We are starting to ease out of lockdown and many of us are feeling a little burnt-out and fragile. A short left, local holiday could be exactly what is needed to leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised once more. There’s something ultra-restorative about being in the bush, in nature, surrounded by wild animals, both big and small. We are truly blessed to have such natural beauty, a stone throw away, from both the big five, to the little five and everything in between. Hoedspruit is a lovely, affordable, family get-away and this is what you can do on your next holiday in that part of the world.
Accommodation:
Weather you’re a five-star glamping queen, or a self-catering crew, we’ve found options that appeal to every budget. The one thing that most accommodation offers, is a fire pit, this is a great opportunity for family and friends to come together and reminisce, while enjoying your favourite braai vleis. If you’re lucky, you may be exposed to some natural wildlife watching you nearby. From warthogs and mongoose (Timone and Pumba), to porcupines and impala, they’re all usually watching from nearby. Take this time away from the city to enjoy the stary nights too, you just don’t see stary nights in the city the way you do in the bush. If you’re into trees and bird watching, then this get away will be a feast for the eyes too as there are so many different species that we just don’t see often anymore.
Three champagne budget options:
- Mafunyane Lodge https://mafunyanelodge.com/
- Nyaleti Lodge http://nyaletilodge.co.za/
- Kapama private game reserve https://www.kapama.com/
Three beer budget options:
- Mushi Maningi https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/mushi-maningi.en-gb.html
- The bush house https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/the-bush-house-hoedspruit
- Raptors lodge https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/hoedspruit-raptors-lodge-n16
Passing through:
On your way through to Hoedspruit you’ll pass Dullstroom. Pop into this little town for a bite to eat at one of the delicious restaurants, or stay for a few days and explore this little town. We’ve visited the Udderlicious milkshake bar and can highly recommend the zoo biscuit milkshake. Harries pancakes also offer great sweet and savoury options. The service isn’t quick in general, so don’t stop if you’re in a rush, but if you have some time, enjoy a light lunch / zoo biscuit milkshake. Below are a few things to do while in Dullstroom.
If you’re into art, then pop into the Dimitrov gallery https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Attraction_Review-g472515-d15008197-Reviews-Dimitrov_Art_Gallery-Dullstroom_Mpumalanga.html
Enjoy a massage at the massage clinic https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Attraction_Review-g472515-d11851646-Reviews-Calson_Massage_Clinic-Dullstroom_Mpumalanga.html
Enjoy a chocolate shautany https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Attraction_Review-g472515-d12949721-Reviews-Chocolate_Shautany-Dullstroom_Mpumalanga.html
Grub:
Hoedspruit offers a range of world class restaurants and owner run cafes and restaurants. I loved chatting to the locals, as well as the game rangers from the area. Most of who, had stressful and successful careers in big cities, and they gave it all up for a simpler life. It’s enough to make us all think – who is doing things the right way? Us or them? The local grub, while some of it is simple, really is packed full of flavour. From G&T’s made from local craft gins at the local bush pub, to the best toasted sarmie at the Maroela bar, to wood fire pizza’s and cheesy, garlicy snails at the other local bars. You can go just about anywhere that is owner operated and I can almost guarantee that you will not be disappointed.
4. Wildlife:
If you’re an animal lover then there is so much wildlife for you to enjoy. You can pop into the Kruger National Park for the day, or one of the wildlife sanctuaries/rehabilitation centers in the areas. We’ve seen rare black cheetah’s at Moholoholo, King cheetah’s at the endangered species center and the world famous, Jessica the hippo. There are also reptile centers, art galleries and game drives. There’s something for everyone here.
