South Africa’s biggest Big 5 game reserve is 68km away. It will take approximately 1 hour to get to either the Orpen or the Phalaborwa Gate. Day visitors are most welcome. Please check the website to obtain costs, opening and closing hours. During peak times the park may limit the number of day visitors so please consult the website for all the rules and entry requirements.

Mariepskop Nature Reserve is situated at the junction of three conservation areas. The Mariepskop Forest Reserve, Mariepskop State Forest, and the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. The mountain is 1947 meters above sea level and is bordered by sheer cliff faces on several sides. 

The road to the top of Mariepskop is a gravel road and is best done in a 4×4 vehicle. It is not advisable to drive the road during the rainy season or if the road is wet.  The last 7 km of the road is a concrete road that has a steep gradient of 33% in places. The concrete road, however, is completely safe to drive as there are no sheer drop-offs. Once you have reached the top, the road levels off, and you turn left to the viewing site a further 3 km on a narrow concrete road. The views from the top are spectacular and definitely worth the drive.

Please check the website for rules and entry fees.

If you are not terrified of heights, then an early morning Hot Air Balloon ride over the Lowveld section of the Blyde River is for you.

Contact Sun Catchers on +27 87 806 2079 or email them at info@suncatchers.co.za for details.

A fun way to see our beautiful wildlife is an outride through the Wilderness Area. The Equine House is situated here on Zandspruit Bush & Aero Estate. Please contact them on +27 83 564 9605 or via email adri@equinehouse.co.za to book your unique experience.

The Hoedspruit farmers market is on the first Saturday of every month. There are plenty of stalls offering local produce and goods and is well worth a walk around. The market is situated at the Bosveld Centre.

Should you wish to do a guided game drive in one of the Big Five Reserves in and around Hoedspruit or even to the Kruger National Park, contact My Africa on +27 63 381 7738 or email them at bookings@myafrica.co.za to discuss options and prices.

Sometimes at the end of a quiet relaxing day the last thing you feel like doing is cooking. Fortunately, Hoedspruit has several good restaurants to choose from. Below are some of the restaurants we recommend from personal experience. For a more comprehensive list, please consult the Hoedspruit Town website.

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Kalimambo Pub:

Some of the best Indian cuisine we have enjoyed.

• Contact Details: +27 66 254 7456

• Location: Kamogelo Tourism Centre, Ferret Street, Hoedspruit

The Hat & Creek:

An all-round restaurant where everything is delicious.

• Contact Details: +27 15 793 1135

• Location: R527, Hoedspruit

Maroela Bar:

Great place to have a drink. They have the best pizza and offer vegan dishes.

• Contact Details: +27 71 040 4124

• Location: 19 Safari Junction, Hoedspruit

Sleepers Railway Station and Restaurant:

Located in the historic railway station, it is a great family restaurant with a wide selection of food and popular amongst the locals.

• Contact Details: +27 15 793 1014

• Location: Railway Station, 1 Python Street, Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit Padel:

Located just outside the Estate (turn right at the traffic circle outside the gate) this is a great way to get some exercise in during your stay. It is open from 7am – 9pm and also serves some amazing meals. The coffee is a firm favourite.

• Contact Details: +27 71 792 9610

• Location: 1410 Zandspruit Boulevard, Hoedspruit

The Thirsty Giraffe:

Located just outside of town this once small pub / restaurant has expanded and become a very popular spot. The restaurant serves a great selection of South African  food and it has a great atmosphere.

• Contact Details:  +27 676 3374