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.
Dec 10, 2019 | Nelspruit Accommodation
Think you know everything about the town that thrives in a green mountain valley? Think again! Nelspruit is one of the fastest growing cities in South Africa, and the population who call the city home is on the rise. But it is not only the city that grows but also the number of tourists and business people, like you, who visit each year.
Nelspruit is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful towns in the country and those who visit often fall in love with the scenery, the people, and the weather.
But before you come to the town and stay in our comfortable Nelspruit accommodation, read these fun facts:
- We’re an old town
But we’re certainly not the oldest in the area. In fact, we also don’t have the most fascinating history. At one point, Barberton was the most important town in the area, and its growth was, and in some ways still is, driven by the mining industry which boomed when gold was discovered. At that time, Nelspruit was simply the town in which traveller’s restocked supplies while passing through the Lowveld.
- We have a vibrant night life
And no, we’re not talking about the music scene or the restaurants, we’re talking about insects. At night, the sounds of cicadas and crickets fill the air, flying ants take to the skies just as the sunsets, and annoying mosquitos will keep you awake if you don’t take the right safety precautions. The best way to unwind in the evenings is to sit outside in the breeze and just listen to all the sounds.
- We have interesting…drivers
When driving yourself around town, you need to drive for everyone, not just for yourself. Sadly, we have some drivers who seem to be colour blind, especially when the robots are red. It’s best to stick to the speed limits, wait a little before crossing an intersection (even if you have a green light), and in general, just keep an eye out!
- We have the best weather
Hot, humid summers perfect for being lazy by the pool or dam, impressive thunderstorms that light up the night sky and bring relief to the heat, mild winters with no frost or snow, and just about no in between seasons. This is what you can expect when visiting Nelspruit. We have plenty of sunny days and even when they get too hot, we’ll gladly take them.
- We stay true to our small town ways
Life is pretty laidback in Nelspruit, when compared to places like Johannesburg and Pretoria. We enjoy a slow vibe and although we have many places to go shopping, we have double the amount of exciting outdoor activities.
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