Before you go

Your trip to Mbombela.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Mbombela – Mpumalanga Destination Kruger National Park Capital

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP) Mbombela · 22 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before booking. The international flight arrives in Johannesburg (JNB), and there is a domestic flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), about 22 km from the city centre. By car it’s roughly 330 km from Johannesburg via the N4, about 4 hours. There are long-distance buses from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

How many days

One day for the botanical garden and the Sudwala caves. For most travellers, Mbombela is the arrival and transit town, with one night before heading to the Kruger or the Panorama Route.

When to go

Winter, from May to September, is dry and mild with clear days. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon rain and a greener botanical garden.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes. A rental car from the airport is the most practical way to reach the Kruger, the Sudwala caves and the Panorama Route. Drive on the left.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Mbombela

Morning
Botanical garden
Walk through the Lowveld National Botanical Garden to the Crocodile River waterfalls and the suspension bridge.
Afternoon
Sudwala caves
Head west to the Sudwala caves and take the guided tour of the main chamber.
Late afternoon
Return through the valley
Return to Mbombela via the N4, following the Crocodile River valley, and refuel the car for the next day.
Evening
Dinner in the centre
Dine in the Riverside area north of the centre, and prepare for an early departure to the Kruger.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Are Mbombela and Nelspruit the same city?

Yes. Nelspruit was officially renamed Mbombela; the old name still appears on signs and maps.

How far is Mbombela from the Kruger?

About 60 km to the Numbi gate and about 65 km to the Malelane gate, roughly an hour by car.

What to do in Mbombela?

Visit the Lowveld National Botanical Garden and the Sudwala caves, and use the city as a base for the Kruger and the Panorama Route.

Does Mbombela have an airport?

Yes, Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), about 22 km from the centre, with domestic flights.

Back to Mbombela