20 Things about Nelspruit

The warm heart of the Lowveld has long been known as the Slowveld, yet it’s the new primary gateway to the East which has seeb an economic resurgence of late and has now catapulted itself to mega-city status.

1. Situated at 25° 26' S and 30° 59' E at a height of 671 metres above sea level, Nelspruit is a sublime sub-tropical destination of rolling lush hills and valleys, and the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding delights of all 79 490 square kilometres of the Mpumalanga Province.
2. It’s the new bustling economic heart of the region, and changes seemingly every time you drive through it, to it, or past it, due in part to its proximity to all the surrounding attractions and the fact that 3.1 million people are today proud to call it their home.
3. A comfortable 340km, three-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg, an easy 189km from Maputo, as well as being just a 163km hop from Mbabane, the capital of Swaziland, Nelspruit is perfectly situated as a regional centre from which to springboard into the nearby Kruger Park, White River, Kaapsehoop, Sudwala Caves or Barberton.
4. Nelspruit serves as the main hub of the main east/west route between Gauteng and Maputo as well as the north/south route across southern Africa connecting Zimbabwe and Natal. If you want to see tourism development at work, this is the spot.
5. Founded by the Nel brothers in the Crocodile Valley just after the nearby Barbertonian gold rush in 1892, the town took its name from the stream named Nel’s Spruit (on the brothers’ farm) when the original Mozambican– Pretoria railway line was being built and was routed nearby. A break in construction was called at that time to raise additional finance, and the area rapidly became a focal point for trading - a proud heritage that the town has never forgotten nor ignored.
6. Having initially developed as a trading hub in the heart of some extremely fertile surrounding valleys and hills, the town remained somewhat sleepy for over 100 years until the late 1990s when it was ‘rediscovered’ as the centre of the country’s eastern holiday playground.
7. Climatic conditions are absolutely super: part high plateau, part sub tropical lowveld, it is divided by dramatic mountains and beautiful escarpments with numerous waterfalls, and sees average yearly temperatures ranging between 27 degrees and 13 degrees Celsius.
8. It can get hot and humid though, especially in the summer, when during October and November the temperature gauge has been recorded sizzling at an outstanding 40 degrees Celsius. Winter nights rarely fall below 6 degrees, and the coldest temperature ever recorded in living memory went into the record books at a staggering -1!
9. This extremely fertile region has long been renowned for being home to a prosperous agricultural community, and the massive surrounding forestry industry also provides a solid base for the Nelspruit economy. The land here has some of the highest agricultural potential in the country, and an abundant water supply ensures continuous production of citrus, subtropical fruit, tobacco, nuts, vegetables, meat and sugar cane.
10. If you have ever driven the old N4 to Nelspruit in the past from Johannesburg, you’ll know that you always had to drop down the pass between Waterval Boven and Waterval Onder, right next to ‘that very smelly and disgusting paper plant’ at Ngodwana. No longer! The new ‘alternative N4’ is a stunning and scenic drive which forks off the N4 itself from Jo’burg, straight after the Machadodorp toll plaza, passing the old Bambi Hotel and Old Joe’s Kaia before hooking back into the N4 proper just outside Nelspruit. It’s a delight, and has far fewer trucks to contend with.
11. As you’d expect from such a well-positioned hub, the road systems are fantastic, although the traffic police are a little overzealous on speeding. Cameras and traps seemingly lurk on every road, overhead bridge, and all along the highways. It appears that there are plenty of people who are extremely keen on keeping the ‘Slowveld’ just the way it always has been.
12. There are no longer visa restrictions between SA and Mozambique for South African passport holders, which definitely helps, and the Nelspruit/Maputo Toll Road running to the coast looks and feels like a super highway with outstanding scenery and no billboards.
13. For a trip and a route with a difference: try the Nelspruit-Barberton-Bulembu Road over the Makhonjwa Mountains into Piggs Peak in Swaziland. Called ‘the most scenic road in all of Africa’ by travel writer TV Bulpin, the Bulembu portion is gravel and was once recommended only for 4x4s in the rainy season, but can be handled by most family cars in the rest of the year with ease and comfort. It should be considered as one of the all-time ‘must drives’ in the country. (Beware though - the border post closes at 4pm).
14. There are many beautiful nature and hiking trails in the vicinity of Nelspruit, and a 1-hour historical trail acquaints you with the architectural and cultural history of the town. Visits to the local crocodile farm, ostrich farm and Halls Estate on the outskirts of town, which is one of the largest fruit farms in the area, will provide some idea of the variety and beauty to be found here. (The Halls Farm Stall is a must-stop-at destination for everyone).
15. One of the best highlights of any trip through, to or via Nelspruit must be to stop at the outstanding Botanical Gardens. Situated just a little out of town, and just before the Riverside Centre travelling up the White River road, these gardens are a must-see, and to my mind have the most beautiful visitor centre in the country. The restaurant there is an absolute gem, catering for families, romantic dinners and even Sunday lunches. I would deem it unmissable.
16. For those looking to retire or slow down by moving to Nelspruit, which is an attractive proposition, be aware that property prices now resemble those to be found in any of our major cities, although a little judicious hunting can unearth the odd urban treasure here and there. My best advice would be to be prepared to live anywhere east of the city, within say 40 to 60 kilometres. It will feel like the bush, look like the bush, and have all the modern conveniences of the big city just 30 minutes away.
17. As a holiday, weekend visit or ‘get away from it all’ and even a retirement destination, urban Nelspruit today really does offer all the mod cons, with great hospitals, shopping, and restaurants. No wonder property in it, and its surrounding towns, is so highly sought after
18. The Riverside Shopping Mall, for example, just on the outskirts of town, rivals anything to be found in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Pretoria, and even attracts shoppers from Mozambique every day of the week. With its eight-theatre/cinema complex, casino and entertainment centre, there’s something for everyone – and all the major shops, plus a few local gems. Try the Indian speciality food store just outside the Pick ‘n Pay and you’ll know what I mean.
19. Expect all the extras. Great municipal services, top clinics and hospitals and an infrastructure that’s amongst one of the best to be found in South Africa in quality of life terms.
20. Best school in the area? I’m biased, as my kids are boarders at nearby White River’s Uplands Prep School and College. Set in the grounds of an old estate, this school has a 75-year pedigree, some of the best teachers in the country and a quality of life similar to the one I think you’d find at say, Eton.

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