About Mbombela

Mbombela, still widely known by its former name Nelspruit, is the capital of Mpumalanga and sits in the subtropical Lowveld, surrounded by citrus and macadamia farms that make the region a major agricultural exporter. It functions as the main gateway to the Kruger National Park, with several private reserves and the park's Numbi and Malelane gates within easy reach of the city. Mbombela Stadium, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and shaped with giraffe-inspired columns, remains a landmark and now hosts the Pumas rugby team and top-flight football. The Lowveld National Botanical Garden, with its indigenous forest and waterfalls, is another of the city's well-known green spaces.

Mbombela's what's-on lineup spans literature, sport, and music this season. Book lovers can head to Kapel @ Silvermist Gastehuis for Innibos Boekenaweek at the end of August, while football fans watch Kruger United FC vs Orlando Pirates FC at Mbombela Stadium the following week. Classical fans shouldn't miss Charl du Plessis Trio: Bach to Beatles at Emnotweni Arena in September, and later that month the Mpumalanga Tourism Expo 2026 brings exhibitors to Riverside Mall. Hip hop heads can round out the month at MPUMALANGA HIPHOP FEST 3.0 in Steiltes.