Hoedspruit and Greater Kruger, Limpopo

Valley of the Olifants...

Directly translated from the Afrikaans the relatively small town of Hoedspruit, which lies at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg on the old Selati railway line from Phalaborwa to Kaapmuiden, means “hat creek”. The story involves one of the town’s pioneers who took off his hat, after a particularly arduous trek over the mountains into the heat of the Lowveld, and threw it into the Sandspruit River, making an impulsive decision to stay. Hoedspruit finds itself in an enviable position today because of its access to the private game areas of the Timbavati and Klaserie.

Hoedspruit is located a stone’s throw away from the Kruger National Park and is surrounded by game-rich country that makes it an obvious stopover for adventures to come. As a result, what began merely as a couple of shops, a bank and a little rondavel that served as a station building, has grown into what is today marketed as a premier eco-tourist destination and one of the fastest growing towns, because of its association with some of the best ‘Big 5’ viewing in South Africa.

The friendly atmosphere of this amazing little town and the unbelievable amount of attractions and things to do, keeps you coming back to visit again and again!