Who is the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre and What is Their Mission?

The Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is a reptile park located in Hoedspruit, South Africa. The centre is home to over 1,300 reptiles and has the largest collection of venomous snakes in the world. Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is one of the oldest and most well-known reptile centres in Africa, having been in operation since 1984. It has grown from humble beginnings into a hub of innovative learning. It is a well-respected conservation, training and education facility

In January 2020, the reptile park was taken over by Chris Cooke. Chris had previously been a curator at the Centre between 2007-2011 before working at other renowned institutions such as the National Zoological Gardens, Johannesburg Zoo and Montecasino Brid Gardens. With the new ownership, the Centre, which has previously been known as Swadini Reptile Park, Khamai Reptile Centre and Kinyonga Reptile Centre, is shedding its old skin for the last time and starting fresh as Hoedspruit Reptile Centre. Chris and the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre team are looking forward to building on the Centre's reputation and upholding and maintaining the Centre's strict ethos of "conservation through education and research". 

Its mission is to promote conservation of reptiles and educate people about them by providing an interactive experience with these animals, to conserve through education and research,  to save and relocate vulnerable and endangered reptiles, to establish viable captive populations of vulnerable and endangered reptiles. 

Lodges, farmers and local communities within the region often call upon Hoedspruit Reptile Centre to help with reptile, amphibian and arachnid related problems. They will always come out to relocate animals back into the wild.

Volunteers and internships are also available. Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is a unique facility that is dedicated solely to the preservation and conservation of reptiles. By working at the Centre you will play an active role in helping achieve this goal. You will have the opportunity to learn and work with a wide range of different reptiles at a world-renowned reptile centre. You will get practical, hands-on experience in the day to day running of the Centre and the chance to work with a variety of indigenous and exotic reptiles. You will also play an invaluable role in helping them educate people about reptiles.

When are they open?

They are open every day of the year, including all holidays from 8:00am to 5:00pm and are on call 24/7 for any reptile related emergencies.

No booking is necessary for walk in visitors. This is a self-guided visit where you would walk through the Centre on your own and view the many spectacular animals on display. One can read the easy to understand informative display legends for yourself. Please understand that the curators are there to look after the animals and are really busy but they are always willing to help with any questions that you may have.

For 20pax or more, a guided tour can be booked.

Photographic Tours

This tour is a truly unique experience for anyone interested in photography, reptiles and nature. You will have a personal guide and handler watching over each reptile giving you background information on the species from an expert as well as an opportunity to photograph animals in their natural habitat. As a result, this tour will enable you to get that perfect shot. 

Reptile Handling Courses

A number of courses are available from beginner to advanced. People are encouraged to do "Reptile Handling" courses in the warmer months of the year (from September to April). This ensures that trainees can work with active reptiles that would naturally be moving about. Bookings for courses can be made by E-Mail through our their contact us page.

Contact Details

​E-mail: ​​reptile@yebo.co.za
Tel: +27 (0) 15 795-5203

Cell: +27 64 516 7439

How to Get There

Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is situated in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, 15km outside of the nearest town Hoedspruit.  Hoedspruit is situated in unspoiled "Big 5" country  with lodges and accommodation that suit all budgets and comfort preferences. This area has a particularly high concentration of snakes and therefore there is a high frequency of interaction between snakes and people, making this a prime destination for reptile-related research and public education.

Hoedspruit is approximately 5hrs drive from Johannesburg. The quickest route is along the N12 highway. This takes just over five hours. Dullstroom, a charming village, is a good place to stop for lunch or overnight en route.

Alternatively a one-hour flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit is the quickest and most convenient method of travel. After arriving, visitors can either get a private transfer or rent a car at the airport to get around the town.

Shuttle services are also available from O.R, Tambo Airport (Johannesburg)