Discover South Africa's safari capital with 7 Star Lodges
It may be small, but what it lacks in size Hoedspruit more than makes up for in the range of things to see and
do both in this wonderful South African Lowveld town and on its doorstep.
Explore this exciting gateway to the Greater Kruger region with us...
There's a saying that great things come in little packages, and when it comes to Hoedspruit that's absolutely spot on. Punching well above its weight in terms of breathtaking scenery, phenomenal hospitality and a veritable smorgasbord of things to see and do, Hoedspruit is one of the best tourism hubs in South Africa's phenomenal Greater Kruger region as well as being home to 7 Star Lodges and Oase!
Just five hours from Johannesburg, with the Eastgate regional airport offering direct flights from both OR Tambo International Airport and Cape Town International Airport, Hoedspruit is blessed with a perfect location on the edge of the Greater Kruger National Park. This is one of Africa's biggest conservation areas, formed when the legendary Kruger National Park dropped its fences with neighbouring privately owned Big Five reserves to create a vast swathe of protected land for South Africa's incredible and iconic wildlife.
With two gates to the Kruger Park - the Orpen Gate and Phalaborwa Gate - within easy driving distance, our proximity to his fabled game reserve makes for spectacular day trips led by experienced professional safari guides in open safari vehicles. The Greater Kruger's private reserves - the Balule, Timbavati, Klaserie, Manyeleti, Thornybush and Sabi Sand - are also just a short drive away, or a private chopper transfer if you prefer!
This is the area known as the Lowveld, a swathe of gently undulating land that runs from the foot of the towering Drakensberg Escarpment and stretches eastwards all the way through the Kruger National Park to Mozambique and, eventually, the Indian Ocean. Renowned for its sublime climate, spectacular landscapes and host of tourism-based activities, it's the ideal destination for an exceptional vacation.
Oase is conveniently positioned to take advantage of everything the Greater Kruger has to offer and through our bespoke concierge service we can tailor a superlative stay for you filled with exciting things to do and experiences to savour.
In and around town...
Spend a morning or afternoon "mooching" in Hoedspruit itself, taking in the art galleries, curio shops and wonderful range of coffee shops and cafés our lovely little town has to offer. There's also a range of really good restaurants if you'd like to eat out and we'd be happy to make a reservation for you and share our recommendations.
Besides the game viewing activities we offer on Oase itself, we're also able to arrange privately guided game drives and bush walks in our nearby Big Five reserves. Game drives traditionally take place in the early morning or afternoon/evening in open safari vehicles.
The wildlife even roams freely in town - so watch out for warthogs when you drive around and even the odd leopard and painted wolf (African wild dog) which are regularly spotted in and around Hoedspruit.
The Panorama Route...
Just an hour's drive away or a few minutes in a helicopter is the impressive northern Drakensberg Escarpment (and the equally impressive Abel Erasmus Pass). It dominates our western horizon and the views of it from Oase are spectacular. This is the home of the Panorama Route - one of South Africa's most celebrated tourism routes that winds its way along the edge of the escarpment, past the Blyde River Canyon to the small town of Graskop.
One of the world's largest "green" canyons, the Blyde is quite simply breathtaking with truly jaw-dropping views out over the entire Lowveld from its precipitous edge. Further along the route are the geologically fascinating Bourke's Luck Potholes and a selection of fantastic waterfalls and view points as well as the highly recommended Graskop Gorge Lift. Here you can descend to the floor of this beautiful gorge in a glass-sided lift and explore the wonderful rainforest below.
We can arrange a fully guided day-trip along the entire route or organise some unique ways to see its highlights, from helicopter flights over the Blyde Canyon, stopping on a remote mountain top for a champagne breakfast to microlighting and hot-air ballooning.
You can also cruise the magnificent Blyde Dam in a private boat, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Blyde Canyon from an altogether different perspective, learning more about the geology of the area and visiting a fascinating tufa waterfall at the water's edge.
Explore on foot, two wheels or four hooves...
Of course, you can explore Oase on foot, either under your own steam or with a private guide, taking the time to explore the far-flung nooks and crannies of our beautiful reserve and spot some of its wonderful wild residents.
The area around Hoedspruit is also filled with dedicated hiking and mountain bike trails, making it perfect for adventurous spirits who want to test themselves and enjoy the incredible views and hidden places this area is so famous for. Let us arrange a guide for you and create a unique hiking or cycling experience!
Alternatively, explore on horseback. Hoedspruit is home to a number of great equestrian establishments and guided horse trails can easily be arranged, no matter whether you're a beginner or experienced rider.
Stay put and relax...
Our ethos here at Oase is to give you the space you need to completely unwind, kick-back and relax without having to do a single thing. So if you've explored Hoedspruit and its surrounds to your heart's content, let us pamper and spoil you here at "home", treating you to our own special brand of hospitality and luxurious indulgence.
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