Side Trips

Jessica is a 23-year-old hippopotamus who lives near Hoedspruit. She is so special and unique because she is a wild animal that interacts with humans. Jessica has become somewhat of a worldwide celebrity. When you visit Jessica, you’ll view a short video on her story, feed her a snack, and then give her some tea (along with some pets and kisses).

You’ll arrive at Camp Jabulani at sunrise for a personal interaction with one of Africa’s most majestic creatures. You’ll hear the stories of how the elephants came to the camp. This incredible start to your day will include the opportunity to touch a few of the elephants, exchange trunk greetings, and feed them some treats.

Take a ride on horseback to get closer to nature on a trail created by the wildlife. The estate is home to Giraffes, Zebras, Wildebeest, Waterboks, Nyalas, Impalas, Kudus, Steenboks, Duikers, and Warthogs. You may even come across Leopards on your ride. Whether you’re a bird watcher or animal lover, a horseback ride is the perfect way to experience the bush.

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre is unique in its focus on the conservation and sustainability of rare, vulnerable, and threatened species. During your visit to the Centre, you’ll get close to many endangered species including Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, Ground Hornbills, and Sable, just to name a few.

Hoedspruit Reptile Centre focuses on conservation through education and research, volunteering, and internship placements. The park is home to a diverse variety of local and exotic reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. Specialized courses including photographic tours, reptile orientation, and reptile handling courses are available. They can even help you with your reptile- or arachnid-related phobias!

This unique Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is home to many of South Africa’s abandoned, injured, and poisoned wildlife. Because of this, many of the rescue animals have become permanent residents and ambassadors for their respective species. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with them during your visit. The Centre is home to the famous Honey Badger, Stoffel, who is well known for coming up with creative ways to escape his enclosure. Also, be sure to visit the “Vulture restaurant” where you can see a number of vulture species.

Game drives are conducted on a 13,000+ acre (5,500 hectares) Big 5 Game Reserve, which is home to a huge variety of wildlife with wide-ranging views of the beautiful Drakensberg Mountain Range and Blyde River Canyon. ​Jump aboard open safari vehicles and encounter animals species such as Lions, Elephants, Cheetah, Leopard, African Wild Dog, both Black and White Rhino as well as a host of general game.

Kruger National Park boasts nearly 5 million acres (2 million hectares) of unrivaled diversity of life forms, spectacular wildlife, and world-renowned historical and archaeological sites. It’s recommended to spend at least two days in Kruger and participate in a night drive, where nocturnal animals, such as Hyenas, can be spotted.

Tshukudu Private Game Reserve borders the world-renowned Greater Kruger National Park and combines home comforts with the exciting Big 5 safari experience (lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, and buffalo). The lodge has magnificent views of the Drakensberg Mountains and offers close encounters with some of the rehabilitated orphaned animals in their natural habitat.

Experience Hoedspruit from the air on an early morning hot air balloon ride. The terrain is a mixture of farmland, private nature preserves, and wildlife estates. The mountains to the south and west will add to your experience. Keep an eye out for an early morning game drive to see wildlife such as Giraffe and Wildebeest. Please be aware this adventure is weather dependent.

Enjoy the ultimate air & water day tour. You’ll be picked up by helicopter to experience the savanna from above. You’ll land in Phalaborwa, on the banks of the Olifants River (a tributary of the mighty Limpopo River). There you’ll board the Kambaku, a comfortable house boat, to cruise the river looking for Crocodiles, Hippos, Buffalo, Elephants, Waterboks and a wide variety of other wildlife on the lush green banks of the river.

Blyde Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, and is known as the world’s largest “green canyon” due to its lush subtropical foliage. On this river cruise you’ll see the magnificent Kadishi Tufa waterfall, the second tallest tufa waterfall in the world (around 660 feet). The formation that has been produced by the Kadishi falls resembles a face which is crying profusely, and is thus sometimes known as “the weeping face of nature.” Watch the river banks for Crocodile, Hippopotamus, and other wildlife.

The Klaserie Waterfalls are in the forestry section of Mariepskop Mountain, along the Drakensberg range. It’s a secluded area with views that go on for miles when you hike up to the top.

The old Baobab tree in our area is truly a sight to see. It is humbling to admire the immense size of the tree and fascinating to hear old folklore about the Baobab. It’s fun to take a photo with someone standing in front of the tree to truly grasp it’s size.

Selati Game Reserve is a 74,000+ acre (30,000 hectare) private reserve that hosts the Big 5, as well as a large population of Black and White Rhinos. There are also many plains game species such as Kudu, Waterbok, and Impala, just to name a few.

This route consists of driving throughout the Drakensberg mountain range to visit unique sightseeing areas. Some of the locations to see include:

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Three Rondavels

God’s Window 

Lisbon Falls 

Mac Mac Falls 

And many more.

There is some physical walking involved, but nothing serious.

Sometimes the best views are found while on foot. There are a variety of hiking trails in the area. However, the most notable spot for hiking is the Drakensberg mountains. There are many trails for both novice and expert hikers.

The history and culture of the African tribes come to life at Nyani Cultural Village. The cultural showcase is presented in a natural setting under the thatch roof open-air Boma theater, following the tribes from the past to present. After the show you’ll be led to the Shangaan village. There you’ll learn about the agriculture, family duties, and tribal customs. Interaction and hands-on participation is encouraged in building huts, grinding maize, and other activities.

Relax and rejuvenate with an African spa experience. Various treatments are available, including full-body massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures.

South Africa is very famous for their Wine, now is the time to taste it! There are also some local Gin and Beer brewers in the area.