Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala Caves is situated just 20 minutes outside of Nelspruit. This is a spectacular site, with many stone artefacts indicating that the caves were used as shelter and refuge since the beginning of time.
In the early 1800's, the king of the Swazis, Sobhuza, found shelter in the caves as he was hiding from the militant Ndwandwe Zulu tribe and their leader Swide. There are camping facilities on the premises with swimming pools and braai decks. Start practising your dinosaur roars for the statues guarding the entrance to the Sudwala Caves in Mpumalanga and what of the dinosaur park outside the caves? Well, kids love it.
Besides impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the caves also contain the fossilised remains of “collenia” a prehistoric type of algae. The most wonderful thing about these caves is that no one knows how extensive they are: estimates of 30 and 40 kilometres are quoted, which is the result of extrapolating the length of the limestone layer in which they have formed.
The public has access to about 600 metres, but by special arrangement, you can go on a tour to other chambers, some with dazzling displays of aragonite crystals. As with the Echo Caves, which occur in the same geological age the first chamber (the Amphitheatre) was in times past a place of refuge. And as with just about all limestone caves, the dripstone formations - stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones - are impressive. The caves are situated off the N4 on the way to Sabie, about 35 kilometres west of Mbombela. Guided tours are offered daily.
Botanical Gardens
Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon Reserve forms part of the Drakensberg Escarpment and is the 3rd largest canyon in the world. You can spot some grazing wildlife, birdlife and get the opportunity to see some of the rarest plant species on the planet.
Let’s not forget that it has the most breathtaking views and is the dream of any photographic enthusiast. Be sure to also visit Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a geological phenomenon of swirl pools created from sand and debris over thousands of years. The reserve also offers a variety of outdoor activities.
Other Amazing Places
Alkmaar 4x4 (vehicle) trails lie 16 kilometres west of Mbombela and offer various driving routes for all. Its most popular trail is the 4x4 (vehicle) adventure trails along the Crocodile Valley and Kaapsehoop Mountains. Chimp Eden is another amazing place to visit. Founded by the Jane Goodall Institute South Africa, Chimp Eden houses and focuses on the study of chimpanzee behaviour. These rescued chimpanzees were either victims of illegal trade and taken away from their natural habitats.
Chimp Eden will give you the opportunity to watch the Chimps in a near natural environment and learn more about these fascinating creatures. Shangana is a traditional village near Mbombela that's been created by a group of Shangaan people to preserve their history and culture.
It's been made for tourists, but it's pretty authentic and you get a good idea of how the Shangaan used to live. A highlight of the village is the Marula Market, where people from all over the area gather to show and sell their crafts.