This vibrant little town is the perfect safari destination!
When it comes to the perfect African destination for incentives and MICE business, we thoroughly recommend the wonderful little town of Hoedspruit – South Africa’s safari capital in the heart of the Greater Kruger region. Here’s why…
Hoedspruit is the little town that can. It’s a vibrant, fun-filled place that’s the ideal hub for exploring one of the most scenically beautiful areas of southern Africa that’s also one of its most renowned wildlife destinations. With a wealth of things to see and do and a diverse range of activities on offer in and around the town, it’s more than worth spending a few days here exploring and discovering its highlights.
Self-drive or fly to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport direct from Johannesburg International Airport on a selection of daily direct flights. There are also daily direct flights between Hoedspruit and Cape Town International Airport.
Where to stay
There are more than enough accommodation options on offer in and around Hoedspruit, from the brand-new 138-room Radisson Safari Hotel that’s set to open in the next couple of months, complete with meetings and event spaces that can accommodate up to 200 people, to boutique hotels, bush villas, and lodges that are perfect for smaller groups and FITs.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Hoedspruit is blessed with a fine selection of restaurants, cafés and bush pubs catering to all tastes and offering a dazzling array of flavours, from Afro-fusion and Asian to Indian, Italian, Portuguese, Mediterranean and traditional South African! Enjoy traditional burgers with a local twist, exceptional pizzas from the town’s very own food truck complete with wood-burning oven, fine dining, sushi, authentic curries and exceptional grills and steaks.
Pair all of the above with sensational local craft gins, beers and, of course, South Africa’s renowned wines, and top it off with a shot of Amarula – a local cream liqueur made from the marula fruit! And don’t forget Hoedspruit’s own fresh-roasted coffees and authentic French pastries!
And if dining out in the bush appeals to you, that can also be arranged, along with special gin tastings at sundowner time!
Out and about
There’s so much more to Hoedspruit than the Big Five and wonderful African wildlife – even though the town is referred to as a “wildlife haven” and has warthogs and mongooses frequenting its shopping centres!
The renowned Panorama Route begins at the top of the dramatic peaks of the northern Drakensberg escarpment that dominates the town’s western horizon and is just an hour’s drive away through truly spectacular scenery. Here you’ll get to marvel at the Blyde River Canyon – the world’s third largest canyon with incredible views out over the lowlands below.
You’ll also be able to explore the curious geological formations of Bourke’s Luck Potholes and visit an array of viewpoints and waterfalls before reach the town of Graskop, on the edge of the escarpment. This is home to the spectacular Graskop Gorge Lift, where you can descend to the floor of Graskop Gorge and explore the magical natural ecosystem that awaits.
For incentive groups, the adventure centre is the place to be, especially if you love adrenaline rushes! From the aptly titled “Big Swing” to zip-lining across the gorge, there’s more than enough at Graskop Gorge Lift to keep you enthralled!
Hoedspruit is also a renowned hiking and mountain biking destination with some wonderful trails on hand for all levels of enthusiasts. Mountain bikes can be hired in town and guided hikes can be arranged. Or you can explore on horseback on a guided horse trail.
Take to the air in a helicopter, hot-air balloon or microlight or cruise on the Blyde Dam and view the Blyde River Canyon from below. Quad bike through local wildlife reserves, tube the Blyde River or take a dinner cruise along the Olifants River – the choices are endless.
Relax, unwind, and pamper yourselves at one of the wonderful local day spas with a range of massages, treatments, and wellness therapies on offer, or take a yoga class in the bush!
Of course, morning and afternoon game drives in local private game reserves are also on offer, along with full-day guided safaris into the Kruger National Park, as well as guided bush walks and birding trips.
Combine your stay in Hoedspruit it with a traditional Big Five safari in one of the surrounding private game reserves that include the Balule, Klaserie and Timbavati – all part of the Greater Kruger National Park. Or add on a few days in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Chobe in Botswana, with direct flights from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport connecting you with ease.
And remember… Our team of destination experts are on hand to help you put together the perfect itinerary for business, incentives, or leisure safaris to Hoedspruit! Just drop us an email or pick up the phone and let’s get the conversation about your next safari started!
