2022 has been a good year, but it has also been a tough year for many of us. A lot of Joburgers have opted to stay home this festive season, rather than travelling. If you’re from the city of gold and stayed home during the festive period, consider a nearby, local holiday in Hoedspruit. Just a few short hours out of Jozi and this local holiday could be exactly what is needed to leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised as we enter a new year.
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’s throw away. We have both the big five, and the little five on our doorstep, 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. We’ve accounted for both champagne and beer budgets.
Accommodation:
Whether you’re a five-star glamping queen, or a part of the self-catering crew, we’ve found options that appeal to every budget. The one thing that most of the accommodation offers in this area 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 mongeese (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. If you’re into trees and bird watching, then this getaway will be a feast for the eyes, as there are so many different species that we just don’t see often anymore.
Three champagne budget getaway 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 whom, 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&Ts 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.
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.
Feel free to explore Hoedspruit in your SANI Car rental. The SANI brand was established in 1997. SANI Car Rental is a South African homegrown car rental company. Vehicles available to rent include compact cars, economy cars, premium cars, people carriers and SUVs. SANI Car Rental serves customers throughout South Africa including at all major local and international airports.
