About Hoedspruit

 A visit to Hoedspruit should be on everyone’s bucket list.

As the main gateway to the many wildlife areas and natural hotspots of the Greater Kruger area, Hoedspruit is a bustling eco-tourism hub that is constantly expanding.

Directly translated from Afrikaans, the name Hoedspruit simply means the “Hat Creek”, which was so given by its first official resident, Mr Dawid Johannes Joubert who was the first farmer to settle in the area. Sometime back in 1844 the Zandspruit River where Mr Joubert chose to farm came down in flood, and he lost his hat to the river. A hat was a very sought after asset back in the 1800’s, and of course Mr Joubert was angry with the river, and the name Hoedspruit was given to the area, with the Zandspruit River, who stole his hat.

Surrounded by the Blyde River Canyon, a myriad of river and drainage systems, as well as some of the most pristine natural areas in Southern Africa, Hoedspruit offers some of the best wildlife and adventure experiences in the entire world. There are a variety of accommodation options for every budget, great restaurants in and out of town, business services and a host of tourist attractions to satisfy every need.

Affectionately known to its residents as “Hoedies” or “The Hoed” this safari and nature hub is fast becoming the number one destination in the Limpopo Province.

Hoedspruit is a year-round destination, and with each season so brings its own changes and special visitors. Wildlife enthusiasts, bird watchers, nature lovers and hikers will find their peace of mind here.

From adventure activities, experiential stays, luxury safari lodges, endless nature and mountains there is truly something for everyone here in The Hoed.

Getting Here:

Hoedspruit is nestled between the Drakensberg Mountains to the west and the world-famous Kruger National park and Mozambique to the east.

Roads to the north lead to Phalaborwa and Tzaneen, and the road south takes you past Bushbuckridge down to the Mpumalanga town of Hazyview.

The closest airport is Eastgate Airport, which is situated a convenient 13km away from the centre of town. Other options include Phalaborwa (80km) as well as the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (155km).

Two airlines service Eastgate airport, namely South African Express as well as Cemair. Both airlines offer flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town daily.

There are a number of road transfer operators as well as car hire establishments situated in the town.

Self-drive routes from Johannesburg and Nelspruit are full of history and natural sights, which are sure to make the road trips to Hoedspruit some of the best South Africa has to offer.

Climate:

Hoedspruit is located in a subtropical zone.

The average temperature in summer is between 28 to 40 degrees Celsius with beautiful and spectacular thunderstorms in the evenings.

Winters are mild and dry at an average temperature of 5 degrees Celsius in the evenings and up to highs of around 28 – 30, with beautiful clear skies day and night.

However, always keep a rain-coat or jersey handy, as the weather can be unpredictable and remarkable.

What to do:

Or do you mean…what can’t you do?

If you want wilderness experiences, adventure and nature activities, and just good old fashioned and friendly hospitality, then Hoedspruit is the place to be!

People who have chosen to make their homes and live their lives in Hoedspruit are a very unique

and welcoming community.

The people are full of many different talents from air force professionals, professional farmers to nature guiding and the task forces out there looking after our wildlife, the community of Hoedspruit is what makes this town tick the way it does. We care, and we want to show our tourists how much we do care.

Our wildlife is our greatest asset, and you can find a nature experience around every corner. We have two routes direct to different gates of the Kruger National Park, the most famous landmark in South Africa. View the BIG 5 in a number of different ways in public or private reserves… from self-drive, professional tour guided vehicles or live it up in some of the top safari lodges in Africa, there is something for everyone’s budget.

See the area from the sky from hot air balloons, helicopter and microlight flights, and get up personal with the people saving wildlife in our area by visiting one of the numerous sanctuaries within a 50km radius.

Cruise the Olifants or the Blyde River by boat, they don’t call our area the “slow-veld” for no reason. Take it all in and savor nature at its finest.

The town itself is full of little eateries and watering holes where locals go to meet, as well as a host of shops where you can get decent supplies for those going the self-catering route in the wilderness.

There are a number of beautiful arts and crafts shops dotted in and around town offering a fantastic variety of momentous to take home with you.

But “local is lekker” in Hoedspruit and we ask visitors to support our local farmers, farm stalls, artists and crafter’s that have decided to make the town their livelihood.

Hoedspruit is the friendliest town in the Limpopo and we thrive on visitors.

We look forward to being of service to you during your stay in The Hoed!