About Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit is known as South Africa's safari capital and is the gateway to some of the best game viewing in Africa. Hoedspruit is essentially an agricultural town located a stone’s throw away from the  Kruger National Park and is surrounded by leading private game reserves such as the Balule Private Nature Reserve, Thorybush, Sabi Sands and Timbavati  that makes it an obvious stopover. As a result, what began merely as a couple of shops, a bank and a little rondavel that served as a station building, has grown into what is today marketed as a premier eco-tourist destination because of its association with some of the best ‘Big 5’ viewing in South Africa and great accommodation options.

Restaurants

Hoedspruit has a delicious range of wonderful restaurants, coffee shops and eateries, with the oldest and perhaps most well-known - Sleepers - housed in the town's original station building where freight trains still regularly run past. Favourites like Thirsty Giraffe - incredible food and great service, The Farmery, - eatery and deli with simple homemade food, Stoned Olive whos menu is inspired by a Mediterranean flare, The Fig and Bean, The Hat and Creek, Hoedspruit Cafe, and The Brewery, which specializes in craft beer are also worth a visit by those in search of great food and hospitality.

Things to do

This is the safari capital of South Africa, so it comes as no surprise to find that there's a wealth of safari activities on Hoedspruit's doorstep, offering you the chance to view the Big Five - elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard and lion - and a host of other amazing African wildlife species. But there's more to do here than just game viewing, with easy access to the famed Panorama Route and some of South Africa's best tourism attractions and most breathtaking scenery. For the more adventurous, white river rafting can be undertaken on the Blyde River, in the Canyon or in the Olifants Gorge next to the Abel Erasmus Pass, Hot air ballooning, quad biking or sight seeing in a microlight or helicopter. The Klaserie Dam where fishing and boating can be undertaken, is a mere 35km from Hoedspruit. There are two beautiful golf courses, the Drakensig Golf Club in Hoedspruit and the Hans Merenski Golf Course in Phalaborwa.

Attractions

Hoedspruit is an adventure and activities playground offering a great range of attractions and things to do from farm stalls, galleries & museums to cultural experiences. The legendary Kruger National Park Orpen gate is a mere 40 min travel away., and most of the town's surrounding game reserves open to this conservation icon. This lack of barriers allows the animals to move freely, making for superlative safari experiences. There are guided day tours into the Kruger in open safari vehicles or you can choose a self-drive option in your own vehicle and explore this incredible wilderness yourself. Alternatively, we can arrange guided safaris in a nearby private game reserve. Popular attractions include a visit to Jessica the Hippo, Moholoholo wildlife rehabilitation, Swadini Falls, Blyde Dam Boat Cruise, citrus farm tours, and the Reptile center.