In past blogs, we have mentioned a handful of the amazing places where you can put down a picnic blanket and have a feast. Now, in this updated blog, we are discussing even more places in and around Nelspruit where you can soak up those warm winter sun rays while snacking on something delicious.
Before we get into the locations, you need a picnic basket. While you can always pack your own basket with the picnic essentials such as biscuits, fruits, dips, and a bottle of something sparkling, there is also the option of asking around at local family owned restaurants. Places like Yoons and The Plantsman in White River occasionally supply picnic baskets for those wanting to treat themselves to a little luxury. You can also ask the lodge you are staying at if they can be of assistance in providing a basket of goodies for your day trip.

Now that you have your picnic ready to go, you need a location.
- Longmere Dam
It is one of the most beautiful places you can spend a day, beneath swaying trees and looking out over the clear dam waters. The dam itself is a great place to do a little fishing, or sailing, and you can also swim here although you are unlikely to want to do that at this time of the year.
Longmere Dam is about 13 minutes away from White River, a village just up the road from Nelspruit.
- Kruger National Park
If you leave early enough in the morning, you can make a day of it by going to the Kruger National Park. There are plenty of places to have a picnic in the park and before you settle down for your delightful snack, you can spend some time driving around the park and getting to know some of its inhabitants.
- Horseshoe Falls
Driving past White River and into the town of Sabie, you will find countless magical places to have a picnic. Sabie is a lot cooler than Nelspruit during the winter, but that sort of makes the overall experience a whole lot more enjoyable. There is nothing quite like sitting near the Horseshoe Falls and sipping on a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate. And if you want a more conventional picnic, you can book a spot at the Horseshoe Trout Farm, which also happens to offer great fishing.
- Witklip Dam
The mornings are misty here, and the surrounding landscape takes on an early morning purple hue. With the evergreen pine plantation to the one side and the cool waters of the dam on the other, having a picnic on the lawns around the dam is one of the best ways to spend a winter morning or afternoon.
- Kaapsehoop Pear Orchard
Just outside of Nelspruit, the village of Kaapsehoop really comes to life in winter. And in the Pear Orchard, with its fruit trees and idyllic stream, it is the perfect setting for a memorable picnic. Kaapsehoop gets a lot of visitors over the weekend, so be sure to book ahead.
Find yourself heading to Nelspruit for a weekend? Book your stay in our Nelspruit accommodation. We offer the perfect retreat from the world.