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.
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.
Nov 28, 2018 | Nelspruit Lodge, Uncategorized
A lot of our visitors ask us about Nelspruit’s nightlight. It’s only natural that when visiting a new town, or revisiting it for that matter, that you will want to spend at least one night out on the town!
Now, Nelspruit has never been overly well known for having much of an exciting nightlife. In fact, many a young person would describe the town as quite dull. But we disagree. There is plenty to do in the evenings when in Nelspruit and the surrounding areas, especially if you are a foodie.
So, to help you guide yourself around our ever growing little city, we are going to share some of the best places to spend an evening out.
- Picasso’s
Okay, so it’s not in Nelspruit. It’s a 25 minute drive away in the chic town of White River, just up the mountain in the cooler, fresh air. But Picasso’s is an amazing place to spend your evening. The vibe is jumping, the people are friendly and the food is Mexican. What more could you ask for? Picasso’s has been able to perfectly balance that city feeling with the laidback Lowveld atmosphere to create a relaxed eatery that is unique to our part of the world. The menu is flavourful and affordable, making it the perfect place to relax and grab a spicy bite.
3. Gumtreez
While in White River, let’s stay there for a bit. Just across the road from Picasso’s, you’ll find Gumtreez. Aptly named after the stunning Blue Gum Trees that sway in the breeze, sheltering the outdoor dining area, this eatery is more of a bar than a restaurant but the food is to die for. Instead of visiting in the evening, it might be best to pop in on a Saturday afternoon, and just soak up that quiet, relaxed feeling you’ll enjoy the moment you walk in.
4. Kuzuri
Just down the road from Nelspruit Lodge lies the upmarket, fashionable restaurant Kuzuri. Known for its stylish ambience and exciting menu, Kuzuri has been a favourite among many a local diner looking for a more formal and romantic atmosphere. It’s literally a walk away although we suggest driving as you’ll be so full of good food, walking back won’t sound like such a romantic option!
5. The Jock
This pub and grill will come up time and again on all sorts of lists. It is a much-loved Lowveld favourite and its location, as well as its chilled vibe, makes it incredibly popular among both young and old locals. The menu here is hearty and you can never think that they are anything but over generous with their portions. It’s a great place to treat yourself to lunch while at night it’s the best place to have a drink.
We might not be the biggest city in the country, but we know how to entertain…and how to prepare some amazing food.
And after all of your adventuring, you can retire to the comfort of your Nelspruit accommodation and unwind.
Nov 25, 2018 | Nelspruit Lodge, Uncategorized
Summers in Nelspruit are truly something else. They provide the perfect beach weather, without the beach. We have the humidity, the blazing sunlit days and even the palm trees. The only thing we lack is the sea. But that aside, summer is without a doubt our favourite season and one that brings a lot of business to our city!
When the summer break comes, the best place to book your Nelspruit accommodation is at Nelspruit Lodge. We have air conditioned bedrooms and a swimming pool. Outdoor meals and cool evening breezes. We have everything you could need to stay cool and relaxed during your summer holiday in Nelspruit.
Temperatures
We have the pleasure of enjoying a far longer summer than most parts of South Africa. While many parts of the country have only 3 months out of the year that can be called summer, we have up to 6 months of delightful heat (delightful depending on who you ask).
The summer temperatures often soar to 35 degrees Celsius or more. And this is not your average kind of heat. Instead, it is accompanied by humidity that will make you want to spend each afternoon lazing in our pool. When the sun sets each evening, the temperature tends to stay toasty and you can expect the temperatures to remain in the high 20’s.
Rainfall
We live in a summer rainfall region. Summers in our part of the world also often end with quick and temperamental thundershowers. The clouds can be seen forming early in the afternoon and they are quite incredible to watch. On average our part of the world receives 780 mm of rain each year.
Into January, one of our hottest months, the local rivers will often flood. Seeing the roaring Crocodile River in flood is quite a sight. Guests to the town can visit the Lowveld Botanical Gardens to get the best sights of this raging river. A visit to the gardens is a must for anyone interested in seeing the indigenous plants in full bloom.
What to do during the summer
Once the days start slowing down and becoming longer than usual, getting out there and exploring is a must for every holiday maker. Apart from seeing all of the local historical towns or hitting the shops, you might want to soak up some of the precious sunlight and just relax.
There are two ways you can do this. Firstly, our town is surrounded by some of the most picturesque dams. You don’t have to pay a cent to visit certain dams and you can spend the whole day close to the waters edge, swimming, tanning and enjoying a braai. We recommend visiting Witklip dam, which you can easily find out on the Sabie Road.
The other option is to head to the Mafunyane Water Park at Riverside Mall. You can take a dip in the swimming pools or get your heart pumping on the water slides.
Summer is the best time to enjoy a holiday in Nelspruit and the best place to book your comfortable Nelspruit accommodation would be at our lodge. We’ll keep you cool in the heat!
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