About Us

Hoedspruit
The wildlife capital of South Africa Hoedspruit lies just east of the confluence of the Blyde and Olifants Rivers, the centre of the Kruger to Canyon biosphere nestled between the magnificent Drakensberg mountains and the Kruger National Park. Conveniently situated between two gates of the Kruger Park and surrounded by wildlife reserves, no where else offers more wildlife holiday options.

Hoedspruit is the gateway to the Kruger Park, Blyde Canyon and the Panorama route a scenic route taking in some of the finest scenery in the world.

It is not clear how the town acquired its name, which means "hat creek", but it is said that after a long trek over the mountains into the heat of the Lowveld, one of the pioneers removed his hat and threw it into the cool waters of the Sandspruit River. Whatever the origin, the town was surveyed in 1869, with the first post office opening in 1890. Today Hoedspruit is a small but growing town with restaurants, shops, supermarkets and all services you would need for a comfortable holiday. There are also arts and crafts shops offering you the opportunity to take a little bit of Africa home with you.

Hoedspruit is South Africa's premier eco tourist destination for visits to Kruger Park and the other numerous wildlife and game reserves in the area. The whole area is surrounded by beautiful countryside, citrus farms and bushveld set against the backdrop of the Drakensburg mountains. Just a short drive from Hoedspruit is the Blyde River Canyon – the second longest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in America.

As well as the numerous game reserves which offer walking, safari drives, cycling and horse riding the area is also home to a prolific variety of birds. More than half of the total bird species of Southern Africa can be found here.

Access to Hoedspruit is via a short flight from Johannesburg Oliver Tambo airport to Eastgate Airport (15km away) or a scenic 4 hour drive from Johannesburg that provides one the opportunity to see some of the stark scenic contrast the country has to offer. Car hire is available from both airports your African Bush Villas representative can help you plan excursions and provide guidance.

Activities in the area are too numerous to mention them all but the following give you a flavour of what is available


Wildlife activities
We can arrange full day or part day game drives to big 5 game reserves and Kruger National Park with driver and meals organised for you. Walks with the animals in Big 5 reserves are available near by as well as in the Kruger Park

Hoedspruit Research and Breeding Centre catering for endangered species, including the unique cheetah project at Kapama Lodge.

Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre allows visitors to have a close encounter with birds and animals at this rehabilitation centre. This is hugely informative as well as entertaining.

Khamai Reptile Park, a private reptile park allowing visitors to view a number of fascinating species.

Sports and Outdoor Activities
Enthusiasts will revel in the rafting, kloofing, abseiling and hiking opportunities and for mountain bikers and off roaders this area should keep them happy. The Klaserie dam is just down the road for fishing or for a country picnic. Boat trips can also be arranged on the Blyde dam.

There are also daring activities such as microlight or balloon flights on offer. A wonderful way to get a bird's eye view of the area.

Golf is available at the Drakensig club in Hoedspruit or at the award winning Hans Merensky golf course an hour's drive away.

Day trips
Hoedspruit is a great place to base yourself to explore the Mpumalanga and Limpopo areas. Day trips to the fruit and tea farms of Tzaneen, the quaint towns of Pilgrims rest, Dullstroom, Lydenburg and the fantastic sights of God's Window and the three rondavel mountain and rock formations can easily be arranged. You can even visit the Amarula factory and sample the delights of this African cream liquor.

Cultural activities

Monsoon Gallery just outside Hoedspruit is an African art gallery, information centre and museum displaying traditional hunting artefacts. There is also a shop selling local food produce and a cafe serving local dishes.

Nyani Tribal Village allows you to experience the daily lives of a true Shangaan tribe.

When you are exhausted by the activities of the day you can choose to indulge in a range of spa treatments, or just treat yourself to a meal in one of the restaurants near to your villa. Alternatively you may choose to cook yourself a meal cooked in the privacy of your own villa while you watch the stars, the flames of the fire in the boma or sit sipping a drop of our excellent South African wine in the cool of your pool.

We would be happy to book activities and are here to make your stay as stress free as possible.