Deprecated: Function create_function() is deprecated in /home/thetra43/public_html/wp-content/plugins/nomad-world-map/includes/nwm-widget-class.php on line 327

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the social-media-feather domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/thetra43/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the caldera-forms domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/thetra43/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121
garra rufa fish spa - The Travel Sista
The Travel Sista
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Bucket List
  • Photo Gallery
    • Africa
      • Cape Town, South Africa
      • Durban, SA: Phansi Museum
      • Ghana
      • Nelspruit, South Africa
      • Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
      • Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
      • Victoria Falls
    • Europe
      • Croatia
      • Paris, France
      • Rome, Italy
      • Sorrento / Amalfi Coast
    • North America
      • Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
      • Cancun, Mexico
      • Las Vegas, USA
      • Negril, Jamaica
      • Pacific Coast Highway
      • San Francisco, USA
    • South America
  • Work With Me
  • Trip Planning Services
  • Ecotourism
  • Voluntourism

garra rufa fish spa

Sudwala Caves: Nelspruit, South Africa

February 24, 2014 by thetravelsista Leave a Comment

I stopped in Nelspruit for a couple of days on the way up to the Kruger National Park area. I had fully intended to drive the Panorama Route up to Blyde River Canyon, and along the way do some white water rafting or tubing. But Mother Nature had other plans and it started to rain soon after I arrived. It continued to rain for the rest of the day, spoiling my plans to drive and enjoy nature.  When I woke up to more rain the following morning, I knew I needed to find an indoor activity.  I’m a bit claustrophobic and I don’t like bats, so a cave is the last place you’d expect me to venture.  But after seeing pictures and learning that they were the oldest known caves in the world (estimated 240 million years old), I had to go.

At the start of the tour, our tour guide shared a lot of history about the caves’ discovery and habitation by prehistoric man, and later by the Swazi people.  We saw some of their prehistoric tools near the cave entrance.  As we walked through the caves along lighted pathways, we saw beautiful formations of rocks, stalactites and stalagmites. There is even an amphitheater where concerts are periodically held.

IMG_0710IMG_0646IMG_0694A highlight of the tour was when our guide turned off the lights in one section to show us how dark the cave really is.  It was so dark I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face.  I had just enough time to start to freak out (and think what happens if the electricity really goes out) before the lights were back on and we were on our way through the caves too see more.  The tour lasted about an hour and was an amazing experience.

IMG_0659

IMG_0658IMG_0693On the way out, I stopped at the newest attraction at the caves, the Garra Rufa Fish Spa (basically a fish pedicure).  I was skeptical, but since it was only 50 rand (about $5 USD at current exchange rates) I decided to give it a try.  The spa is outdoors with beautiful panoramic views of the lowveld.  After having my feet and lower legs scrubbed in an antiseptic wash, I stepped into the spa and let the fish go to work eating away at dead skin.  At first it felt weird to have numerous fish nibbling on my feet, but I quickly got used to it and it felt like a massage. After 45 minutes, I was done.  In case you’re curious, it works — my feet were silky smooth after they finished.

IMG_0751IMG_0727IMG_0748Click here for more photos of Nelspruit, South Africa

Share This Facebooktwitterpinterestmail
Posted in: Africa Tagged: blyde river canyon, garra rufa fish spa, kruger national park, nelspruit, panorama route, south africa, stalactites, stalagmites, sudwala caves

Follow Me

Facebooktwitterpinterestrssyoutubeinstagramflickr
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Categories

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • North America
  • South America
  • Travel Info
  • Travel Tips

Recent Posts

  • Kigali, Rwanda: 1000 Hills Liquor Distillery & Bistro
  • My 2018 Year in Review
  • Birthday Musings and Bucket List Progress
  • The Top 10 Things to Do in Mozambique
  • Mozambique: A Day at the Maputo Fish Market

Quote of the Month

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.”– Mark Twain

My Travel Map

Atlanta, GA

Back at home for the time being

Visit and Like Me On YouTube

Find Your Deal

TripAdvisor
VRBO
300 x 250: Confirmation - Don’t Forget
Big Bus Tours Dubai
Generic2_300x250
PARK 'N FLY

Copyright © 2025 The Travel Sista.

Lifestyle WordPress Theme by themehit.com