The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is the same size as the whole of Israel, Slovenia or Wales in the UK. It is a  little smaller than Belgium and about a third of the size of Ireland. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 kilometers (20 000 square kilometers) from north to south along the Mozambique border, is given over to an almost indescribable wildlife experience. Certainly it ranks with the best in Africa and is the flagship of the country’s national parks - rated as the ultimate safari experience.

The Kruger park itself was established in 1898, following a twelve year crusade to conserve the Lowveld wildlife by Paul Kruger, from whom the park takes its name.

Lying in the heart of the Lowveld is a wildlife sanctuary like no other, its atmosphere so unique that it allows those who enter its vastness to immerse themselves in the unpredictability and endless wilderness that is the true quality of Africa.

Bushriver Lodge is situated ideally, with access to both the Phalaborwa Gate as well as the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park. One can arrange excursions into the park with one of the affiliated Safari Tour operators or one is able to do a self drive into the Park. 

One of the country's most scenic Tours or self-drives, the Panorama Route, explores the Mpumalanga highlands, or the north-eastern section of the Great Escarpment of the Drakensberg. In these rugged mountains the plateau comes to an abrupt and dramatic halt, falling steeply away into the Lowveld accompanied by incredible views out over the grasslands of Africa.

The Three Rondavels view point is at the beginning (or end) of the spectacular Blyde River Canyon drive on Mpumalanga's Panorama Route. Shaped like traditional African beehive huts, the Three Rondavels form three huge pinnacles of rock rising above the canyon below. Once known as the Three Sisters, these geological formations are one of the many natural highlights along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route. 

Other points of interest along the panorama route are the famous God's Window, Bourke's luck potholes, Pinnacles, Lisbon Falls and the Berlin Falls.  

Since its establishment in 1990 as the Hoedspruit Cheetah Project, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) has played an important role in the conservation of specific endangered species, particularly cheetahs and rhinos. The Centre focuses on the survival of endangered species through the breeding and maintenance of diverse bloodlines of cheetahs and the rehabilitation of rhinos that have become victims of poaching. 

Above all, the Centre helps create awareness among local and international learners, students and the general public about the importance of wildlife conservation. The Centre is operated as an ecotourism destination with overnight accommodation, offering conservation experience programs and providing research opportunities on the endangered species in their care. 

Situated in the shadow of the majestic “ Mariepskop” which forms part of the mighty Drakensberg mountains, the unique Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a home to many of South Africa’s abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife. Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is extremely proud of its efforts in wildlife education in South Africa. At Moholoholo they are often faced with the difficult decision of what to do with an injured or poisoned animal which will not be able to be released back into the wild. As a result, they have a number of “permanent residents” at the Centre and at their own cost the various species are used as “ambassadors” for their respective species. Members of the public are therefore able to get an up close and personal experience of these incredible creatures and with Moholoholo’s hands on approach they have the ability to demonstrate to the public the threats and problems our wildlife is facing today.

If you are a keen walker or birder, Franklyn Park is a recreational park, located in the Limpopo Province, situated on the Kruger to Canyons birding route, 30km from Hoedspruit and 20km from the Blyde Canyon. The Park is set on rolling lawns, surrounded by indigenous forest and bordered by perennial streams with a colonial 'Out of African' theme. Stone benches are strategically situated next to magnificent fountains and statues, to be enjoyed whilst relaxing and listening to the sounds of nature. After a lovely walk through the rain forest, enjoy a picnic basket to eat alongside the stream. (Booking of Picnic basket 48 hours in advance is essential).

Hoedspruit Reptile Centre (HRC) is one of the oldest and most well-known reptile centres in Africa, having been in operation since 1984. It has grown from humble beginnings into a hub of innovative learning. It is a well-respected conservation, training and education facility. HRC is an accredited facility that is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of African reptiles and amphibians.

In January 2020, the reptile park was taken over by Chris Cooke. Chris had previously been a curator at the Centre between 2007-2011 before working at other renowned institutions such as the National Zoological Gardens, Johannesburg Zoo and Montecasino Brid Gardens. With the new ownership, the Centre, which has previously been known as Swadini Reptile Park, Khamai Reptile Centre and Kinyonga Reptile Centre, is shedding its old skin for the last time and starting fresh as Hoedspruit Reptile Centre. Chris and the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre team are looking forward to building on the Centre's reputation and upholding and maintaining the Centre's strict ethos of "conservation through education and research".

Most people experience the Blyde River Canyon from the views along the Panorama Route, high atop the cliffs of the canyon. The boat cruise offers a slightly different view point and one that is equally astonishing. The trip takes you on a fascinating journey to some of the most scenic points of the canyon lead by a guide who is happy to point out any hippos or crocodiles you may see on the way, along with many other types of wildlife that call the canyon home. Perhaps the most popular sight along the cruise is the Kadishi Tufa waterfall, the second largest in the world.

As an artist with his muse being the seduction of the African Bush, Hoedspruit called to Warren Cary as the place to immerse himself in, to be free to observe and experience the African bush, and to express his passion in creating his Wildlife Art Master Pieces. In 2011 Warren left the rat-race of Johannesburg and set up life in “The Hoed” as a full time Wildlife Artist.

With a lack of Wildlife Galleries worldwide, Warren felt it was imperative that South Africa needed a space to showcase quality Wildlife Art. Hoedspruit, being the gateway to some the best wildlife parks and game reserves in South Africa, was the perfect location for a Prestigious Wildlife Art Gallery, and in 2017, Warren, along with 3 other founding artists (Including the extremely talented artist, Kim Kay) opened the doors to the Warren Cary Wildlife Gallery.

The gallery has grown from strength to strength, building a reputation of showcasing Quality Wildlife Artworks in a space that is elegant, refined and non-intimidating.

The gallery has attracted a number of extremely talented South African Artists across a range of mediums and showcasing various wildlife art viewpoints.

The Blyde River Canyon Reserve extends along the Blyde River Canyon's winding path, which at every turn offers more and more impressive views over sheer edges dropping 800m into the riverbed. The Blyde River Canyon is considered one of the largest canyons on Earth and may be the largest ‘green canyon’ -it has a particularly lush subtropical covering. The fresh mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment are quite spectacular and give the area its name of 'Panorama Route'. Viewpoints are named for the spectacle they offer, and God's Window and Wonder View hint at the magnitude of the scenery.

One of the most scenic roads you can take in the Hoedspruit Region. Mariepskop Mountain, at 1,945 meters above sea level is one of the highest peaks in the northern Drakensberg and the highest point of the Blyde River Canyon.

There’s not a lot of people who are aware of this road winding up to the very top of the mountain, as well as into the heart of the Blyde River Canyon up to a very scenic picnic spot right next to the Blyde River that runs through the canyon. You can visit the top of Mariepskop and enjoy a picnic, all in one day. Standing on the edge near the towers gives you a view of the Kruger National Park, granite koppies up to the town of Phalaborwa.

Feeling energetic! Looking for a fun challenge? Well get on your hiking gear and head to the Blyde River Canyon and get on the Hippo Trail. The route is roughly 18 kilometers from beginning to end and it is advisable to start early so that you can complete the hike while it is light. You will need to get a permit from the Forever Resort in order to go on the hike. Avoid disappointment and pack in your camera as the scenery is phenomenal and you will definitely want to take a snapshot or two along the way. There is an abundance of wildlife and birdlife in the area and of course the chance to see a hefty hippo and more. Please be cautious and do not approach or disturb animals seen along the trail.

Looking to explore our own reserve? Enjoy a nice morning or afternoon walk  following one of our new hiking trails. There are 3 loops available with varying lengths ( +- 3 - 7- 9 km).  Detailed information can be given at reception. Spot our general wildlife on foot or pack your binoculars for some birding at the hide.  

Feeling adventures ! Please ask for a map of the reserve if you prefer to explore some other routes.

Mountain bikes available to rent. Please enquire in advance of arrival. 

Zwakala means 'come closer'. It is this convivial African spirit that they brew the award winning brews with. Established in 2016, Zwakala Brewery - Magoebaskloof are an independent & proudly South African craft brewery.

Luca Tooley,  head brewer says that...
"Magoebaskloof is a very special place, and I was so lucky to grow up here. The area is an adventurer’s delight with trout fishing, hiking, river swimming and horse-riding. It also has a very welcoming local feel that I think visitors really enjoy and come back for. Our pure mountain water that we brew with is of such high quality & it really comes out in the flavour of the beer. Our beers are crisp and refreshing and our brewery’s location is unique - an adventure to get there.
I come from a big vivacious family & we live by the motto “the more the merrier” Craft beer reconnects the consumer to beer that is slow-brewed, locally-owned and full of flavour. My love of beer and Limpopo inspires me!"

They have grown both locally and nationally and in 2019 their Lager was awarded the Best Light Beer in the Country. They  are extremely proud of their award winning brews and strive to maintain the high standard of brewing.

Discover a magical place where mountain meets river and the spirit of adventure is born. MAGOEBASKLOOF ADVENTURES specialises in adventure tourism, teambuilding and youth development. They welcome day visitors, holidaymakers, youth groups and corporate clients, with appropriate facilities for all.

Adventure activities available to day visitors, holidaymakers, youth groups, and corporate clients include: The Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour, White water Tubing, Abseiling, Climbing wall, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Paintball, Kloofing or Canyoning and more.

High in the Lobedu Mountains near Duiwelskloof and situated next to the home of the fabled rain queen, lies the Modjadji Cycad Reserve, boasting some of the oldest and largest Cycad specimens on earth.

The 530 hectare Modjadji Nature Reserve, situated in the Bolobedu district of Lebowa, north-east of Duiwelskloof, contains one of the most fascinating population of plants seen in South Africa.

Once the main diet of the prehistoric mammal-like reptiles that lived here, the Modjadji cycad (Encephalartos transvenosus) forms a unique natural forest which can be viewed in its prehistoric state thanks to its strict protection by succeeding generations of Modjadji ('rain queens'), the hereditary rulers in the area.

The lands of the Modjadji tribe, a matriarchal society that has produced five rain queens (only women are allowed to enter the village), surround the reserve, with traditional vernacular, architecture and culture.

It is here in the Modjadji Nature Reserve that visitors can view the largest concentration of a single cycad species in the world. These protected plant species not only grow in profusion in the area, but are giants in the genus of 29 species, with specimens up 1,013 meters high, and bearing cones that may weigh up to 34 kilograms.

December to February sees many of these strange plants in seed. The setting is superb. When mist does not obscure the view, the visitor gazes over the cycad forest to the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park.