Side Trips

Extend your stay in Hoedspruit and take advantage of some of our favorite excursions. We partner with the best local operators to offer unique and memorable side trips. We are happy to arrange all bookings for you. All of these activities start within a 30-minute drive from your Chivic camp.

Meet Jessica the Hippo

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).

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Cost

$17 per person (USD)

Time

1-2 hours

Website

http://www.jessicahippo.com/

Camp Jabulani Elephant Interaction

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.

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Cost

$90 per person (USD)

Time

1-1.5 hours

Website

Jubalani Safari

African Dream Horseback Riding

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.

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Cost

$32-$48 per person (USD) Varies based on excursion selected.

Time

1-2 hours

Website

https://africandreamhorsesafari.co.za/

Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

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.

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Cost

$40 per person (USD)

Time

2-3 hours

Website

http://hesc.co.za/

Hoedspruit Reptile Centre

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!

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Cost

$10-150 per person (USD), depending on tour selected

Time

1-2 hours

Website

Hoedspruit Reptile Centre

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab

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.

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Cost

$25 per person

Time

2-2.5 hours

Website

http://www.moholoholo.co.za/facility/wildlife-rehabilitation-centre/

Khaya Ndlovu Open Vehicle Game Drive

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.

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Cost

$90 per person (USD)

Time

3-4 hours

Website

Khaya Ndlovu Reserve

Kruger National Park

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.

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Cost

$30 – $300 per person (USD) Varies based on excursion and time spent in Kruger.

Time

At least one full day. Can spend the night in Kruger.

Website

https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/

Tshukudu Game Reserve

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.

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Cost

Varies based on tour selected

Time

Up to full day

Website

Tshukudu Game Reserve

Hot Air Ballooning

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.

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Cost

$310 per person (USD)

Time

Approximately 1 hour in the air

Website

http://www.suncatchers.co.za/index.htm

Helicopter and River Safari

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.

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Cost

$400 per person (USD)

Time

1 hour in the air + 2 hours on the water

Website

http://olifantsriversafaris.co.za/raft-trips

Blyde River Canyon River Boat Cruise

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.

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Cost

$25 per person (USD)

Time

1-2 hours

Website

http://www.blydecanyon.co.za/

Hike the Klaserie Falls

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.

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Cost

$___ per person (USD)

Time

Half day to full day

Website

https://www.klaserienaturereserve.com

Old Baobab Tree

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.

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Cost

$12 per person (USD)

Time

1 hour

Website

The Big Baobab Tree

Selati Open Vehicle Game Drive

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.

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Cost

$45 per person (USD)

Time

3-4 hours

Website

Selati Game Reserve

Panorama Route

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.

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Cost

$140 per person (USD)

Time

Full day

Hiking Trails

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.

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Cost

$17 per person (USD)

Time

Full day

Website

Drakensberg Hikes

Nyani Cultural Village

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.

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Cost

$37 per person (USD)

Time

2-3 hours

Website

http://www.nyaniculturalvillage.com/

African Spa Escape

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

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Cost

Full body massage: $95 (USD)
Mini massage, manicure, and pedicure: $130 (USD)
Mini massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure: $150 (USD)

Time

Varies based on services selected

Wine and Gin Tasting

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.

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Cost

$45 per person (USD)

Time

Varies based on places visited.