Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Wildlife Haven
Hoedspruit, received the name from its first official landowner, Dawid Johannes Joubert in 1844. The Afrikaans name Hoedspruit means “Hat River/Creek”, as in the “River that stole his Hat”. A hat was a valuable commodity to a farmer and not easily replaceable in those years. In the same year of his arrival, a major cloud burst in the area caused a flash flood and Dawid lost his hat in in the flood, he recorded this major event in his life by naming the River the Hoedspruit.
What used to be a small and fairly unspoilt agricultural town, is now a tourist hotspot. Ideally situated on the border of theKruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon on the R527, Hoedspruit offers the tourist an array of scenery and attractions such as wild life, including the Big 5, important historical sites, outdoor activities, festivals and cultural attractions.
Places to visit close by
Plenty fruit stalls can be found along the road, offering Mangoes, lychees and citrus fruits in season to keep any traveler refreshed while visiting the many sites in the area:
- Hoedspruit Giant (Glencoe Baobab)
- 24 degrees South Galleria
- iNyoka Gallery
- Wag 'n Bietjie Farmstall
- Kruger National Park Day Drives
- Blyde River Canyon
- Bourkes Luck Potholes(approx. 1 hr drive)
- God's Window(approx. 1 hr drive)
- Alpha Omega Caves
- Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
- Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre
- Jessica the Hippo
- Kinyonga Reptile Centre
- Camp Jabulani Elephant Safaris
- Klaserie Dam
Accommodation close by
- Mariepskop Accommodation(27km)
- Mariepskop View(23km)
- Blue Cottages(30km)
Hoedspruit is close to places of Interest such asPilgrims Rest, which is a protected National Heritage Site. A virtual “Living Museum,” Pilgrims Rest takes its visitors back to the old Transvaal days of the Gold Rush.
With so many attractions in Hoedspruit and the surrounding area, Hoedspruit is a must for a minimum stay of 5 nights! There is a large selection of accommodation on offer from budget to luxury Game Lodges, B & B’s, Guest Houses and self-catering lodges to suit any travelers’ needs.
Climate
During the Summer months in Hoedspruit, October to March, you can experience average temperatures of between 16˚C to 31˚C with the highest rainfall months being between November and February.
The coldest months, May to August, will bring temperatures down to between 8˚C and 24˚C.
Transport
Commercial Airline, SA Express offers flights from both Johannesburg and Cape Town to the Hoesdpruit Eastgate Airport. Weekly charter flights from Johannesburg can also be sourced through Travel-A-Fly and bus services are also available from Translux in Johannesburg.
Festivals
March – Blyde X Fest:One of the most popular adventure events in the area, this annual festival sees Kayakers testing their skills to the extreme on the Blyde River.
July – Hoedspruit Wildsfees:Held at the Blyde Wildlife Estate 16Km outside the town, this annual Auction of Game is one of the oldest in the Lowveld area.
September – Hlokomela Herb Banquet:Held at the beginning of September each year, this Banquet is supported by local Lodges who prepare dishes made with the herbs and vegetables produced in the Hlokomela gardens.
September – Rocking 4 Rhinos:This Music Festival is held over a weekend to incorporate SA’s Heritage day and World Rhino Day. It is held at the secure closed Fraklyn Park just outside Hoedspruit. The venue allows for staging, exhibition space, Food & Beverage areas as well as camp site accommodation.
From our gallery
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