Hoedspruit Area Profile

Hoedspruit at a glance

Hoedspruit – loosely translated from Afrikaans as “Hat Creek” – is a wildlife and eco-tourist haven, situated in the Mopani district at the heart of the central Lowveld in the Limpopo Province. More specifically Hoedspruit is a quaint town located in an “eco-hotspot” at the foot of the “Klein Drakensberg” along the old Selati railway route between Phalaborwa and Kaapmuiden.

This outdoor paradise, with its unequalled lifestyle, lush vegetation, and timeless charm – gives Hoedspruit property owners, tourists and conservationists an enviable location indeed! This includes access to some of the best game reserves including several forming part of the Greater Kruger National Park, such as the internationally acclaimed Timbavati. Properties for sale in Hoedspruit are highly sought-after due to the beautifully serene environment that the town’s location offers.

What is the Hoedspruit property market made up of?

The market composition for Hoedspruit real estate is quite unusual as it consists of around 65% residential or Hoedspruit lifestyle estate properties, around 23% more traditional freehold properties and some 12% sectional title properties.

The main component of the Hoedspruit market are lifestyle residential estates, including a selection of wildlife estates such as Elephant Rock Eco Estate, Modilto Nature Reserve, Raptors View, Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate and Leopard Rock, others are on the banks of the Blyde River and have stunning mountain views like the popular Blyde Wildlife Estate and Canyon Game Reserve.

This does however speak volumes of the tremendous development and investment potential in the area as well as its appeal to property purchasers and investors. Hoedspruit properties for sale also offer premium lifestyle estate living for permanent residents and those who are purchasing purely “holiday homes”. The market stock of housing in Hoedspruit market composition, thriving tourist activities and natural beauty of the area, allows for hospitality and accommodation as well as the property rental sectors to flourish.

The Hoedspruit market is popular with overseas investors where they are able to lock up and go back to their countries, knowing their wildlife property investment is safe and secure within one of the many wildlife estates. The Hoedspruit climate appeals to many property investors, we experience a very mild winter and nice warm summers!

What educational, health, safety and recreational amenities are accessible to residents in Hoedspruit?

Schooling: Schooling in Hoedspruit provides one of the most unique and effective learning environments in South Africa. Southern Cross School is a unique school that promotes sustainable practices and environmentally friendly behaviour, whilst offering top quality education. Southern Cross is co-ed and there are various other dual medium and Afrikaans medium schools, catering for learners of all ages in and around Hoedspruit. Hoedspruit now has 3 high schools, Southern Cross and has had a 100% pass rate since they have started. There is also Lowveld Academy and Hoedspruit High School, which also offers excellent high school academics.

Health and safety: There are various medical and related professional service providers and facilities within Hoedspruit and its immediate vicinity. These include the Hoedspruit Medical Center, dentists, physiotherapists, emergency and veterinary services among others. Hoedspruit properties also offer residents safe and secure living with the privilege of supreme serenity, the best of flora, fauna and outdoor living. The small town also comprises close-knit communities, where neighbourhood or farm- watch activities are still prevalent – offering even greater peace of mind. Hlokomela is an award winning HIV and AIDS educational and treatment programme targeting workers and communities in the Kruger to Canyons Area, Limpopo & Mpumalanga Provinces.

Attractions and outdoor activities: Safe outdoor fun including “family activities” are abundant. Nature is a big part of life for Hoedspruit residents, and the many game reserves are great places to enjoy the best of wildlife, relax and simply unwind. From game drives, to guided tours with unmatched viewing of the Big Five, to nature hikes, mountaineering and photographic safaris, the options are enthralling indeed! For those who also appreciate art, you can visit the iNyoka Gallery and pick up exclusive crafts and local artists original work. You can also indulge in unforgettable overnight stays at some of the finest lodges, guesthouses, even campsites for those who prefer a more ‘intimate’ and ‘rural’ encounter with the bushveld! The area also has the Klaserie Dam and the world famous Blyde Dam and the Blyde Canyon. Experience the magic of lighter-than-air flight near the foot of the Drakensberg Escarpment with a one-hour long flight over the scenic, Lowveld section of the Blyde River with a hot air balloon. Situated in the shadow of the majestic “ Mariepskop” our unique Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a home to many of South Africa’s abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife. 24 DEGREES SOUTH (the Old Silk Farm) is full of interesting things to see and do. Great mountain views and friendly staff add to one’s experience – from enjoying a delicious meal at Anne’s Cotton Club Café, to browsing in the interesting and unique shops on the farm, viewing the classic car & motorbike collection to treating yourself at the G&G Relaxation Spa or watching Andy at work in the Katundo leather studio. Also based here is 24 Degrees South Adventures, an adventure bike hiring company.

What are the main business activities and industries in the Hoedspruit area?

“Eco-tourism” is a thriving feature of Hoedspruit, known for its beautiful game and nature reserves, thriving animal rehabilitation centres and widespread conservation activities. Tourist related commercial activities such as arts and crafts, B&B’s, touring and safaris naturally also blossom virtually throughout the year. The Hoedspruit Air Force Base has also become a major economic contributor given that civilian charters are now possible.

“Agriculture” is a major influence locally, while Hoedspruit also remains a significant national producer of fruits such as mangoes and citrus produce. The eco-related, agricultural and tourist activities as well as the remarkable natural environment of the area have given considerable rise to a demand for lodges, large farms, smallholdings with “traditional-style” homes, guesthouses as well as vacant land for sale in Hoedspruit. Furthermore, property speculators with a love for the outdoors have also taken an interest in Hoedspruit, bringing further activity to the town’s real estate sector.

Other activities prevalent in Hoedspruit are game farming, scientific research relating to the natural environment and various conservation initiatives to name a few.

Hoedspruit FM 96.4 is Hoedspruit's own community radio station serving the Maruleng Municipality and the Kruger 2 Canyon Ecosphere.

Rotary International, Hoedspruit club meets on Thursday at 5.30pm at Fig ‘n Bean Restaurant. Rotary is a service organisation helping to uplift our community doing literacy, equipping crèche’s and schools as well as assisting as many needy people as we can.

What are the recent Hoedspruit real estate sales trends?

The large number of lifestyle estate properties in Hoedspruit that have been sold indicates the popularity and demand for the secure yet leisurely lifestyle as well as tremendous investment potential.

We can expect many more Hoedspruit estates to be developed over the following years as more and more people seek to indulge in the natural, but modern living that Hoedspruit homes and properties offer!

Popular Lifestyle Estates in and around Hoedspruit include: Raptors View Wildlife Estate

Elephant Rock Eco Estate