“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away,” wrote Maya Angelou, and you’ll find plenty of those moments in Nelspruit (Mbombela). Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local, the city charms with its adventure activities, dining options, shopping experiences, natural escapes, and more.
As the holiday season approaches, you’ll really be spoiled for ideas to keep yourself and your family entertained. The area’s tourist attractions and hidden gems offer an unforgettable list of things to do. Here are some of them:
1. Have a picnic at the Lowveld Botanical Garden. You can also learn about the local flora, take a tour, walk the trails, visit the restaurant, shop for plants at the nursery, or have a bite to eat at the restaurant.
2. Swim at the Van Riebeeck Park Swimming Pool. While Mafunyane Water Park closed in April 2025, you can still cool off in the crystal clear waters of this Olympic-sized swimming pool.
3. Place your bets at the Emnotweni Casino. The venue provides gaming thrills through over 300 slots and 16 table games.
4. Bag the best deals at local shopping centres. Popular options include i'langa Mall, Riverside Mall, The Grove, and Promenade Shopping Centre.
5. Swing into action at the Nelspruit Golf Club. This is a challenging 18-hole, par-71 course that caters to golfers of all skill levels.
6. Take the reins at Dakota Ranch and Adventure Park. Set against the stunning Lowveld bushveld, the ranch offers horse riding on scenic trails. Pre-booking is required.
7. Grab your tote and explore the markets. For fresh air, delicious dishes, handmade crafts, and good tunes, nothing beats supporting local vendors at The Creative Hub Market, Riverside Night Market, Mbombela’s Farmer’s Market, or The Sunday Market at Sonpark.
8. Unplug and wander through Steiltes Nature Reserve. If you’re looking for things to do for free in Nelspruit (we’re not judging), this green space is perfect for hiking, walking your dog, or spotting over 150 recorded bird species.
9. Let stress melt away at a Nelspruit spa. For couples in search of an affordable thing to do in Nelspruit, these spas have plenty of budget-friendly treatments and specials: Sirina Thai Spa Nelspruit, Vichy Spa, Leaves Spa, and La Villa Vita.
10. Watch a match at Mbombela Stadium. Known for its iconic orange giraffe support columns, the stadium is the go-to for exciting rugby and soccer fixtures.
11. Pull up a chair and dig into a delicious meal. Nelspruit’s culinary scene includes well-loved eateries like Orange Restaurant, The Greek Kouzina, and The Jock Pub and Grill.
12. Play bowls at Lowveld Country Club. The club has manicured greens, a well-stocked bar, and friendly faces keen to show newcomers the ropes.
13. Give back at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary. For something unique, a stay at this sanctuary gives you access to game drives, guided bush walks, patrols with the K9 Unit, and a chance to bottle feed the orphaned rhinos.
14. Swap screens for the Lowveld’s starry skies. The area has some great camping options, like child-friendly Lakeview Lodge and Camping or Ponderosa Ranch for horse enthusiasts.
15. See where Nelspruit’s nightlife takes you. With options like Oppi Hoek Pub & Grill, Little Loftus Sports Pub & Grill, Mustangs, and Coyotes Lounge, there are plenty of attractions for adults looking to sip, dance, and socialise.
16. Roll out your mat and improve your health. Nelspruit has yoga and pilates studios like Salter Pilates and LA Ciel Aerial Studio, where you can find your zen.
17. Hop on a saddle and feel the wind in your hair. At the Friends Café Trail, you can ride the 10-km mountain bike route or go on foot if you prefer their 1.8-km and 5-km walking trails in the indigenous bush.
18. Go have an adventure. With its zipline, paintball, archery, and pony rides, Dakota Ranch and Adventure Park is perfect for everyday fun or a special occasion.
19. Take a guided tour at Pumbaa Wildlife Park. This Nelspruit tourist attraction is a safe and educational haven for large predators and other wildlife animals.
20. Watch a movie at Ster-Kinekor i'langa Mall. One of the top places to visit in Nelspruit for family fun, you can grab your favourite snacks, kick back in comfy seats, and enjoy the latest blockbusters together.
21. Savour farm flavours at The Farm Stall at Halls. This shop has a tasty selection of locally produced dried fruit, nuts, sauces, and sweets.
22. Amuse the whole family at The Fun Company. The centre boasts ten-pin bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, an XD theatre, and an inflatable park.
23. Lace up your skates and head to The Ice Rink. Its state-of-the-art facilities at i'langa Mall feature high-quality ice, modern amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere.
All you love about Nelspruit, just outside your door
Whether you’re exploring Nelspruit for the first time or rediscovering its hidden gems, there’s no better way to fully enjoy the city than by making it your home. Kellaprince Properties can help you find the perfect property for sale or property to rent to suit your lifestyle, putting you just minutes away from all the local attractions and experiences.
Image credit 2: Nelspruit + Mac Mac Fall-05 by Werner Bayer | Flickr | CC0 1.0 | https://tinyurl.com/2rb4dt8t
Image credit 6: Mbombela Stadium roof view by Tadpolefarm | Wikimedia | CC BY-SA 4.0 | https://tinyurl.com/yc494meb
