"N'weti wa hina | Our Moon"
About:
Mbombela, formerly known as Nelspruit, is a city in northeastern South Africa. It was founded in 1895 by three brothers of the Nel family who grazed their cattle around the site during the winter months. In 2009, the city was renamed Mbombela, the local SiSwati name. It's now the capital of Mpumalanga province and a key manufacturing and agricultural hub, known for its citrus fruit production. The city also serves as a gateway to Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves.
When to visit:
Mbombela, also known as Nelspruit, is a city located in the northeastern region of South Africa. The ideal time to visit Mbombela is during the dry season, which falls between May and September. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, with clear skies and minimal rainfall. Tourists can enjoy outdoor activities such as safaris in nearby game reserves and exploring the stunning landscapes of the Lowveld region.
When to avoid:
The worst time to travel to Mbombela, officially known as Nelspruit, on a holiday is during the rainy season, which typically occurs from November to March. This period experiences heavy rainfall, leading to potential flooding, travel disruptions, and limited outdoor activities. The high humidity and frequent thunderstorms can also affect the overall travel experience. Visitors are advised to plan their trip accordingly and consider the weather conditions before booking their holiday to Mbombela during this time.
"Rainy Season (Oct–Apr)"
The coldest and wettest part of the year in Mbombela, South Africa is from May to August, with July being the peak. Average temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C. Rainfall is moderate, averaging around 20mm in the wettest month. Sunlight is reduced with around 5-6 hours of sunshine per day due to increased cloud cover. The days are typically overcast, with a cool breeze. Visitors can expect to wear warm clothing and carry umbrellas. Despite the chill, it's a great time to explore indoor attractions or enjoy the lush greenery post-rain.
Summer (October–April)
Mbombela, South Africa, experiences its warmest part of the year from October to March, with average high temperatures ranging from 28°C (82°F) to 31°C (88°F). During this period, rainfall is quite significant, with the wettest month, January, receiving an average precipitation of about 120mm. These are typically heavy afternoon thunderstorms, so mornings are often dry and sunny.
Despite the rain, there's ample sunlight with an average of 7-8 hours of bright sunshine per day. The humidity is relatively high, generally above 70%, contributing to a tropical feel. Cloudiness varies but is generally higher in the afternoon due to the development of thunderstorms.
A typical day for a visitor during this period would start with a warm, sunny morning, perfect for outdoor activities. As the day progresses, it becomes hot and humid, often culminating in a heavy, but brief, afternoon thunderstorm. After the rain, the evenings are usually cooler and less humid, making them quite pleasant.
Language:
In Mbombela, South Africa, the most commonly spoken languages are Swazi and Afrikaans. Swazi, also known as siSwati, is a Bantu language of the Nguni group spoken in Swaziland and South Africa. Afrikaans, a West Germanic language, evolved from the Dutch vernacular of South Holland and is also widely spoken in the region. English is also understood and spoken by a significant portion of the population.