Orpen Gate is around an hours’ drive from Hoedspruit. From Hoedspruit you can easily drive yourself through the Kruger or book an exciting open vehicle safari with one of our qualified, specialist Kruger Park guides. We would need at least 24hrs to arrange this so it would be best if you book before you arrive.
There are various restaurants and places to get food in the park but we can recommend that you take food with you. Ciao Bella next to the estates’ entrance gate will do packed meals for you or Fig & Bean at the Rockfig Centre which is 2 minutes from the estates’ gates. Go and see them the day before (closed on Sundays)
At the beginning of 2000, after devastating floods, a baby hippo, only a few hours old, was found on the banks of the Blyde River by Tonie & Shirley Joubert. She was too exhausted to walk and allowed them to pick her up and take her back to their farm. They fed her a special formula and slowly she regained her strength and spent her days with the dogs on the farm! From Monday to Saturday you can visit Jessica from 09h30-11h00 and from 14h30-15h30 and on Sunday from 09h30-11h00. You get to feed Jessica her snack of the day followed by 2 bottles of tea and then a back rub!
Established in 1991, the centre cares for injured, poisoned and orphaned animals & birds of prey. Their aim is to rehabilitate and return them to the wild which is not always possible, so consequently they have quite a few permanent residents such as cheetah, wild dogs, lions, honey badgers, vultures, crowned eagles etc. A visit to the centre is highly recommended. There are 2 tours a day at 09h30 and 15h00.
Tours through the centre have been designed to accommodation a broad spectrum of visitors that will hopefully please everyone. There is a self-guided tour for any number of guests, there is no need to book and you can go at any time between 08h00-17h00. The guided tours are all for a min of 6 people but if you would like a more informative experience you can pay for 6 people. Tours start from R100 per person
Enjoy the splendour of the third largest canyon in the World. It’s the largest “green canyon” due to its’ lush subtropical foliage. An interpretive tour with a qualified guide that takes you to the Kadishi Tufa Waterfall which at 200m is the second tallest tufa waterfall on earth. See the Three Rondavels from below and an abundance of wildlife. Times vary so it is best to book in advance at least a day before, click on the Book Now button on their website. http://www.blydecanyon.co.za/water_activities
Discovered in 1923 by a farmer searching for a source of water, Echo Caves is a fascinating site to visit. The cave consists of impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations which can be viewed comfortably from walkways with electric lights, railings & staircases. Most recent discoveries include the Madonna and Crystal Palace chambers. The most strenuous walk is to the Crystal Palace which is also one of the most beautiful halls in the cave. Guided tours are available daily from 08h30 to 16h00 and last for around 45mins to an hour.
Enjoy a horse trail through the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, viewing game en route. The trail follows a riverine route, which consists of 2 dams, where one often finds various species of game coming down to drink as well as many species of birds. They cater for beginners and advanced riders. Max weight 90kgs. Bookings are essential.
Offering the finest selection of premium coffees, Hoedspruit Coffee Purveyors conducts coffee tastings and chocolate pairings from 08h00-12h00, Mon-Fri. You will be able to see first-hand their coffee roasting process and get a taste of the freshest coffee available.
An interesting 3-hour tour of Hlokomela’s main operational sites, starting at Hlokomela’s Main Clinic and Women’s Clinic which is located 19kms outside Hoedspruit. Your guide, Fia, will share information on what they do, why they do it and who they do it for. From here you will visit the Richmond Creche, one of the farms’ creches located at a typical farmworkers’ village.
The 3rd stop on the tour is Hlokomela Herb Garden, one of Hlokomela’s income generating projects, where you will enjoy a tour of the garden experiencing the taste, feel & smell of their fresh herbs before enjoying one of their refreshing herbal drinks.
The last stop is the Hlokomela Market which includes their sewing project and charity shop. Next door is their spaza shop that sells their herbal syrups, soft toys and fabric bags. This tour can also be combined with an afternoon tour & traditional lunch at Nourish, another of Hoedspruit’s community projects.
+27 (0)79 494 6278
+27 (0)82 825 0631
ask@444ontaaibos.co.za
tracey@safarisa.co.za
444 Taaibos Street, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, 1380
24°20'43.4"S - 30°57'59.2"E
