Nelspruit: the frontier to South Africa's wild, enigmatic heart
Lose yourself in a world that quivers with exotic African wildlife and unfolds like a fresh spring blossom, bursting open in a dazzling kaleidoscope of cocoa, emerald, and gold. Nelspruit is the capital of the Mpumalanga province in South Africa and home to over 220,000 residents. Attractions include the iconic Kruger National Park, Nelspruit Nature Reserve, and Lowveld Botanical Garden.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey into the wild paradise of Mpumalanga with cheap flights to Nelspruit. Nelspruit is home to Nelspruit Airport (NLP), but the city is mainly served by Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), which is 30-minute drive from the city centre. The airport serves South African Airways. Popular domestic flights to Nelspruit depart from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. Flight duration from Johannesburg to Nelspruit is approximately 45 minutes.
Popular flights to Nelspruit
Flight Route
Airline
Trip Type
Travel Dates
Searched
Price From
* The table above is based off a live system and reflects recent searches. Prices update in real-time and final pricing is not guaranteed until check out. Fares are subject to seat and class availability at the time of search and booking. T&Cs apply.
Why visit Nelspruit
Kruger National Park
Nelspruit is a gateway city to the wild expanses of the Kruger National Park, an iconic stretch of landscape that is home to a plethora of exotic creatures and plants. Watch out for the legendary Big 5.
Lowveld Botanical Garden
It is the only botanical garden in Mpumalanga. Hugging the Crocodile River, it is an awe-inspiring Eden of over 2000 plant species and the largest collection of cycads in Africa.
Nelspruit Nature Reserve
Home to a diverse range of bird species, Nelspruit Nature Reserve is a hotspot for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Wander along green trails searching for Purple-crested turacos and Golden Weavers.
General information
Essential details you need to know before your trip
Country
South Africa
Currency
South African Rand
Language
SiSwati / iSiZulu / iSiNdebele / English
Hub Airport
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP)
Airline
South African Airways
Time Zone
GMT + 2
Travel Adaptor
Type C / D / M / N
Best time to visit Nelspruit
Nelspruit experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 29 degrees Celsius in summer to 7 degrees Celsius in winter. Considerable rain falls from October to February.
Winter (June to August) is the best time to visit for pleasant temperatures and superb animal viewing. Humidity is low, temperatures are pleasantly warm, and animals tend to congregate around water sources during these months. Notable events include Innibos Kunstefees, an art and culture festival that happens during June and July.
For cheap flights to Nelspruit, the best time to visit between April and August.
Weather & Climate in Nelspruit
Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month
Month
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Low °C
18°C
18°C
17°C
14°C
10°C
7°C
7°C
9°C
12°C
15°C
16°C
18°C
High °C
29°C
29°C
28°C
26°C
25°C
23°C
23°C
24°C
26°C
27°C
27°C
28°C
Rainfall (mm)
130
116
90
51
20
11
11
14
35
74
116
128
Mpumalanga (Zulu for “the place where the sun rises”) is the cultural heartland and wild frontier of South Africa.
It is place of golden mornings, balmy afternoons, and star filled nights. A place where jagged mountains laced with gold and cascading waterfalls slope into valleys and grasslands abloom with exotic wildlife and the sweet scent of citrus and jasmine.
Nelspruit is the capital of this emerald utopia and serves as a gateway to the iconic Kruger National Park and surrounding province.
The Alkmaar and Bushlane 4x4 trails traverse some of the most diverse areas of the Lowveld; passing through macadamia nut and citrus fruit orchards, across gushing rivers, and over rocky paths.
The Sudwala Caves are the oldest caves on earth, estimated to be over 3000 million years old. The Crystal Tour is a captivating adventure into the heart of these underground caves.
Lindenau hiking trail, Uitsoek hiking trail, and the Mankele MTB trails also offer exhilarating journeys through the natural landscape. Keep a lookout for ancient San art on cave walls and overhangs.
Compare several airlines, and book your cheap flights to Nelspruit online at Travelstart!
If you are visiting from abroad, you will need a tourist visa to enter South Africa. Tourist visas are valid for 90 days. Visit your local consular website to find out if your country is exempt from obtaining this visa.
Contact the Department of Home Affairs for more information. Phone: +27 800 601 190. Website: www.dha.gov.za
Although Nelspruit is considered a relatively safe city, crime does happen. Therefore, it is important that you take certain precautions and use common sense during your holiday in this welcoming city.
Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid flashy displays of wealth and carrying large sums of cash, valuables and important documents, as pick-pocketing does happen. Keep car doors locked while driving (particularly at night) and you should avoid stopping for extended periods on highways and roads. Avoid isolated areas during the day, and avoid venturing out at night.
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you are travelling from a yellow fever endemic area. Precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito bites, as Nelspruit is at risk for malaria. Immunisation against hepatitis A & B, typhoid, and rabies are recommended. Other routine vaccinations include MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella and polio.
Item
Cape Town
Johannesburg
Nelspruit
Meal inexpensive restaurant
R 100.00
R 100.00
R 110.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 litre draught)
R 25.00
R 25.00
R 25.00
Cappuccino (regular)
R 23.07
R 22.57
R 23.40
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
R 10.00
R 10.00
R 10.00
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro)
R 39.00
R 40.00
R 36.56
Accommodation is scattered all around the city. A particularly high concentration of establishments can be found in the areas surrounding Protea Crescent and the areas to the north east of the city centre.
Whether you are staying in one of the elegant 5-star guest houses, beautifully designed hotels, sumptuous bed and breakfasts, or pool-side villas, you will encounter gracious hospitality. Thatched ceilings, soft linen, and warm wood are common features.
For those wanting to connect with nature, a number of establishments offer sensational views of the surrounding mountains and wild Mpumalanga outback. Expect absolute tranquility and easy going luxury, and phenomenal sunsets.
Although Nelspruit is easy to get around and public transport is widely available, many must-see attractions lay beyond the borders of the city, so car rental is recommended. This offers flexibility and freedom to explore the city and the surrounding areas.
Notable car rental agencies include: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and First Car Rental. Information can be found online or organized through your hotel or at the airport.
Our site uses cookies that are essential, while others help us to improve your experience. By continuing, you
agree to our use of cookies.
Read our Cookie and Privacy
Policy
