Hoedspruit

Founded in 1990, the centre south of Hoedspruit cares for endangered species such as cheetahs, rhinos and wild dogs, including rhino orphans whose mothers fell victim to poachers. Visits are by guided tour only; advance booking required.

A rescue and rehabilitation centre for injured, poisoned, or orphaned wild animals at the foot of the Drakensberg. On guided tours, you'll see birds of prey, big cats, and other animals that cannot be released back into the wild, and learn a lot about human-wildlife conflicts. Fixed tour times, pre-booking required.

Jessica the Hippo is a world-renowned hippo who, in Hoedspruit, embodies a unique story of the human-animal relationship. She was rescued as an orphaned calf during a flood and raised by Tonie and Shirley Joubert, making her an ambassador for wildlife conservation. During a visit, you have the opportunity to experience Jessica up close, feed her, and learn more about her life and the behavior of hippos. The interaction is respectful and conducted under the guidance of her carers, ensuring both Jessica's well-being and your safety. You will witness an extraordinary bond that reveals the unique connection between wild animals and humans. Our Tip: Plan your visit to coincide with one of the daily feeding times, as this is Jessica's most active time and offers the best photo opportunities. Be sure to follow the staff's instructions carefully, to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience.

The Panorama Route in South Africa offers you one of the country's most spectacular landscapes and is an ideal day trip from Hoedspruit. It follows the path of the Drakensberg Mountains and the Blyde River Canyon, the world's third-largest canyon. This region is geologically fascinating, shaped by millions of years of erosion, which created deep gorges and striking rock formations like the Three Rondavels. You will experience viewpoints such as God's Window, which offers expansive views over the Lowveld on a clear day, as well as the unique Bourke's Luck Potholes, cylindrical rock holes formed by swirling water in the riverbed. Our tip: Start the route early in the morning to take advantage of the best lighting for photos and to avoid the crowds at the most popular stops. Allow ample time to quietly enjoy the breathtaking nature.

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) is an internationally renowned facility dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of endangered animal species in South Africa. Founded by Lente Roode, the centre focuses on the rescue, care, and breeding of animals such as cheetahs, wild dogs, rhinos, and various birds of prey. Here, you'll gain deep insight into the complex challenges of species conservation and the dedicated work required to save these species from extinction. During a visit, you'll have the opportunity to observe the animals in their spacious enclosures and learn more about their individual stories, the threats they face in the wild, and the successes of breeding programs through informative guided tours. HESC plays a crucial role in public education and the training of wildlife rangers. Our Tip: To experience the animals at their most active and avoid the largest crowds, it's advisable to book the first tour of the day. Remember to bring comfortable shoes and sun protection, as part of the tour takes place outdoors.

The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre near Hoedspruit has been dedicated since its founding to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, or poisoned wild animals. Here, you gain deep insight into the challenges of species conservation in South Africa. The centre plays a crucial role in educating about the threats to local fauna and the importance of conservation measures. During your visit, you will encounter various animal species, including leopards, lions, vultures, and eagles, which for various reasons can no longer be released into the wild. The dedicated staff share their knowledge about the individual stories of the animals and the efforts to care for them and, if possible, reintroduce them into the wild. A practical tip: Book your tour in advance, as visitor numbers are limited to avoid overwhelming the animals. Morning tours often offer the most active animals and more pleasant temperatures. Pay attention to the informative talks, which provide a better understanding of the complex interdependencies of wildlife rescue.