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.
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.
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.
See Wild About Hoedspruit and Visit Hoedspruit for 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.
Hoedspruit Police 015 799 4000 / 079 889 4407
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
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.
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.
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 for weekend or after hours permits.
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 a number of wildlife centres:
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.
History and Culture are also evident through visits to:
Outdoor activities are perfect in this region of mild weather and wilderness areas, and opportunities for them abound:
You can download a full list of medical services available in Hoedspruit here.
We are fortunate to have excellent medical practitioners in Hoedspruit town. There is currently no hospital or private clinic in the town, although there is a government clinic and plans are in progress for the construction of a private clinic.
Registered Nurse on Raptor’s View – Rista Terblanche – 24/7, does house calls. | 082 481 7053 |
Professional nurse on Call after hours (6pm to 6am) | 063 051 2999 |
Dr. Blignaut | 015 793 1894 |
Dr. Loftie-Eaton (Trauma/Emergency) | 071 696 2522 |
Dr. Ndlovu | 015 793 1257 |
Dr. Kirstein | 087 655 5017 |
Dr. Scheepers | 013 795 5017 |
Dr. Venter (Homopathic Medicine) | 072 797 3785 |
Dr. du Toit (Paediatrician) | 082 556 0995 |
Dr. Fourie | 084 666 3116 |
Dr. Louw | 015 793 1876 |
Dr. van Eeden | 015 867 4809 |
Dr. Jansen van Vuuren | 015 793 084 |
© 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.
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