place you are staying in also has what you need in order to turn it into an office. While you are looking for the perfect business accommodation in Nelspruit, make sure that you have access to a landline and to Wi-Fi, or internet of some kind.
  1. Affordable Costs
    Business travellers will generally be travelling on a budget. When selecting your accommodation make sure that you have taken price into account. But don’t just choose the cheapest accommodation that you can find.Make sure that the price you are paying out for accommodation is worth it in terms of what you will be getting out of it.There is no point going for cheap accommodation only for it to end up having no web connections, a lumpy mattress and ice cold food! Scout out your accommodation and what the price includes well before you make your booking.
  1. Bed and Breakfast
    Or bed, breakfast and dinner. When you are selecting your accommodation, having a meal or two included in the price can make your stay a more pleasant one. Having breakfasts and dinners, and also certain conveniences like coffee close at hand, means you won’t be running around looking for food when you are in a hurry to be somewhere else.
  2. Laundry Service
    Depending on how long you are going to be in town on business, at some point you are going to need fresh, clean clothes. Make sure that the accommodation you choose either has on site laundry services or a nearby Laundromat, where you can drop off your clothing in the morning and collecting it again in the afternoon.
The Benefits of Self-Catered Accommodation in Nelspruit

The Benefits of Self-Catered Accommodation in Nelspruit

Over the years, self-catering accommodation has soared in popularity as more and more people look for affordable, comfortable accommodation that suits their specific holidaying or business get away requirements.

Nelspruit Lodge offers some of the most spacious and stylish self-catered accommodation in Nelspruit and we are centrally located which makes us the ideal option for anyone visiting town. Our lodge is close to shops, hospitals and countless exciting attractions, which you can find out more about when you view our blog.

Each of our rooms has all of the basic amenities as well as loads of space in which to make yourself comfortable. But our self-catering rooms are particularly suitable for travellers on the move.

Our self-catering units recently underwent a renovation and the new look rooms are ultra-modern and include things like a spa bath, a walk in shower, Wi-Fi, double beds, and a full kitchenette for guests to prepare their own meals.

Our self-catered rooms are not the only types of accommodation that we have available. We also have a variety of luxury rooms which are perfect for guests who are looking for a little more comfort and who don’t want to cater for themselves but want to instead dine in our restaurant, where our chef is in charge of a flavourful menu.

The Benefits of Self-Catering Accommodation in Nelspruit

Self-catering comes with quite a few amazing benefits and when compared to other styles, is preferred by most. Here are just a few of the benefits to enjoy when you stay at our self-catering in Nelspruit.

  • Cook your own meals
    And eat them on your own time. When you stay in other types of accommodation, you are generally constrained to certain times when the restaurant prepares meals. This won’t happen when you can cook your own meals and eat when you are hungry, rather than when the lodge restaurant is open.
  • Affordable
    Sometimes the deciding factor when it comes to the type of accommodation you select, is the price. And this is even truer when your travels are being planned according to a tight budget. Self-catered accommodation is generally far more affordable than other styles of accommodation, so you will most certainly be saving money while not compromising on your comfort.
  • Flexibility
    With a lot of self-catered accommodation out there, you will be able to come and leave as you please without always having to inform the lodge. This means you will have more freedom during your stay, and if you also avoid a pre-packaged trip, you can choose to fill your day as you please.

Nelspruit Lodge is committed to your health

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nelspruit Lodge is committed to ensuring the health of our guests is never compromised due to a lack of sanitisation. We have always been dedicated to making sure that our lodge is clean and hygienic, and with the pandemic, we have upped our game by making use of the latest and best products.

You can enjoy a memorable stay in our self-catering in Nelspruit when you book one of our units. Contact us for more information.

Practicing the Art of Mindfulness in Nelspruit

Practicing the Art of Mindfulness in Nelspruit

Living in the moment, being content with life, mediating daily, being aware of how you feel and what you are doing with your time, being fully attentive. This is what it means to be mindful and while it might seem like just another passing internet trend, it is capturing the attention of many South Africans looking for a more meaningful life experience.

Being fully attentive and aware is one way to not only consciously live life to the fullest but it also helps to control stress, emotions and how we react to certain situations. It also helps to completely focus when we need to. The moment the mind starts to drift, the practice of mindfulness can bring us right back again.

What does this have to do with Nelspruit Lodge?

As Nelspruit’s foremost lodge, we try to create an oasis of peace and calm for all of our guests. From taking a walk around the gardens to enjoying the bliss of staying in one of our stylish and fully kitted out rooms, there are ways that you can be mindful when staying in Nelspruit.

We are also situated close to a few places where the people of Nelspruit are embracing this popular practice, so if you are from out of town and wish to recharge, you can quickly find your tribe.

  • Yoga in the Gardens
    The second Saturday of every month sees yoga enthusiasts come together for a free session in the Lowveld Botanical Gardens. Yoga and mindfulness go hand in hand, as both practices focus a lot on being aware of the body and mind.The session in the garden incorporates basic yoga and ancient breathing techniques known to sooth the mind and calm the body. If you are in town during this time of the month, or if you are a local looking for something new, this is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and stretch your soul.
  • Secret Sunrise
    Another fantastic way to come back to yourself is to dance it out as the sun rises. Secret Sunrise is by no means a South African thing, but we have sure fallen in love with the concept and become huge fans. Secret Sunrise is all about wellness and the group is on a global mission to connect people through music and movement.Participants each wear headphones and are guided through the session by a facilitator. The songs played are perfect for practicing and enhancing mindfulness, medication, and breath work, while these is also an element of insatiable playfulness that well leave you enlivened for days afterwards.

    Secret Sunrise Lowveld takes place once a month and to find the exact dates follow this link.

    Mindfulness is an evidence-based activity and it has been proven to have positive effects on health, happiness, relationships and careers. It is also the one practice that can spark creativity and unleash your inner self.

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Take full advantage of our comfortable Nelspruit accommodation by booking your stay at our lodge today. You can look forward to the best hospitality and the most comfortable rooms.