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

• Want to fly to Hoedspruit?

• 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.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Hoedspruit