Nelspruit is a vibrant city and gateway to Mpumalanga Province. Also called Mbombela, the city features a lively centre packed with shops, cafes and BBQ restaurants. Visit a lush botanical garden and take a safari in Kruger National Park, where you can spot the Big Five.
Things to do in Nelspruit
Embark on a wildlife safari in the iconic Kruger National Park. One of the most famous game reserves in the world, the park is home to lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards and buffaloes. In addition to the Big Five you can see hundreds of bird species, including yellow-billed hornbills and long-legged jacanas.
Enjoy spectacular scenery on the Panorama Route. The scenic drive is easily accessible from Nelspruit and showcases rugged canyons, tumbling waterfalls and towering natural rock formations. Stop at famous attractions like Bourke's Luck Potholes, where swirling water has carved cylinder-shaped chasms into the sandstone.
Descend into Sudwala Caves and discover a hidden subterranean world. Limestone stalactites and stalagmites decorate the caves, which were formed more than 240 million years ago. The towering stalagmite inside the enormous Chamber of the Ancients is one of the tallest in the world.
Learn about indigenous South African plants in the Lowveld National Botanical Garden. Set at the junction of two rivers, the garden features scenic paths and picnic areas. Spot local birds like the African finfoot, spotted eagle owl and square-tailed nightjar. If you’re lucky, you might spot hippos basking on the muddy riverbank.
Dine at local “braai” BBQ restaurants and enjoy delicious South African cuisine. Popular with locals, these types of restaurants specialise in “boerewors” flame-grilled sausages, as well as game meats like “kudu” antelope and impala.
Getting around Nelspruit
Parts of Nelspruit are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is a four-hour drive from Johannesburg and five hours by train. Pretoria is a three-hour drive away. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the city centre.