Mpumalanga Spring Blooms at the Lowveld Botanical Gardens

The SANBI Lowveld Botanical Gardens in Mbombela (Nelspruit) are unique – where else in South Africa can you walk through sub-tropical gardens at the confluence of two rivers and wonder at waterfalls rushing over granite rocks? The Lowveld National Botanical Garden sits astride the Crocodile and the Nels Rivers; the Crocodile River cuts down into the granite bedrock to form a narrow gorge and further down the union of the Crocodile and Nels River can be viewed from one of the viewpoints.

The Crocodile River, originating on the Highveld in Dullstroom, flows through the Garden and continues its journey to Mozambique through the Kruger National Park. The Lowveld Botanical Garden lies in the fertile Crocodile River valley; its location is absolutely ideal from a biodiversity point of view.

The Nels River rises on the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga. It flows eastward and down through the mountain plateau before ending at its confluence with the Crocodile River inside the Garden.

Despite their muddy appearance (especially during the summer rainy season) both the Crocodile and the Nels rivers are home to a variety of freshwater fish species of freshwater fish. Fishing is not allowed, however! As with all National Botanical Gardens, picking the flowers or removing any plants, insects, birds, mammals or fish is strictly prohibited. Take only photographs and leave only your footprints, as they say. Mpumalanga’s enormous nature heritage is preciously protected for the enjoyment of all today and in the future.

Your spine will shiver at the signs warning of crocodiles and hippos, so walk the labyrinth to soothe your nerves then seek out the Baobab Forest before heading into the African Rain Forest and crossing the suspension bridge.

The serene Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel is 40 minutes away from this biodiversity treasure. Make the Lowveld Botanical Gardens part of your Lowveld visit, because the gardens offer much more than pretty plants. The bird life is spectacular, there is a Braille Trail for the sight-impaired to enjoy, there is a tea garden set within the grounds and a restaurant with a deck overlooking the Crocodile River. If you are travelling with kids, plan a picnic and spend the day relaxing in the Lowveld Botanical Gardens where they have oodles of space and clean fresh air to burn off excess energy.

There are several trails and nature walks through different Lowveld eco-systems and being close to the Kruger National Park, the botanical gardens provide an ideal respite after hours spent sitting in the vehicle searching for game. Spring in Mpumalanga is a magical time to visit Mbombela (Nelspruit) and the Lowveld Botanical Gardens at this time of year offer a fragrant, fresh activity to add to your ‘things to do near Mbombela (Nelspruit)’ list.

Casterbridge Hollow is a wonderful springboard for visitors looking for peace and tranquility, family time, relaxation, entertainment or some holiday sporting action. Book now for your time out in White River and explore all the area has to offer.