Hoedspruit lies in the Valley of the Olifants in Big 5 Country close to the Kruger National Park and surrounded by Big 5 Game Lodges and Private Nature Reserves like Timbavati, Balule, Thornybush, Kapama and Klaserie. It is quite possible to fly into Hoedspruit, and travel straight to the local private game reserves without venturing near to Hoedspruit town.

Get in

By plane

Hoedspruit Eastgate airport is a left turn from the R40 about 7 km south of the town. Only Airlink is flying from here to Johannesburg, so the prices are not as cheap as flying to some of the other airports. You have to go through a gate into the reserve, but if you look like you are on the way to a flight the guard will wave you through. There are no signposted to the airport from Hoedspruit.

The airstrip in the centre of town isn't the airport, and has no commercial scheduled flights.

Get around

The town is small, and would be easy to walk around. However, the attractions of the area don't lie in the town, and public transport is limited. So you almost certainly need to hire a car or be on an arranged tour or transfer.

There are various private transfer companies such as Eastgate Safaris.

There are a couple of car hire companies in Hoedspruit such as Avis and Europcar.

It is sensible to arrange your car-hire before you arrive. There are many companies on-line which will help you to arrange your car hire:

• Avis
• Europcar

Buy

Hoedspruit has number of shopping centres.

There is a tourist shopping centre called the Kamogelo Centre just on the right as you turn from the R40 into Hoedspruit. There are jewellers, pubs, restaurants, travel agents and souvenir shops. Fuel and other supplies are readily available.

Sleep

• Kwa Thabeng Bush Lodge, ☏ +27 12 811-0134, info@kwathabeng.co.za. Self catering bush camp near Hoedspruit that can sleep up to 8 adults near the Blyde River Canyon mouth. Explore the Blyde River Canyon, the Panorama Route and the Kruger National Park from here. From R165pp. 
• Kapama Private Game Reserve, ☏ +27 12 368-0600, res@kapama.co.za. Luxury safari lodges near Hoedspruit. 
• 1 Nyala Safari Lodge, Balule Game Reserve (via Hoedspruit. Detailed directions available by email), ☏ +27 823228357, info@nyalasafarilodge.co.za. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Family-friendly safari lodge that offers self-catering accommodation, including 2 game drives per day with an accredited and fully qualified ranger. from R790pppn. (updated Apr 2017)