Anyone visiting Nelspruit and the surrounding towns, or the Kruger National Park should have a look at the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens. They are one of the best in the country.
This 159 hectare garden contains most of the 1000 tree species found in South Africa. The crocodile river runs through the gardens cascading over waterfalls and into gorges.
The gardens had been extensively revamped in 2004 and are also very wheelchair friendly. A suspension bridge over the crocodile river and boardwalks leading through a rainforest are part of the upgrades. There is also a fully licensed restaurant situated under shady trees.
Something very unique at the gardens is a water feature made of Verdite. This is the oldest known rock in the world and is situated at the visitors center. The tiles are beautifully carved with animals.

We were here in January, and the place can get very hot! Nevertheless the gardens are still a wonderful visit, and one can always get something cold to drink at the restaurant. We still know the old pre 2004 gardens and we can really say they have made a great job of the revamp. The new boardwalk through the rainforest is excellent and most of the paths through the gardens are paved. The waterfalls are also quite spectacular if there has been some rain.

Area of Lowveld National Botanical Gardens Map