One of the major drawcards of Hoedspruit is its wonderful proximity to one of Africa’s greatest game reserves – the legendary Kruger National Park. This makes eKhaya Bush Villa the perfect base from which to explore this incredible wildlife haven.

Kruger’s Orpen Gate is just a 45-minute drive away, giving you easy access to one of the most diverse and game-rich regions of the park and lots of variety for a full-day exploration. You can choose to drive yourself or arrange a full-day guided safari in an open safari vehicle with us – the choice is yours.

We recommend a guided safari as the game viewing vehicles are much higher off the ground than a normal sedan or SUV and afford you a much better view of the Kruger wilderness, especially along the Timbavati River where you often see large herds of elephant and leopard.

In spring and summer, departure is usually well before dawn, allowing you to arrive at the Orpen Gate just as it opens and make the most of the cooler, early morning temperatures that give you the chance to see predators on the move and animals in the open, before it gets too hot and everything heads for shade…

We pack a picnic breakfast for you to enjoy en-route and you will stop at various look-out points along the way to stretch your legs, as well as taking a comfort stop at both Satara Camp and dedicated picnic sites. We can also arrange a cooler box for you packed with your favourite drinks. Sadly, no alcohol is allowed to be taken into the park on day trips.

One of the highlights of a day-trip into Kruger from the Orpen Gate is the chance to explore the fabled S100. This dirt road runs alongside the N’wanetsi River and is legendary for its high concentrations of game and spectacular predator sightings – especially lion. So have your camera handy and a good pair of binoculars!

If you choose to self-drive, maps are available for purchase at the Orpen Gate and the Orpen Camp shop, just inside the gate. You can choose to explore the area around Satara or opt to take a leisurely drive north on the tar road and its various dirt road loops to Letaba Camp, stopping there for lunch before heading back to Hoedspruit via the Phalaborwa Gate.

Just remember to get your timing right… The speed limit on the tar roads is 50km an hour, and on the dirt roads it’s 40km an hour. This is for your own protection as well as the protection of the wildlife inside the park. No matter what speed you drive, be on the lookout for game in the road, especially smaller species like chameleons, terrapins and mongooses. Above everything else – enjoy this incredible experience and make lots of memories along the way!