Winter arrived in all its glory with an awe-inspiring cold front that brought snow to the mountains around the town, a first for many of us Nelspruiters.
As the deep chill sets in and since the winter is here for at least another month, if you are travelling to the area for your mid-year, much-deserved break, you are probably wondering where you can have a heart-warming drink to chase away the winter blues.
Winter is such a fleeting season here and we like to make the most of the few chilly days that we get before the summer makes her sudden return. Aside from sitting out at one of our fireplaces warming up with a coffee or hot chocolate in hand, is one way to get into the winter swing of things. But there are also a couple of other places you can go this winter to warm up.
Salvador’s Kaapsehoop
With its cosy vibe and its seating around a fireplace, Salvador’s is an exceptionally popular place to be on a cold winter’s day. The fire place heats up the whole restaurant, so whether you get a spot close to the fire or should you sit at a table where you can have lunch or dinner, you will benefit from the wonderful heat. Kaapsehoop is a stunning place to go winter, but you will end up frozen top to toe. If you have taken a hike along the escarpment, stopping at Salvador’s on the way back is a must.
Hops Hollow Long Tom Pass
If you really want to get into the winter mood, a trip to Long Tom Pass is a must. Along the way, where two mountains connect, there’s Hops Hollow a small but stunning place to sit by a fire and warm up. Hops Hollow is best known for being the highest brewery in Africa and during a particularly cold season, snow falls right at the restaurant, turning the whole area into a winter wonderland. These are rare occasions though, so if you are planning your trip, keep an eye on the weather forecast and book your holiday before the snow arrives.
Old Quarry Smoke House Uitkyk
Hot food, delicious drinks and a wonderful place to be, the Old Quarry Smokehouse is originally from Durban but has relocated to the picturesque Uitkyk area and it is serving up some tasty food in a warm environment. It is open plan and it has open walls, so if the temperatures get too low it might not be too pleasant but considering that our winters are mostly mild, the Old Smokehouse is the place to be. And their delectable warm menu is a welcome on any winter day.
The season is short and beautiful in every way. When you are travelling to the Lowveld during winter, it will be a holiday you will never forget.
Make sure that you book your Nelspruit accommodation at Pensao.
