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Frequently Asked Questions

The Estate

Where is the estate?

Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate can be found on the south-western edge of Hoedspruit town, on the R527 Main Road.

24°21’32.8″S 30°56’44.6″E

Where are the estate offices?

The offices of the Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate Home Owners Association (RVHOA) can be found outside of the estate at unit number 14 Safari Junction (24°21’34.3″S 30°56’38.0″E).  Office hours are 08h00 to 16h00 Monday to Friday.

How is the estate managed?

Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate is run by a board of directors elected by the Home Owners Association for a two year period.

The directors are supported by a number of sub-committees, namely

  • Building & Construction
  • Communication
  • Ecology & Estate Management
  • Finance
  • Security
  • Health & Safety
  • Projects/Maintenance

Our General Manager is James Cary and he is assisted by two estate managers and their staff of workers on the estate, as well as two admin staff.

As a resident, what communication will I receive from the Raptor’s View Home Owners Association?

A monthly news bulletin is emailed to update residents on current estate events. We also have a WhatsApp notification service from the office for short updates, emergency notifications as well as noteworthy wildlife sightings.

How can I find out more about the estate?

All relevant documentation is found under “Estate Rules”

You can also read more in our newsletters and past issues of  The Raptor. 

Wildlife

Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate has ‘plains game’. What does this mean?

‘Plains game’ refers to all those species of animals which are to be found in the savannah habitats of southern Africa, excluding big five animals as well as crocodile and hippopotamus (we do have leopard). A checklist of birds, mammals reptiles and amphibians recorded on the estate can be found here.

Leisure

What leisure activities are available on Raptor’s View?

Being an estate with plains game means that residents are safe, with the usual precautions, to walk and cycle on the estate. Aardvark map,  Zebra map and Lion and Buffalo map.

What vehicles can I use on the estate?

The roads in Raptor’s View are gravel/sand roads and normal sedan cars as well as four by four vehicles and game viewers are permitted on the roads. The 30 km/h speed limit is strictly enforced.

Quad bikes are not permitted and motorbikes may only be used for access to and from private homes with written permission from the Board.

Access to the estate by large delivery vehicles is restricted.

They may:

– not have horse and trailer trucks or interlinks; 

– if double axel trucks, not have a capacity in excess of 10 cubic metres; 

– not have a height in excess of 3.5 metres from ground level; 

– not have a length in excess of 10 metres  

I have heard about traverse rights, what are they?

A number of Raptor’s View residents have purchased praedial servitudes giving them access to traverse the neighbouring Welverdiend/Khaya Ndlovu reserve where big game may be viewed, subject to certain rules and conditions. These traverse rights can be purchased through local estate agents subject to availability and are linked to the title deeds of individual properties. Contact secretary.whoa@gmail.com for further information.

Security and access to the estate

How is the estate secured?

We have outsourced our security on the estate. The estate has a guard house at the main entrance and at the Contractor’s gate where access to the estate is controlled, and the electrified game fencing on all boundaries is checked on a regular basis by patrol vehicles.

Cameras are located in the high risk areas of the estate.

A home security system is available to residents at their own cost. A roving patrol service can be booked to check on houses when residents are away – contact the office for details.

Who has access to the estate?

Residents access the estate through the main gate using an access card which is provided by the RVHOA office, and guests may be given access by residents.

Contractors, suppliers, domestic, gardening, pool and other services enter the estate through the Contractor’s Gate using a biometric system.

Learn more on our security page. 

Emergencies

How do I respond to an emergency on the estate?

In case of an emergency on the estate, contact estate management, or in the case of a medical emergency, contact Hoedspruit Medical Rescue.

Emergency contact numbers are:

Security – Estate Management 071 675 2525

Hoedspruit Medical Rescue 072 170 0864 (Pieter Papsdorf)

Fire Department 015 713 0536

I have heard about Farmwatch. What is it?

We have an excellent and very active Farmwatch/Townwatch association which offers the community a safety support service and their reaction unit will assist and respond to emergency calls from their members in any situation that potentially indicates a threat to life or property. They work closely with the South African Police Service.

Hoedspruit town has many CCTV cameras and they are an indispensable tool in keeping our town safe. This system needs camera monitors – this can be down from the comfort of your own home – you just need a computer and good internet connection and power backup to cover loadshedding. Contact Farmwatch if you would like to assist with this work.

Raptor’s View is a member of the association and residents fall under this membership. However, residents are also able to sign up directly with Farmwatch/Townwatch or donate to support their valuable work.

Contact Farmwatch to join or donate: 083 647 7951.

Security updates and information are posted on the Hoedspruit Community Policing Forum Facebook Group – see more HERE

What do I do if I find a snake or other large reptile in or near to my house? 

Snakes are generally more afraid of you than you are of them and will often distance themselves if given the opportunity; but a cornered (venomous) snake or a large monitor could be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Such creatures should not be killed. If it is safe to do so, look carefully so that you can describe it and then call the estate duty manager for assistance on 071 675 2525.

Snake removals are also organised through the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre on 015 795 5203 or 064 516 7439.

Fire

Call our farm manager on 071 675 2525. Property firebreaks are mandatory and fire extinguishers, fire hoses and beaters are highly recommended.

Lifestyle and rules

What are important rules for living on Raptor’s View?

We have some essential rules which protect our lifestyle and safety on the estate. Further details may be found in the Residents Handbook but the core principles are:

Speeding

Our speed limit is strictly 30km p/h.  Many people walk and cycle on the Estate, including children, and many vulnerable small creatures are found on the roads – snakes, chameleons, squirrels, birds etc.

Domestic pets

Domestic Pets are not allowed on the estate. The estate is very firm about the no pets policy because it prevents interbreeding with our indigenous wildlife populations, and because domestic pets can spread diseases to which our wildlife has no resistance. Read the article written by pet psychologist Dr Melvyn Greenburg (aka Dr. Platzhund) who used to own a property on Raptor’s here. 

Feeding of wildlife

Feeding of Wildlife is not allowed; it not only disturbs the natural foraging behaviour of the animals but creates in them a dependency to being fed. This in turn leads to them becoming habituated and unafraid of humans. In particular, monkeys, baboons, porcupine, warthog and nyala can very soon become a problem – creating damage to property and risk to residents.

Noise & Light Pollution

Raptor’s View is a tranquil, quiet wildlife estate and all residents are requested to respect this quality of life and keep noise to a minimum, especially after 22h00. No noise will be permitted from 22h00 until 06h30 each day and power tools may only be used during the hours of 07h30 to 17h00 on Mondays to Fridays and 08h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays.

Every consideration should be given to making sure that lighting does not impact on neighbouring properties, especially in boma and braai areas. View our Architectural Rules here.

Drones

Drones are not permitted to fly over the estate or in the local area for the sake of privacy of residents. In any event they may not be flown 10 kilometres or closer to an airport without special permission from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

Indigenous Plants

Indigenous Plants – to protect our environment and animals, no exotic plants may be planted on the estate.

Firebreaks

Property firebreaks are mandatory and are a safety precaution which needs to be maintained annually. This includes grass cutting, some bush clearing and trimming of trees that are particularly close to thatch roofs. Fire extinguishers, fire hoses and beaters are essential. These precautions are also pre-requisites for property insurance.

Building and home ownership

What are the main building rules for the estate?

The Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate Architectural Rules are intended to protect the bushveld ambience and character of the estate. They include the construction of houses which are single storey only, built within a 20m radius of the central plot peg, have thatched roofs and with exterior walls painted in one of the approved estate colours. All additions and alterations require approval from the RVHOA building committee. A copy of these Rules can be found here. 

Can I fence my 1 ha property?

In order to allow our wildlife free movement within the estate, the architectural rules do not allow for fencing of properties.

How is refuse removed on the estate and is there any form of recycling?

Domestic refuse and mixed recycling are collected every Thursday and we actively encourage recycling. 

Black bin bags must be used for wet and other non-recyclable waste and coloured bags, available from the office, are used for the wide range of materials which can now be recycled.

All refuse bags awaiting collection must be placed in an animal proof bin or cage. The estate manager and his team can advise residents how to make their bins etc. baboon proof. It is essential that homeowners cooperate with this in order to avoid problems with all wildlife, but primates in particular, trying to access waste food.

Items for recycling include: paper, tin, glass and plastic.
The recyclables do not need to be separated out.

Items NOT for recycling include: wet waste (foodstuffs, disposable nappies), wood, material, silicone, batteries, light bulbs & fluorescent tubes, printer cartridges, electronics, screws & nails.

Our recycling is collected weekly by SkipGO and taken to Gadifeli Waste Reclaimers, a recycling yard, near the Municipal London landfill site in a joint initiative with Kruger 2 Canyon Biosphere.

Cardboard boxes are either collected by a recycler from Phalaborwa for baling or taken to Gadifeli Waste Reclaimers.

Fox Metal Recycle is at the Driehoek Business Center (R527) just outside town and they take most household steel items – fridges, stoves, washing machines etc. They also take car batteries and large lithium (inverter) batteries.

There is currently no recycling option for electrical waste or domestic batteries in Hoedspruit.

Will there be levies and what will they pay for ?

Monthly levies are charged to cover general maintenance of the estate such as road maintenance, hides and dams, ecology and animal husbandry. There is also a monthly capital levy which makes provision for capital projects and development such as the current road improvement project.

Schools

The Hoedspruit area is well served by a number of good schools including one on the estate, giving parents choices with regard to the education of their children.

What is Southern Cross Schools? It seems to be located on Raptor’s View Estate.

Southern Cross Schools are situated on the northern edge of Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate, sharing land with the Estate but with a separate entrance at Safari Junction and run independently from Raptor’s View Wildlife Estate. It is a co-educational, independent day and boarding school offering pre-school, preparatory and college education to Grade 12.

At the time of the development of Raptor’s View Estate, the developer Trevor Jordan was approached by two mothers, Heidi Smith and Sue Godding, to set aside a few hectares on which a private school could be established. Southern Cross Schools is the result of this and the hard work by dedicated individuals who had the vision of a school in the bushveld with a focus not only on the highest standard of education, but also on developing a respect and appreciation for nature and the environment. The school is known to be a major contributing factor in the success of Raptor’s View as more and more young families move here and make it home. Visit their website. 

Hoedspruit Town

Hoedspruit, an Afrikaans word meaning Hat Creek, is a small but growing tourism and agricultural centre. Hoedspruit is located in Maruleng Municipality in the central Lowveld, near to the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. It falls within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, an area of great natural beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hoedspruit is surrounded by rich farmlands, primarily mango and citrus production. It is also surrounded by private game reserves and the area attracts tourists from around the world, making eco-tourism a significant contributor to the local economy.

Air Transport

Eastgate Airport, a national airport which is only short drive from Hoedspruit town,  accommodates several daily flights linking the area to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

There is also a Hoedspruit Civil Airfield within the town with a flying school.

Hoedspruit is home to the Hoedspruit Air Force Base of the South African Air Force.

Shops and restaurants

All essential shopping is available in Hoedspruit with a wider selection of shops to be found in Phalaborwa, Tzaneen or Nelspruit. There is a good choice of restaurants within the town and at various locations in the surrounding area.

Where can I find out more about Hoedspruit?  

See Wild About Hoedspruit and Visit Hoedspruitfor more details on the town and surrounds.

Hoedspruit has a strong community spirit and there are several Facebook sites for the town:

The Hoedspruit Chamber of Commerce is actively working with several local stakeholders to improve the town’s standing and promote regular farmer’s markets and fund-raising events.  Find their Facebook Page here.

What are useful contact numbers for Hoedspruit town?

Hoedspruit Police                         015 799 4000

Farmwatch                                    072 310 0032

Hoedspruit Fire Brigade               015 793 0536 or 015 793 0728

Eastgate Airport                            015 793 3681

Hoedspruit Clinic                          015 793 9000/9026

What is the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region?

The Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region is situated in the north eastern region of South Africa, straddling the Limpopo and Mpumalanga Provinces. It includes two of South Africa’s key tourism sites – the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon, as well as one of the leading international floral hotspots, the Wolkberg Region.

For more information access KrugertoCanyons.org. 

What attractions and activities are there in the Hoedspruit area?

From visits to the world famous Kruger National Park, to ballooning over the Blyde canyon, boat cruises on the Blyde Dam at Swadini, and trips to the iconic Mariepskop mountain, the Hoedspruit area is rich in attractions and activities.

A map is available from the Tourist Centre and shops.

Mariepskop

At 1 945m above sea level, is the highest peak in the northern Drakensberg Escarpment. Its height has led to the presence of the military radar equipment on the top of the mountain that has aided the preservation of the area. It is extremely scenic, offering fantastic views and botanic diversity. Added attractions are forest walking trails, the Klaserie Falls, the Blyde Picnic Site as well as rustic accommodation in the forestry settlement.  It is run by the Department of Water & Forestry and an entry permit is required from the office (during office hours) to access the mountain. Call 015 793 2581/3 or Adam on 072 876 7186  for weekend or after hours permits.

Wildlife
Wildlife is a central theme of life in Hoedspruit and the area is surrounded by a huge range of opportunities to access wild spaces, including the Kruger National Park Orpen and Phalaborwa gates (both within an hour’s drive of Hoedspruit), and an array of private nature reserves and safari lodges. In addition there are several wildlife centres:
Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is an easy day trip from Hoedspruit, giving access to, among others, the Three Rondawels, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Pinnacle, the Graskop Gorge Adventure Hub and a number of impressive waterfalls. Towns to visit along this route include Graskop, Pilgrim’s Rest and Sabie.

Other sites to visit are the ghost town of Leydsdorp – on the R71 from Tzaneen, turn off at Gravelotte and  a  dirt road leads to this gold-rush town.  Make sure to stop at the Giant Baobab on this route . 

History and Cultural visits

History and Culture are also evident through visits to:

Outdoor activities

Outdoor activities are perfect in this region of mild weather and wilderness areas, and opportunities for them abound:

Medical Practitioners

You can download a full list of medical services available in Hoedspruit here. 

What medical facilities can be found in Hoedspruit?
We are fortunate to have excellent medical practitioners in Hoedspruit town. There is an Ampath pathology laboratory and an AfriRad Medical Imaging practice.  A private hospital is well underway and is due to open in late 2024. See more HERE

Contact Us

  • 14 Safari Junction
  • P O Box 1502, Hoedspruit, 1380
  • 015 793 0267
  • Email HOA

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© Images to Raptor’s View Home Owners with special thanks to Derek Keats, Mark Lotwis, Derek Solomon, Steve Benbow, Mike Whatmore, Dianne Roerig, Natalie Chiasson and all our active Facebook contributors.