For many travelers Nelspruit, situated in the valley of the Crocodile River, is no more than a convenient stopover on the way from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park (the Numbi Gate of which is only 50km/31mi away to the northeast). But Nelspruit is also an important agricultural center. The good soil and temperate

climate (warm to hot in summer, pleasantly cool in winter, with no frost) of this area produce rich crops of citrus fruits - a third of South Africa's total exports of oranges come from here - as well as tobacco, litchis, mangoes, avocados, pawpaws, bananas and nuts. Cattle-farming is also increasing in importance.

When the railroad (the Eastern Line, running through the valley of the Crocodile River) came to this area in 1892 a station was built on a farm belonging to the Nel family. This was soon followed by shops, a hotel and a police station, and in 1905 Nelspruit was declared a town.

Although Nelspruit has no sights of outstanding interest, it is an attractive town with tree-lined streets and a good base from which to explore the surrounding area.