Mbombela, formerly Nelspruit, is the capital of the Mpumalanga province and it’s home to an abundance of beautiful wildlife and natural beauty. It’s one of the most upbeat cities in South Africa, with a plethora of activities to do and new experiences to discover. 

If you’re searching for some fun things to do whilst travelling the vibrant city or just looking for some quick fun, read this list about the best things to do in Nelspruit!

1. Visit Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary 

Website: https://www.chimpeden.com/

Address: 47 R40, Mbombela, 1201, South Africa

Contact: +27 79 777 1514

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Sunday: 9:45 AM – 4:00 PM

Located in the heart of Mpumalanga, the Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary is one of our go-to spots for an up-close look at primates. The sanctuary spans a whopping 1,000 hectares, ensuring plenty of opportunities to observe various chimps.

One of our favourite aspects of this place is watching instructors teach these adorable primates skills essential for survival in the wild. Additionally, visitors can enjoy observing chimps playing with each other, exploring their habitat, and relaxing under the trees.

Pro tip: Make sure to stop by the sanctuary’s gift shop where you can purchase cute chimp-themed figurines and other merchandise. Doing so will also help the conservatory by raising funds to improve the lives of the chimps.

2. Relax at Nelspruit Nature Reserve 

Address: Mbombela, 1201, South Africa

The Nelspruit Nature Reserve, located near Sonpark, is a lush green space boasting three distinct walking trails. Each trail in this reserve provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of Nelspruit’s indigenous scenery and wildlife.

What we love about this nature reserve is its large population of diverse avian species, where you can find both endemic and foreign species. Some of the birds you might encounter include the Southern Boubou, Olive bush strike, and Red-backed Mannikin.

Pro tip: If you want to make your adventure through this nature reserve more memorable, you can bring your pet along. The nature reserve allows you to bring any type of pet, as long as you clean up after it.

3. Check out Lowveld National Botanical Garden

Address: Emnotweni Ave, Riverside Park, Mbombela, 1201, South Africa

Contact: +27 13 752 8880

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

The Lowveld National Botanical Garden is another greenspace worth visiting for its beautiful blooms and stunning rainforest environment. The garden has over 2,000 plant species and features waterfalls that add a touch of aquatic beauty to the surroundings.

The garden boasts around 550 native and 2,000 foreign plant species, along with approximately 600 native tree species. Additionally, it is home to one of the most prominent collections of cycads on the African continent.

Pro tip: We recommend visiting the suspension bridge in the botanical garden to enjoy a picturesque view of lush flora and fauna by the calm river waters.

4. Explore the Sudwala Caves 

Address: R539, Nelspruit, 1201, South Africa

Contact: +27 83 446 0228

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

The Sudwala Caves are among the oldest caves in the world, known for their captivating beauty and exploration opportunities. Sudwala is known for its mesmerising mineral rock formations that make the floors and ceilings feel like pieces of art.

Visitors can explore the cave’s beauty on guided tours, which lead you through expansive chambers, lovely stone formations, and more. True adventurers can also push their limits by squeezing through narrow passages and scaling the cave’s walls.

Pro tip: One rock formation to keep an eye out for is the Weeping Madonna, which resembles a crying woman.

5. Try rock climbing 

Rock-climbing aficionados will be delighted to learn that Nelspruit is home to hundreds of mountains, making it an ideal rock-climbing destination. It’s the perfect activity for those eager to embrace the adrenaline-pumping experiences that the city has to offer.

Nelspruit has Waterval Boven, a premier destination for rock climbers, featuring numerous scenic routes to explore like “The Beast.” The vibrant orange cliff faces boast sturdy formations that provide a challenging yet enjoyable climbing experience

Pro tip: If you’re not yet confident about climbing a large mountain, we suggest practising indoor climbing instead. It’s a great way to meet new people and experts in rock climbing, while also improving your skills without worrying about dangerous accidents.

6. Go on a zipline ride 

Another enjoyable activity in Nelspruit is taking a thrilling zipline ride above the city’s dense bushveld-covered hills and beautiful surroundings. As the city has gained popularity, the growth of adventure tourism has introduced lots of zipline experiences.

There are many great spots to get a raptor’s view of the city’s bushveld landscape while zooming on ziplines, some exceeding 300 metres in length. A major ziplining spot is at Sudwala, where you’ll soar 150 metres above the scenic Houtbosloop valley.

Pro tip: For those looking for an adrenaline-inducing zipline experience, we recommend trying the zipline at Graskop Gorge. Here, you’ll fly across the gorge on a 130-metre-high wire zipline.

7. Have fun river rafting 

River rafting is another must-do activity in Nelspruit, typically taking place along the Sabie River Valley. The city’s sub-tropical climate makes it an ideal place for outdoor adventures, especially rafting, which has become quite popular over the years.

This fun-filled activity allows you to enjoy nature and wildlife from the comfort of your raft, as you swirl down the river and experience some wild rapids. The best thing about this activity is that it caters to novices of all ages and is a great family activity.

Pro tip: One of our favourite things to do on a river rafting trip in the Sabie River Valley is to strap a GoPro camera to our gear. It’s one of the best ways to capture the scenic beauty of the river in all its glory.

8. Have a thrilling paragliding trip 

Paragliding is a fun way to explore the beauty of Nelspruit, and it’s a must-try activity while in the city. What makes paragliding in this place great is how the area is surrounded by huge mountains and summits that are perfect for a leisurely glide.

Some of our favourite places to go paragliding in the Nelspruit are Mount Carmel and God’s Window, which offer a lush panoramic route with a beautiful view. It’s also home to Barberton’s Lone Tree Hill, considered one of the best paragliding spots in SA.

Pro tip: If you’re new to paragliding, we suggest trying tandem paragliding! In this style, you’ll be strapped onto an expert paraglider, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Nelspruit while your paragliding partner handles all the work.

9. Visit Kruger National Park 

Address: Kruger National Park, South Africa

Contact: +27 13 735 4000

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Situated a couple minutes away from Nelspruit, Kruger National Park is a gateway to South Africa’s most magnificent wildlife and nature reserves. With its expansive landscapes, wildlife, and rich historical sites, the park offers a wealth of experiences.

The Park provides a variety of fun activities that cater to everyone, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or not. Our favourites include traversing rocky terrains on 4×4 trails, engaging in bungee jumping and river rafting, and participating in bird-watching outings.

Pro tip: Make sure to visit the Rhino Trail in the park, where you can see the rare black rhino. It also offers stunning scenery and provides great photo opportunities.

10. Observe animals on a safari 

One of the most exhilarating experiences near the city is embarking on a daring safari. Nelspruit is home to hundreds of wild animals and formidable predators, situated in vast savannas, winding estuaries, and huge forests.

Kruger National Park is a prime destination for a safari adventure, boasting a rich habitat teeming with distinctive wildlife. Here, you can observe and snap some photos of creatures such as rhinos, buffalos, and lions in their natural environments.

Pro tip: If you’re visiting Kruger National Park, you can snap photos of the Big 5, which includes elephants, buffalos, rhinos, leopards, and lions.

11. Shop at i’langa Mall

Address: Corner of Bitterbessie &, Flamboyant St, West Acres, Mbombela, 1200, South Africa

Contact: +27 13 742 2293

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The iconic i’langa Mall is one of the best destinations for any shopaholic vacationing in Nelspruit. With approximately 142 outlets, the mall features leading stores in South Africa such as Woolworths, H&M, Game, Edgars, iStore, Mr Price, and more.

Additionally, i’langa Mall offers more than just shopping. It is also home to a vast ice rink where you can enjoy skating with your family. Furthermore, you can indulge in a variety of local and international cuisine at the mall’s piazza-style food court.

Pro tip: For an awesome view of the city, we recommend heading to the Mallotop roof. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nelspruit’s natural and urban sprawl, which becomes even more beautiful at night with the gleaming city lights.

12. Watch a game at Mbombela Stadium 

Address: 1 Bafana Bafana Rd, Mataffin, Mbombela, 1200, South Africa

Contact: +27 13 757 4600

Sports enthusiasts seeking entertaining competitions or games should consider visiting the Mbombela Stadium. As one of the ten stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, this multi-purpose venue is where devoted football fans gather to watch exciting matches.

Beyond its sporting events, the stadium also serves as a prominent concert venue. Visitors might occasionally hear vibrant music emanating from the stadium, adding to the city’s upbeat and lively atmosphere.

Pro tip: Before you leave the stadium, snap a photo of the chairs arranged to resemble giant zebra stripes. It’s one of the most notable features of the stadium and is quite aesthetically pleasing as well.

13. Bring the kids to Sudwala Dinosaur Park 

Address: Sudwala Dinosaur Park, R539, Sudwala, Schagen, 1207, South Africa

Contact: +27 81 043 0706

Operating hours: 

• Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sudwala Dinosaur Park is an excellent destination for families seeking a place that not only entertains children but also educates them about history and science. The park showcases life-size models of prehistoric creatures, including dinosaurs and reptiles.

Additionally, the park boasts intriguing stone ruins located at the foot of the Sudwala Caves. Here, visitors can catch a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of inhabitants from many thousands of years ago.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to observe some animals with your kids, you can check out some of the crocodiles in the park!

14. Enjoy the scenery at Montrose Falls

Montrose Falls is a must-visit for any nature lover seeking a secluded area to experience the natural beauty of Nelspruit without interruption. Here, you’ll experience the majestic scenery and lush environment of the Montrose Pass on the N4.

Montrose Falls is the main attraction here, known for its beauty and abundance of grey stones, calm rapids, and lush trees. Also, the waterfall provides a serene ambiance, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the soothing sound of splashing water.

Pro tip: Make sure to bring a tripod with you before heading to the waterfalls. It’s one of the best ways to capture still shots of the Montrose Falls and some portraits of yourself with the scenic waterfall in the background.

15. Have a fun night at the casino

One of our favourite things to do in Nelspruit is to test our luck by playing a variety of card games and taking daring gambles. 

The Emnotweni Casino in Riverside Mall is the premier destination for all things related to gambling and betting in the city. Here, you can try your luck at numerous games such as slot machines, blackjack, and a plethora of other exciting and thrilling table games.

Pro tip: If you plan on gambling and have children with you, we suggest leaving them at the Butterflies and Bunnies creche, where they’ll be looked after and can have fun playing games and socialising with other kids.

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