Hoedspruit is a town situated at the foot of the Klein Drakensberg mountain range, in the centre of the Lowveld, in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The town borders on the Kruger National park and is located in an area known as the 'Valley of the Olifants'. Hoedspruit, still a small and comparatively unspoilt tourism and agriculturally orientated town, has grown to be a significant tourism centre.
 
A great tourism destination
 
Accommodation options range from B&B's to lodges, chalets, guesthouses, game lodges, game reserves and backpackers. Some of the well-known private game reserves include Kapama, Timbavati and Thornybush. The area has a wonderful all-year-round climate: sub-tropical, with hot summers (a generous rainy season) and warm winters (with a little nip in the air early-morning and late-night).
 
The Hoedspruit Research and Breeding Centre for endangered African wildlife species covers 100ha within the Kapama Private Game Reserve. Kapama is the largest private game reserve outside the Kruger National Park. Here you can have an exciting wildlife and game-viewing experience from the back of an elephant. Other safari experiences include day and night game drives on open safari vehicles, river boat cruises and guided bush walks in the company of highly skilled game rangers. The Reserve is home to a wide variety of game including the Big 5. Bird-watching is most rewarding on the reserve and more than 350 bird species have been recorded.
 
The mission of Daktari Bush School & Wildlife Orphanage is to inspire and educate local underprivileged children to care for their environment through the medium of a wildlife orphanage. Daktari is a registered non-profit company close to Hoedspruit. Every week they have a new group of 8 local underprivileged children, offering the opportunity to discover, learn and become passionate about wildlife and conservation.
 
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre has daily tours. This well-known rehabilitation centre cares for injured and poisoned wildlife and is engaged in successful breeding programs. In addition to rehabilitation programs, Moholoholo also coordinates animal control efforts in farm areas, by relocating "problem" animals to more open spaces and hosts a permanent residence for animals too hurt or injured to ever return to the wild.
 
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) is dedicated to the research and breeding of endangered species such as cheetah, the African wild dog and the black-footed cat.
 
Economy
 
Due to its proximity to private game reserves and the Kruger National Park, eco-tourism contributes largely to the local economy. However, it is also an agricultural hub, producing for both the local and the export market. The main crops produced are mango and citrus (lemon, grapefruit, oranges and naartjies).
 
Air Force/airport
 
Air Force Base Hoedspruit is home to 19 Squadron, a helicopter unit of the South African Air Force. The civilian Eastgate Airport shares the Air Force base's airfield and has daily scheduled flights and several charter operators. It is only 15km out of town on the Timbavati road.
 
Education   
 
Hoedspruit has various primary and secondary schools:
 
Laerskool Drakensig, Hoedspruit Christian School, Southern Cross Schools, Laerskool Mariepskop, Hoedspruit Independent College, Lowveld Academy and Hoedspruit Secondary School.
 
Relevant contact numbers:
 
1. Moholoholo Animal Rehab Centre
Telephone : 015 795 5236
 
2. Daktari Bush School and Wildlife Orphanage
Address : Harmony 81, Hoedspruit, 1380
Telephone : 082 656 2969
 
3. Kapama Private Game Reserve
Telephone : 012 368 0600
 
4. Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC)
Telephone : 015 793 1633
 
5. Timbavati Private Nature and Game Reserve
Telephone : 015 793 2436
Email : info@timbavati.co.za
 
6. Thornybush Game Reserve and Lodge
Phone : 011 253 6500
 
7. Eastgate Airport – Charters
Email : eastgateairport@kapama.co.za
Telephone : 015 793-3681
Duty phone : 082 350-1356
Reception : eastgaterecep@kapama.co.za
Telephone : 015 793-3681
Mobile : 083 414-4744
Duty phone : 082 350 1356
Airport manager : Tersia van der Westhuizen
Email : tersia.eastgate@kapama.co.za