Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit is a bush town. What that means is that it’s the closest urban centre to a huge number of game lodges, and every second person in town is wearing khaki and driving a big four-by-four. A real, dusty four-by-four, not those shiny urban versions. Hoedspruit is close to the Kruger National Park and a whole lot of private game reserves, so most of the attractions round town are of the safari variety. There is an absolutely superb horseback safari in a Big Five reserve, a great rafting trip on the Olifants River and an elephant-back safari. There are numerous animal breeding and rehabilitation centres around Hoedspruit, which are open to tourists.

A fascinating reptile park offers a look at a whole range of snakes and other creepy crawlies. They even offer a desensitising course for people with snake or spider phobias. There is a silk farm, which you can tour and then buy all manner of indulgent delights.There are some great guest houses and lodges in and around Hoedspruit and the town, although small, has sufficient shops, restaurants and other infrastructure to satisfy most needs.