In Nelspruit:

The main shopping mall can be found 7km out of Nelspruit towards White River. Along with a fully array of shops there are restaurants, cafes and a multi screen cinema. Emnotweni Casino is next door to the mall.

Botanical gardens: a very tranquil area displaying indigenous plants. There is also a café within the gardens serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Crocodile and Reptile park: home to, you guessed it, crocodiles and reptiles. They also give an informative talk about some of the local snakes and there is the opportunity to stroke one or two of the less dangerous species!

Eating Out

Nelspruit has a great selection of restaurants, café’s and fast food outlets. South Africa is a meat lovers’ haven as steak is of excellent quality and cheap. Our favourite restaurant is 1km from the house and serves beautiful French cuisine. Our local pub has a good selection of British Draught Ales and the local wine is cheap and fantastic.

Surrounding area:

White River is 18km north of Nelspruit. Casterbridge has a small shopping area offering a more exclusive selection of shops along with restaurants and a café. The Barnyard Theatre can be found here along with another single screen cinema.

Further north you can travel to Pilgrims Rest, an old mining town. Whilst Blyde River Canyon with it’s many look out points (e.g. God’s Window) is also worth a visit.

Kruger National Park

The South African Kruger National Park is the size of Wales and one of the most prolific wildlife parks in Africa. Animals are most abundant in the southern parts and a visit from our house will guarantee fantastic sightings. For those of you who have not been on Safari before it will be an experience you will never forget. We however go every year and still love the experience.

Malelane Gate is only 50 minutes drive to the East and other gates are within easy reach to the North, therefore it is feasible to visit as a day trip. We would however recommend staying in the park if only for one night as it gives the opportunity to experience the wild life by night. Little can beat the distant roar of the lion or the honk of the hippo.

The advantage of staying a night in the park is that you have the opportunity to take an organised game drive and walking safaris, although it is just as exciting to drive yourself.

Early booking of park accommodation and game drives is essential. For a recommendation of the best camps please contact us.

There are also numerous private game lodges surrounding the park, many offering luxury accommodation.

www.parks-sa.co.za