Feb 2, 2020 | Nelspruit Accommodation
Although it is super trendy these days to completely disown Valentine’s Day and pretend that it is only marked by loved up losers, you couldn’t be more wrong.
Life is fast paced and expensive these days, so for many, those romantic weekends away are becoming less and less convenient. If you set aside one special day in your month (or year), to treat yourself and that romantic person in your life to an evening of love, Valentine’s Day should be it. Besides, who cares what anyone else thinks! If celebrating Valentine’s Day is your thing, you should do what makes you happy and spend some time simply enjoying yourself.
Valentine’s Day has interesting origins which date back to the Roman times, and the festival of Lupercalia. The festival was originally a celebration of the coming spring, fertility and in some cases, it was used to pair up partners.
The rise of Christianity saw Lupercalia become St Valentine’s Day as at the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I saw the changes through.
Traditionally, the day fell in the middle of February, and over the years, the 14th was adopted as the official day to celebrate love.
What to do this Valentine’s Day?
Trying to think up a few ideas about how you can treat the love of your life this year? We’ve got you covered!
There is no right or wrong way to mark this day, but if you are short on planning time or if you are looking for a few ideas to make the day even more memorable, it doesn’t hurt to read those online lists. Dinners, gift ideas, picnics or simply a special gesture, a little can go a long way.
For Valentine’s Day 2020, Nelspruit Lodge is running a Nelspruit accommodation special, so you can spend the weekend with us where we will set you up in the best accommodation while treating you and your partner to a romantic evening meal and some fun outdoor activities over the weekend.
Not keen on making a whole weekend out of Valentine’s Day? Then why not just make a night of it with an evening meal at one of Nelspruit’s popular restaurants?
Salsa Mexican Grill, Adega Nelspruit, and a few places in White River such as Picasso’s, Gin & Co, Habana 64, and Da Loose Mongoose are all offering specials on the day.
You could also treat your special someone to a memorable gift? Violet & Rose, Ilanga Mall, Riverside Mall and Coral Blooms all have specials running for Valentine’s Day.
For more information and to get few more ideas, you can check out Show Me Nelspruit’s extensive and super helpful guide.
Jan 29, 2020 | Nelspruit Accommodation
South Africa’s top holiday destinations, for South Africans, is generally the coast. After months spent in the stuffy cities, rushing through life and getting generally stressed out, most of us will head to coast for some fresh air. But if you have been to the coast during the holidays, you’ll know that the overcrowding is real. You can barely find a spot on the beach and if you do get to the beach, there are so many people that it is just about impossible to take a dip in the water.
If you are looking to shake up your holidays by visiting someplace new in 2020, Mpumalanga should be firmly on the map.
Over the years, Mpumalanga has gained a reputation for being one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa and tourism is definitely on the up. Home to gorgeous outdoor attractions and many wonderful natural sights, when visiting our province you are sure to find a real sense of peace.
A quick look at any map will show you that Mpumalanga is a big place. Split into the Highveld and the Lowveld, most of the best loved attractions can be seen in the Lowveld. Home to the provinces capital city, Nelspruit, the Lowveld is a botanical gem filled with countless places to see and things to do. This part of the province is also surprisingly affordable, making it the ideal place to have a holiday.
The Waterfalls
Did you know that there are more waterfalls in this part of the country than anywhere else in South Africa? Travelling along the Panorama Route is the best path to follow when searching for this kind of attraction. Some of the waterfalls are more famous than others and while some are free to visit, others require a small fee that goes towards the upkeep on the attraction.
Popular waterfalls include the Bridal Veil Falls, the Mac Mac Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. Many of the falls have a place where tourists can stop for a picnic and others require a little bit of a hike to get to.
The Mountains
From the exquisite views of Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window, to the Kaapsehoop Escarpment, although it is called the Lowveld, this part of the province is filled with loads of mountains. When standing on the top of a mountain, it is quite easy to feel small amongst the gorgeous views, and it is also the perfect experience for those who want to find some peace and free their minds.
The Hikes
For those who want to spend their holiday outdoors, the hiking trails on offer in the province are ideal for anyone looking to break away from the city and immerse themselves in quiet and solitude. Hikes can take place in forests and mountains, and those hiking can enjoy sights that very few have the privilege of seeing.
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You can find plenty of information about Mpumalanga’s numerous attractions online when doing your holiday planning. And if you are going to be staying close to Nelspruit book your stay at Nelspruit Lodge.
Jan 29, 2020 | Nelspruit Accommodation
Forested hiking trails and picnic spots, rushing waterfalls and rivers pouring over ancient rocks creating unbelievable formations, mountains offering exceptional views of distant landscape; Mpumalanga has a lot for those who love to be outdoors. In every way, it is an adventurous destination that lures visitors in with its beauty and makes them feel at home.
The province is best known for being a gateway to the Kruger National Park and for having a balmy, adventure filled destination called the Lowveld. There are loads of things to enjoy here, even if you are not keen on getting too adventurous. But for those who are looking to get their blood pumping, these exciting activities are not to be missed in 2020:
White River Rafting
Sitting on a rubber boat floating furiously down a river is a thrilling experience, especially in the summer months just after the rains. The Sabie River in the Hazyview area is a popular place to enjoy this past time and a trip can take roughly 1 to 2 hours to complete. You won’t need to have much experience to successfully make your way down the river, although it is a good idea to know how to swim!
Horseback Riding
The region has many places to experience horseback riding with trails through forests, grasslands and mountains being among the most popular. Kaapsehoop is without a doubt the most beautiful place to go horseback riding, with the Kaapsehoop Horse Trails offering an unforgettable, interactive experience up in the mountains of the Escarpment.
The Safari
With much of the Kruger National Park situated in Mpumalanga, going on a safari is without a doubt something you will want to do. Along with the option of driving yourself through the Southern Kruger, many local tour companies offer guests the option of full day tours and half day tours. Day safaris might seem short but they are more than enough time to see a wide variety of animals.
Explore the tree tops
Hazyview is home to the world’s longest aerial cable trail. With a guide at the helm, guests are taken on a trail along the Sabie River, through the tree tops of a lush green natural forest. The tour will not only give you the chance to learn all about this indigenous forest and its spectacular plants, but it will also bring you up close to the wildlife that makes its home in the trees.
Take in the history
This part of the world is filled to the brim with interesting history, dating back to the time when Bushmen lived in the area. The area has numerous small historical towns with museums and other interesting attractions. Many of these trips are easily fit into a day, and most of the locations are just a short drive from Nelspruit which will allow you to stay at our Nelspruit accommodation.
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Make 2020 your year to explore South Africa, and start off your adventures in Mpumalanga. For more information about our accommodation or to make a booking, you can contact us.
Dec 17, 2019 | Nelspruit Accommodation
Find yourself staying in Nelspruit this Christmas? There are many ways to prepare for the holidays and even if you are away from home, there is nothing to stop you from tucking into a delicious meal or going out shopping.
Although the Christmas decorations are very much winter themed, wherever you are in South Africa, the temperatures around Christmas time generally soar. So the whole idea of sitting down to a rich, hot meal is the last thing that anyone wants to do. One advantage that we have though, is that during this most wonderful time of the year, is that it is the perfect time to get outdoors and end the year with your feet up.
Let’s dive into the Christmas guide for those staying in Nelspruit for Christmas 2019
Gifting
The town’s many shops, especially those in the malls, generally extend their shopping hours in the run up to Christmas. The longer you leave your shopping, the more crowds you’ll have to face, so getting all your shopping wrapped up as soon as possible is best. You don’t want to taint the holidays with stress, so the earlier you head out the better. To completely remove the possibility of getting stuck in crowds, shop online. if you choose to do this, you’ll have to make sure that you order your items as soon as possible or they won’t be delivered on time.
Homemade and eco-gifts are tremendously popular right now, and the trend is fueled by the fact that Pinterest is filled with great ideas. If you want to really cut back the amount of money you spend, create a budget that everyone in the family must follow and then make your gifts. Remember, regardless of what the media says, it really is the thought that counts.
Christmas Lunch
Most Nelspruiters will settle down for a family lunch on Christmas Day. Traditional Fruit Cakes are always a popular hit as is the turkey or roasted chicken. But modern trends are also leaning towards seafood, and simple, cold foods. Delicious gammon, fillets and light snacks are very in right now and when paired with roast potatoes, seasonal veggies and all kinds of salads, everyone will have their fill.
Make sure that you add a few bottles of your favourite chilled wine to the table, and a bowl of ice cream or peppermint crisp tart for desert is always a winner.
Not keen on cooking? There are plenty of places serving up a delectable lunch. Sophie’s Bistro, Magnolia in White River, Bosvark Pub and Grill, La Villa Vita, Tindlovu at the Gardens, and Old Joe’s Kaia are all open on Christmas Day. If you plan on eating out, it would be best to book ahead.
Boxing Day/Family Day
It doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s another day of rest after the long year and the festivities. You could be super lazy and snooze the day away, or you could take advantage of this time by getting a little outdoorsy. Time in the Botanical Gardens or hiking through the misty forests of Kaapsehoop are both good for the soul!
Make sure that you book your Nelspruit accommodation with us today in time for Christmas and enjoy a relaxed day in our small town.
Dec 17, 2019 | Nelspruit Accommodation
For most travellers to the region, including those who will be spending a night at our Nelspruit accommodation, their time here is mostly limited as they are either just passing through or they are only here for a day or 2 on business. Nelspruit has never exactly been a main tourist attraction, it has almost always been the place through which people pass on their way to their real holiday destination. But that doesn’t mean that the 24 hours spent in the town needs to be a waste.
This is your 24 hour guide to the city
On the assumption that you either arrive early in the morning or that perhaps you arrived in the town late the night before and now have a day to fill, this is our suggestion about how you should spend your day.
The Morning
Did you know Nelspruit tends to come alive a lot earlier than most towns? Breakfast is served at many places well before 9:00 am and if you are an early bird one of the best places to grab a bite is at Feast. Situated just about on the N4, when travelling into town from Jo’burg side, this is one of the coziest and friendliest places in town, and they start serving meals pretty early. They make a killer cup of coffee and they have a quiet garden behind the restaurant as well as a play area for the children. Their menu is traditional but the food is high-quality and really affordable. It also happens to be a great place to have an early morning business meeting!
After Breakfast
If you are not in town on business, the rest of the morning can be filled with loads of activities. From Feast, you can drive basically across the way to iLanga Mall to stock up on necessities or browse the shops. Local favourites include Violet and Rose, a jewellery design company known for making stunning, affordable jewels, Earth Organics, who produce superb organic foods, skincare items and supplements, and The Crafters Market, where you’ll find loads of interesting trinkets, curios and gifts.
The brilliant thing about our city being so small is that from the shops, just a 20 minute drive away, is the lush Lowveld Botanical Gardens. You can spend hours out in the fresh air, exploring the rain forest and learning about the plants indigenous to the area. If you are keen on a drive, Kaapsehoop is a leisurely 30 minute drive up the mountain, where you will be transported from busy city to misty, mystical forests.
Both at the Gardens and in Kaapsehoop you’ll find great places to enjoy lunch, and if you have stayed around town, you can always pop in at a place at iLanga Mall, or visit the local pub Jock or upmarket Europa for a quick snack.
The Evenings
If you are staying at our Nelspruit accommodation, you can enjoy a meal at our dining area or you can venture out to any one of these fantastic places to eat. You’ll find scrumptious food, fabulous hospitality and perhaps even some live entertainment courtesy of the local bands. Evening entertainment can also be found at again iLanga Mall, where you can go ice skating, play some games at the Fun Company or watch a movie. Riverside Mall also has a few gaming companies and movie theaters, while those who fancy their luck with some gambling, can go to Emnotweni.
To complete your 24 hour stay, make sure that you have booked into our Nelspruit accommodation. We offer some of the best facilities and will make sure that your stay with us is as comfortable and memorable as possible.
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