Mbombela (Nelspruit) is situated in the fertile valley of the Crocodile River and acts as the gateway to Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park. Mbombela is the capital of Mpumalanga and has something for everyone. Nature lovers will love an amble through the Lowveld Botanical Garden, which boasts a rare collection of over 650 plant species, the first man-made rain forest, and a tranquil pool where the Crocodile River meets the Nels River (which cascades down a waterfall in the west). The mountains surrounding Nelspruit have fantastic hiking trails for all levels of fitness. Nelspruit Nature Reserve offers several walks between one and six hours. Enjoy indigenous vegetation and a variety of birds and small antelope along the easy-going Green Heritage Hiking Trail. Another major attraction is Sudwala Caves, regarded as the oldest known caves in the world. The caves feature a series of caverns with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. Next to the caves is Dinosaur Park and a cultural centre where you can roam amongst life-size replicas of dinosaurs, the extinct Cape Lion and Cape Quagga, a 3m long Nile crocodile, and pre-historic man. Situated outdoors, in a sub-tropical garden with ancient cycads, the park provides an educational experience for all ages.
