Safaris Hoedspruit

Experience the African bush as it awakens on an exclusive morning expedition through the 12,500-hectare Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve. Starting with a 05:30 collection from your accommodation, you’ll head out into the crisp morning air to witness the landscape coming to life under the expert guidance of a professional Bushbaby Tours and Transfers guide and a dedicated tracker. This premier Big 5 territory offers a front-row seat to the wild's morning rhythm, where you can watch for predators on the move and the reserve's legendary cheetah. Your journey includes a signature pause at a scenic vantage point to enjoy traditional bush coffee, tea, and rusks as the sun breaks over the horizon, providing a moment to soak in the freshness of the early morning African bush. You'll then wrap up your adventure with a scrumptious breakfast cooked in the bush in a beautiful knobthorn tree clearing before you head back to your overnight accommodation.


1) This is a Big 5 reserve and for the safety and comfort of all guests, families with children under the age of 2 are required to book a Private Safari option.
2) Please note that we will collect you from your overnight accommodation and transfer you to the entrance gate at the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve. Here you will meet your guide and alight the open safari vehicle as you enter the reserve.
3) Unlike the National Park, original Passports or IDs are not required for entry into this private reserve. Make sure you have your ID or passport number handy for the reserve's indemnity form.
4) For guests booking this safari, please inform your lodge that you will not be requiring breakfast on this day.
5) All conservation and gate entry fees for Blue Canyon are included in your tour price.
6) Cash is recommended if you wish to offer a gratuity to your guide and tracker team.

Location - Guests' overnight accommodation

When - Seven days a week, year round - weather dependent

Weather - Please note that in order to protect the pristine ecosystem of the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, safaris can be cancelled at very short notice if it has rained significantly prior to the safari or overnight. We will inform you if this is the case. Please refer to our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Wear - 1) Even in winter, temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celcius so we recommend comfortable cool clothing.
2) No need to purchase special neutral-coloured clothing - a normal tshirt and shorts or jeans in winter are approporiate for a safari.
3) We recommend that you have closed shoes or sneakers for climbing in and out of the open safari vehicle but as it does get really hot, flip flops or sandals can also work.
4) Please bring a windbreaker/ jacket no matter the season as the OSV can be windy and chilly in the early mornings and evenings. In winter, a scarf and beanie are definitely worth bringing.
5) We also recommend a tight-fitting hat or cap and sunglasses.

Bring - Binoculars and camera are recommended, hat, sun protection/sunscreen, insect repellant, credit card for additional drinks purchases at breakfast, cash for gratuities.

Experience the African bush as it transitions from day to night on an exclusive afternoon expedition through the 12,500-hectare Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, culminating in an unforgettable dining experience. Your journey begins with a collection from your accommodation, heading into the wild during the "Golden Hour" alongside a Bushbaby Tours and Transfers guide and a tracker. As you search for the Big 5 and the reserve’s cheetahs, you’ll pause at a scenic spot overlooking a dam to enjoy traditional sundowner drinks and snacks where the setting sun reflects magically on cue over the water. As night falls, the adventure continues to a beautiful clearing in amongst a grove of Knobthorn trees where a crackling fire awaits. Under a canopy of stars, you will enjoy a hearty bush braai infused with local flavours, soaking in the nocturnal sounds of the wilderness. This blend of high-action tracking and authentic African hospitality offers the ultimate safari evening before your return transfer.


1) Please note that this activity might not be suitable for small children unless they are under constant close supervision.
2) Please note that we will collect you from your overnight accommodation and transfer you to the entrance gate at the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve. Here you will meet your guide and alight the open safari vehicle as you enter the reserve.
3) Unlike the National Park, original Passports or IDs are not required for entry into this private reserve. Make sure you have your ID or passport number handy for the reserve's indemnity form.
4) For guests booking this safari, please inform your lodge that you will not be requiring dinner on this day and will return after dinner at around 21:00. 5) All conservation and gate entry fees for Blue Canyon are included in your tour price.
6) Cash is recommended if you wish to offer a gratuity to your guide and tracker team.

Location - Guests' overnight accommodation

When - Seven days a week, year round

Weather - Please note that in order to protect the pristine ecosystem of the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, safaris can be cancelled at very short notice if it has rained significantly prior to the safari or overnight. We will inform you if this is the case. Please refer to our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Wear - 1) Even in winter, temperatures can exceed 30 degrees Celcius so we recommend comfortable cool clothing.
2) No need to purchase special neutral-coloured clothing - a normal T-shirt and shorts or jeans in winter are appropriate for a safari, but we do recommend wearing long pants for your bush dinner and closed shoes or sneakers for climbing in and out of the open safari vehicle at night.
3) Please bring a windbreaker/ jacket no matter the season as the OSV can be windy and chilly in the evenings. In winter, a scarf and beanie are definitely worth bringing.
4) We also recommend a tight-fitting hat or cap and sunglasses.

Bring - Binoculars and camera are recommended, hat, insect repellant is essential, credit card for additional drinks at dinner, cash for gratuities.

Not Applicable

Experience a world of dramatic contrasts on a guided expedition to the summit of Mariepskop, the towering sentinel of the Blyde River Canyon. Your adventure begins with a collection from your accommodation, ascending through distinct ecological zones from dense subtropical bush to ancient Afromontane forests where rare orchids thrive in the mist. As we reach the rugged peak, nearly 2,000 metres above sea level, you will find yourself in a unique mountain fynbos landscape that shares the summit with the remnants of an ex-military radar station and its quiet, abandoned village. While these structures remain as silent echoes of the mountain's history, the true reward is the breathtaking 360-degree view stretching across the entire Blyde River Canyon and the Kruger National Park. After a peaceful exploration of the peak and its unique flora, we begin our descent back to the lowveld, concluding with a safe transfer to your overnight accommodation.


1. Mariepskop is a high-altitude environment (1,947m); please be aware that weather can change rapidly and the summit is often misty.
2) Entry and forestry conservation fees are included in your tour price.
3) We utilize high-clearance vehicles to navigate the steep and rugged Rohrbeck Road for your comfort and safety.
4) The summit features an ex-military radar station and an abandoned village; please respect the structures while exploring.
5) There are no shops or facilities at the summit, so please ensure you bring any personal snacks you may need, we will however provide a delicious brunch or lunch if required.

Location - Guests' overnight accommodation

When - 7 days a week, all year round

Weather - Clear weather dependent. Please note that after a lot of rain in the area, the roads up the mountain might be impassable.

Wear - 1) While it may be hot in town, the summit is nearly 2,000m high and significantly colder.
2) Normal casual clothing is fine, but long trousers are recommended.
3) Closed shoes or sneakers are best for exploring the rocky summit and the abandoned military village.
4) A warm, windproof jacket is recommended even in the height of summer, it can be freezing at the top. In winter, a scarf and beanie are definitely worth bringing.
5) Sunglasses are recommended for the bright high-altitude light.

Bring - A camera, binoculars, hat, sun protection/sunscreen, credit card for any additional purchases, cash for gratuities.

Enjoy the magic of lighter-than-air experience as you watch the world wake up from the quiet majesty of a hot air balloon. Your journey begins in the cool morning air with a collection from your accommodation, transferring you to the launch site where you’ll watch the giant balloons come to life. As you settle into the spirit of the bush with fresh coffee, tea, and rusks, the pilot and crew prepare for departure as the first light touches the horizon. Once airborne, you will glide silently for approximately one hour over a patchwork of riverine forest and lush citrus and mango orchards, sometimes skimming low enough to almost reach the treetops. The flight offers unparalleled photographic opportunities of the sun rising against the Northern Drakensberg Mountains while you spot wildlife wandering through the farmland and private reserves below. Following a smooth landing and a celebratory glass of sparkling wine, you will be presented with a personalized aeronaut certificate to commemorate your adventure before being transferred safely back to your overnight accommodation.

1) This is a sunrise activity with a departure of approximately 05:00/05:30; please be ready for early collection.
2) Passenger weights for all guests must be provided at the time of booking for flight manifest requirements.
3) For safety reasons, this activity is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 1.2m tall.
4) Flights are 100% weather-dependent and may be rescheduled or cancelled in the event of high winds or rain.
5) Passengers must be physically fit enough to stand unassisted for one hour and able to climb in and out of the 1.2m high basket.

Location - Guests' overnight accommodation

When - 7 days a week

Wear - 1) We recommend comfortable, practical clothing.
2) Closed shoes or sneakers are recommended for safety when boarding and landing.
3) Bring a jacket or fleece for the early morning.

Bring - A camera, binoculars, hat, sun protection/sunscreen, credit card for any additional purchases, cash for gratuities.

Not Applicable