Nelspruit Attractions
For many travelers Nelspruit, situated in the valley of the Crocodile River, is no more than a convenient stopover on the way from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park (the Numbi Gate of which is only 50km/31mi away to the northeast). But Nelspruit is also an important agricultural center. The good soil and temperate climate (warm to hot in summer, pleasantly cool in winter, with no frost) of this area produce rich crops of citrus fruits - a third of South Africa's total exports of oranges come from here - as well as tobacco, litchis, mangoes, avocados, pawpaws, bananas and nuts. Cattle-farming is also increasing in importance.
When the railroad (the Eastern Line, running through the valley of the Crocodile River) came to this area in 1892 a station was built on a farm belonging to the Nel family. This was soon followed by shops, a hotel and a police station, and in 1905 Nelspruit was declared a town.
Although Nelspruit has no sights of outstanding interest, it is an attractive town with tree-lined streets and a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.
When the railroad (the Eastern Line, running through the valley of the Crocodile River) came to this area in 1892 a station was built on a farm belonging to the Nel family. This was soon followed by shops, a hotel and a police station, and in 1905 Nelspruit was declared a town.
Although Nelspruit has no sights of outstanding interest, it is an attractive town with tree-lined streets and a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.
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Lowveld National Botanic Garden
The Lowveld National Botanic Garden includes gardens and natural areas along the Crocodile River.
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Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala Caves have been occupied since prehistoric times, and were used for holding munitions during the Boer War.
Barberton, South Africa
(Near Nelspruit)
50km/31mi south of Nelspruit on R 40 is Barberton (pop. 25,000), which had a brief period of prosperity after gold was discovered here in the late 19th C. By 1888, however, the boom was over and the prospectors turned their attention to the Witwatersrand. A number of handsome houses, three of which are open to the public, still bear witness to the town's heyday.
Barberton Museum Complex
Barberton has a modern museum complex, opened in 1994, which gives a comprehensive picture of the history, geology, archaeology and ethnology of the region.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 8:30 |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 17:00 | 12:00 |
| Open | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 | 14:30 |
| Close | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 | 16:45 |
White River, South Africa
(Near Nelspruit)
White River (pop. 5,000), 19km/12mi north of Nelspruit, is also a good stopover on the way to the Kruger National Park. It lies 300m/1,000ft higher than Nelspruit and has rather less rain - though enough to produce good crops of fruit and vegetables.
