Thursday, November 3, 2011

Nelspruit's top tourist attractions.

By Chelsea Hirschfield


The Sudwala caves, the oldest caves on earth also enclose the oldest dolomite chamber in the world. The turn of the 19th century saw disturbance amongst native tribes and this natural cavern hide-away was used as a refuge and named after Swazi officer 'Sudwala'. An easy walking tour through this vast subterranean complex of stalactites and stalagmites is an enlightening experience of mammoth corridors and halls. By Arrangement a A private tour of the Crystal Chamber is possible.

When the cooler weather interrupts a warm-blooded getaway, why not self drive the friendly route named after roadside featured cold-blooded reptilians; the Reptile Route. This short day trip is rainy day friendly and slithers its way through the Mpumalanga Lowveld with scenery sliding by and stop-off's rolling in. The attractions and activities en route are suitable for all ages and weather predictions. Points of interest covered for animal enthusiasts include the Perry's Bridge Reptile Park, Dinosaur Park and Chimpanzee Eden. Finally a hot cup of home-grown home-brewed coffee from Riverbend Coffee Farm will keep you alert as your journey continues. Pack a tasty family picnic for a happy reptile road trip!

Set on a 1000 hectare game reserve, JGI Chimpanzee Eden is a home to chimpanzees that have been taken from their natural surroundings. The world renowned Jane Goodall Institute has made this serene venue their South African sanctuary and has committed itself to the rescue and care take of chimpanzees in need of refuge. Being the 1st and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, this venue will be able to bring the world of chimpanzees closer to humanity through education, tourism and modern technology. A mere 15 km from the bustling city of Nelspruit, visitors can expect to be fascinated by the beautiful bush surroundings with most of the natural game species roaming the reserve.

Unfold an artist's easel, untie a bundle of brushes, and unleash the artist within. In the town of Kaapsehoop a painter can unpack a canvas to take in the valleys and hills from a natural narrow plateau for a studio. Leaves brush softly against each other carrying an earthy whisper through the breeze. Colours blend on a palette in the dusty light of the Highveld haze. Hues perfect themselves on the horizon. Stay hopeful for the thumping hooves of wild horse herds that roam the hills. Lose yourself in the middle of nowhere.

A very welcoming yellow caravan stationed in the local strip mall parking lot has had trolley pusher's mouths watering and shopper's bellies fulfilled for over 10 years now. Situated 200km inland from Mozambique, which was once a Portuguese colony and still is a spicy South African neighbor; Nelspruit has a Mozambican-born cook S"o Hoffman spicing up the lot. Lunch queues bend between the plastic red tomato sauce and bright yellow mustard bottles as the smell or steak carves through the air. Smack your happy lips together while enjoying a mouthwatering roll alongside the locals.




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