About Hoedspruit

The gateway to the Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit provides a convenient base for heading in search of South Africa's Big Five. Located 43 miles from the Orpen Gate, and close to some of South Africa's most luxurious private safari lodges, it is surrounded by rolling plains and the Klein Drakensberg Mountains beyond. Owing to its status as a prime safari centre, Hoedspruit has become something of a hub for some of the country's most pioneering conservation and eco-tourism efforts. It is also home to South Africa's Endangered Species Centre. Our collection of the best places to stay in Hoedspruit showcases something to suit everyone - from family-friendly to a couple's retreat; boutique to wildlife and eco-lovers and lodges galore.

What not to miss

  • Pack your binoculars and your camera, Hoedspruit is the gateway to spotting some of Africa's finest animals. From lions and leopards to African Elephants and Black Rhinos - the list goes on.
  • Why not experience the African plains from a bird's eye view, aboard a hot air balloon! With breathtaking views of the Blyde River, encounter picturesque scenery including rolling farmland and private nature reserves.
  • Travel in the hotter and drier months of November and December, when wildlife spottings are at their best.

Our collection of the best places to stay in Hoedspruit showcases something to suit every style, taste, and budget.

The Best Places to stay in Hoedspruit

For boutique luxury

  • At just over £100 a night, Unembeza Boutique Hotel & Spa provides a great value stay within easy reach of Kruger. Beautifully decorated rooms and a superb breakfast included in the rate make it a great value stay.
  • Stylish, minimalist, Kapama Southern Camp boasts private pools and flexible accommodation options, making it popular with families. Thought its decor will appeal to the most ardent design lover.

For a family stay

  • With rustic tented accommodation and plenty of activities on offer, Rukiya Safari Camp is suitable for the entire family.
  • Comfortable, colonial-style lodge, filled with antiques and curio pieces, Khya Ndlovu Manor House is a homely, and laidback family stay - with plenty of outdoor activities, plus a spa!

For an eco stay

  • Located within the Balule Conservancy, Sausage Tree Safari Lodge boasts admirable conservation efforts and eco principles - as well as a very pleasant stay.

For a luxury stay

  • With private charters from Cape Town, indulgent spa treatments, and very opulent accommodation, Kapama River Lodge is a great choice for those seeking all-out luxury in the African wilderness.
  • Simply one of the most luxurious stays in Hoedspruit, Jabulani Safari provides guests with an otherworldly experience. You'll want for nothing.

For a couple's retreat

  • Very luxurious, very grown-up at Kapama Buffalo Camp they provide a 'camping fro grow-ups' experience. Exquisitely decorated tents are the height of style, whilst dining in restaurant quality - which is saying something considering the location!
  • Enormous suites, a long list of spa treatments, fine dining, not to mention excellent wildlife sightings, Kapama Karula Camp is a very refined, very romantic stay.

Travel Information

  • If you want to rent self-drive to explore Hoedspruit, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Hoedspruit Airport is only fifteen minutes' drive from the town, and there are daily arrivals from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Most hotels will offer a pickup, however, taxis can be booked.
  • The best time to visit for wildlife spotting is during the dry, winter months of May to September. With a climate of between 25°C to 35°C, Hoedspruit sees some rain from between September to May, with most falling in the month of January.

Still not sure?

  • Widen the net to include our recommendations in Limpopo.
  • Or contact one of our gurus for advice.

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The best hotels in Hoedspruit

Rukiya Safari Camp

Hoedspruit

Luxurious yet well priced this is a very intimate camping stay amidst the African bush. Suitable for all ages, children especially will love sleeping under the stars. There is a long list of outdoor activities and guided safaris on foot and 4x4. Excellent dining (breakfast and dinner included).

  • Back to Nature - A luxurious camping experience that all ages will love
  • Great walks - Guided bush walks in Wild Rivers and Balule Nature Reserves
  • Sailing - Boat cruises on the Blyde and Olifants Rivers
  • Birdwatching - Bird watching from the comfort of camp
from $254 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Baluleni Safari Lodge

Hoedspruit (Phalaborwa, )

Rustic tented accommodation boasting a long list of activities, guided walks, and excellent safaris. The lodge is frequented by the local wildlife - sit out on your private terrace and watch it go by. Hearty dining, including a sumptuous breakfast, local African dishes, and freshly baked cakes.

  • Back to Nature - A very 'Out of Africa' experience with rustic tents and superb safari experiences
  • Sights nearby - Trips to the Endangered Species Centre, where they rehabilitate injured animals and release them back into the wild
  • Great walks - Guided safari walks
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from $315 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Unembeza Boutique Hotel & Spa

Hoedspruit

Sleek, modern hotel with beautifully appointed rooms, suites and villas offering a very stylish stay. The food is restaurant quality, no mean feat in this location, plus there are superb wellness packages, a private hot tub, and plenty of outdoor activities. An eco-friendly boutique stay.

  • Value chic - Sleek, chic, accommodation with an excellent price tag
  • Views - The viewing towers not only offer glimpses of the local wildlife but also stunning panoramas of the bush and mountains
  • Great walks - Excellent hiking trails in the area
  • Restrictions on children - Children aged 6 and over
from $353 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Sausage Tree Safari Lodge

Hoedspruit

With views of the Balule Conservancy with dramatic hilltops, valleys and open plains this intimate safari lodge boasts admirable eco principles and conservation efforts. Each of the five luxury tents is a comfortable stay with mountain views and en suites. Dine under the stars; relax by the pool.

  • Back to Nature - A luxury camping experience amidst nature
  • Restrictions on children - Children above the age of 8 are welcome
  • Great walks - Guided walking tours and bushwalks
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from $538 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Kapama River Lodge

Hoedspruit

Very luxurious accommodation, boasting the option of private charters from Cape Town - you don't get much more jet set than that! Rooms include private balconies with lavish bathrooms and epic views. Relax by the pool as elephants come up for a midday drink. The outdoor spa is bliss. Superb.

  • Romantic Break - Indulgent spa treatment, al fresco dining, it's a superb couples stay
  • Great walks - Guided bush walks
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Views
from $634 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Kapama Southern Camp

Hoedspruit (R40 Klaserie River)

Excellent family accommodation boasting private pools and your choice of activities. Flexible accommodation and dining mean it's perfect for children, whilst adults will love the spoiling spa treatments. Modern suites include stylish accommodation with private sit outs and some have private pools.

  • Families - Family suites and lots of outdoor activities
  • Great walks - Guided bush and tracking walks
  • Kayaking - Along Hongonyi Lake
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
from $832 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Ezulwini Game Lodges

Hoedspruit

The Zulu word for 'paradise' this collection of lodges is its own little paradise nestled in the Balule Private Nature Reserve. Romantic suites, with capacious four-poster and private terraces, the best opening out onto their own pools. There's a spa, al fresco dining, and expertly led safaris.

  • Back to Nature - A luxurious stay amidst nature, with every creature comfort taken care of
  • Birdwatching - Superb bird spotting in the area
  • Fishing - Equipment is available
  • Great walks - Guided safari walks
from $892 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Kapama Buffalo Camp

Hoedspruit

Camping for grown-ups! This luxurious lodge providing ten luxury tents in a secluded setting. Open plan bedroom and bathrooms look out onto your own private terrace and the wilderness beyond. Superb dining and hearty breakfasts are excellent. Superb spa treatments. Divine.

  • Back to Nature - Luxurious tented accommodation provides a lavish 'Out of Africa' experience
  • Great walks - Guided bush walks
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool
  • Restrictions on children - Adults only
from $990 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Kapama Karula Camp

Hoedspruit

Modern safari lodge providing separate suites nestled in the heart of the African bush. Boasting private pools and indoor-outdoor living, it's a truly wild stay. Enormous suites spill over into luxurious bathrooms. An impressive wellness menu, fine dining, and excellent game drives. Wonderful.

  • Romantic Break - Sprawling suites and an indulgent spa: very romantic
  • Great walks - Guided safari walks
  • Swimming Pool - Private pools
  • Romantic
from $2400 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Jabulani Safari

Hoedspruit

Sumptuous five-star suites boasting private pools, opulent four-poster beds and baths that are meant for lingering - with views out across the savannah. Gourmet dishes are on the menu, from a hearty breakfast spread to candlelit dinners. Immersive spa and plenty of activities. Sublime.

  • Romantic Break - A very indulgent, utterly romantic stay with superb dining and spa treatments
  • Great walks - Safari walks led by expert guides
  • Birdwatching - Excellent birding spotting
  • Swimming Pool - Outdoor and private pools
from $2450 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Royal Malewane

Hoedspruit

Winner of countless awards, Royal Malewane is one of, if not the most luxurious stay in South Africa. With a hefty price tag it's one to truly spoil yourself, though once you're there, it's all included. Colourful rooms are designed by the owner herself, Liz Biden. Gourmet dining. A sublime stay.

  • Honeymoons - This is one to truly treat yourself, a more luxurious safari stay is difficult to find
  • Great walks - Guided bush walks
  • Swimming Pool - Private pools
  • Restrictions on children - Adult only
from $3425 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia