I have been fortunate to spend the last few days on the Nelspruit/Sabie/Graskop route, dropping off our own brochures and forging relationships with the other attraction operators and accomodation facilities in this beautiful area. It has really opened my eyes – after nearly 13 years of living in the Lowveld, I didn’t realise just how many amazing things there are to do, and beautiful attractions there are to experience, all so close to Nelspruit!
Some of them I have driven past almost daily – how many of you knew we had a waterpark at Riverside mall, built by the same guys who did U-Shaka? A bit smaller in scale, for sure, but what a fun way to keep the kids busy on a hot Lowveld day after vising Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park in Hazyview – (and a great excuse for mum and dad to keep cool too!). Visit Mafunyane.com for all the details!
Closer to home, right beside Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park in the Perry’s Bridge Centre, is Skyway Trails treetop challenge, a short rope course built to European standards, and designed to provide fun and build confidence – great for the kids, but great for teambuilding as well! Skyway Trails also offers a full length canopy tour which is well worth the time – drive through from Nelspruit, visit us, then pop on over and say hello to the guys there! And enjoy lunch at Spur, Kuka or Topolinos as well!
Chimp Eden is one of Nelspruit’s wildlife attractions, just out of town on the Barberton Road. Make sure you visit their website first, as their tours operate at scheduled times and you don’t want to be disappointed by arriving too late. The chimps are amazing, and the stories behind their arrival at the sanctuary may just break your heart a little….but it will be warmed by the care and compassion they so visibly receive today.
Heading out of Nelspruit and up to Graskop, stop off at the tripsza office to catch up on all of the opportunities available to you. Pilgrim’s Rest is, of course, just up the road, and you can experience yesteryear by hiring costumes and enjoying a photoshoot at Kuzzulo’s Emporium!
Graskop itself is the “hop-off” point for the stunning Panorama Route – the waterfalls of Sabie, God’s Window, The Pinnacle, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Blyde Viewpoint are all just a short drive from the busy little town (with it’s amazing curio shops!), and is just up the road from Hazyview where you will, of course, find us!.
UPDATE!
I left off the Lowveld Botanical Gardens! These beautiful gardens are found in the centre of Nelspruit, and offer a peaceful oasis, an escape from city life….as with all secluded areas, security can be a problem so avoid carrying valuables and be vigilant.
Do you know of any “local secrets” to the best things to see and do around Nelspruit, Sabie and Graskop? If so, please let us know in the comments section below, we love to be able to give our guests great advice!