Exploring the gateway to Kruger

by
Simon Espley
Friday, 26th August 2016

Hoedspruit is my favourite gateway town to the Kruger National Park in South Africa. With a number of private game reserves neighbouring the town, such as Klaserie and Timbavati, and the spectacular Blyde River Canyon nearby, it is located in a fantastic stretch of paradise, which is known as Kruger to Canyons. This is a wonderfully diverse safari destination for those who prefer to mix up their game viewing with cultural and adventure activities and, during my recent week in the area, I sampled some of the many activities and lodges available – and I left already planning my next visit!

The beautiful Blyde Canyon is a photographer’s dream ©Des Jacobs

Get a different perspective of the Kruger2Canyons biosphere in a hot air balloon ©Villiers Steyn

Watch this short video of Simon’s week in Kruger2Canyons

Mountain bike migration

The main reason for this particular trip to the area was to participate in the second edition of the K2C Cycle Tour – an annual 95-kilometre mountain bike fundraising tour from the Kruger National Park to the Blyde River Canyon, passing through various private game reserves on the way.

This epic journey for the soul was undertaken by 80 lucky cyclists of all levels, split into five groups, which were each accompanied by two armed cyclist guards and a back-up vehicle. For safety reasons, this isn’t a race, which means that the pace is slow and the attitude laid-back – we frequently had to stop and gently navigate our way past herds of elephants, buffalos and even the odd snorting rhino!

The event was superbly organised by Rotary Hoedspruit and the many tables in rest areas along the way groaned under delicious snacks, water and energy drinks. The tables were staffed by sponsors who cheered us on and encouraged even the most lethargic to keep going. I can highly recommend this superb event and encourage anyone interested to contact the organisers soon about the 2017 edition.

A group effort on the K2C cycle tour ©Simon Espley

Spot Simon on the sand in the yellow shorts ©Simon Peloton

To find out what else Simon got up to in the Kruger2Canyons biosphere, continue reading below the advert

On safari

Once the cycle tour had come to an end, there were still plenty of other fantastic reasons to stick around in the area for a few days and I didn’t need any convincing. I happily headed back into the bush – on four wheels this time – and was blessed by the gods of safari luck on a three-hour game drive that would impress even the most seasoned safari goer. Back at the lodge afterwards, beverage in hand, I tried to explain to the wide-eyed American couple that the last three hours did not constitute a typical game drive, which can sometimes consist of nothing but the odd impala and turtle dove. But I’m sure it was difficult to believe me as the next two days followed in much the same suit – with the Big Five on demand and plenty of action!

Following elephants on safari in a private game reserve ©Villiers Steyn

Rather than attempting to re-hash my three days in the bush, here is an extract from my travel diary:

Makanyi Lodge, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. Guide: Warren ‘Woza’ Jacobs

18 July 2016, 17h30

Herd of elephants surrounds us, very relaxed, then a young female just a few metres away gives us horns for no reason – ear-clapping and big attitude before she changes gear and wanders off as if nothing happened. My companions giggle nervously and breath out, and we are on our way again.

18h30

Damside sundowner drinks – surrounded by 11 rotund lions as they relax, satiated after gorging on a two-day-old buffalo carcass. Three rhinos trot by to slake their thirst before snorting off into the fading light. Massive herd of buffalos on the far bank drinking and kicking up dust – must be a thousand-plus thirsty bovines. Lions not interested – #FlatCats. Then a buffalo bellows in the dark distance, and hyenas cackle excitedly. Largest male lion is up and running, very focused. So are we, engine gunning and flashlight darting, searching. Ten minutes later and the bellowing and whooping is intense – then we smell blood. Up ahead we see hyenas mauling a buffalo, tearing chunks off the struggling bovine. But hold on, what’s that? With her back to us and watching the ruckus intently, is a leopard – also drawn by the noise and promise of a meal. Then all hell breaks loose – the lion arrives, full of piss and brandy, and the leopard bolts, as do the hyenas, after the largest collects a smack from the boss cat. Lion slaps the buffalo around before clamping down on its throat, ends the suffering. A second male lion arrives, chases off the lingering hyenas and settles down to feed – fat belly and all.

19 July 2016, 07h00

Three lions from a rival pride – we watch as the two big blonde boys take turns mating with the lady, while she switches, seemingly randomly, from flirty and coy to angry slapping and guttural growling after each session.

Klaserie Sands River Camp, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve. Guide: Andre ‘AK’ Kruger

19 July 2016, 16h30

Surrounded by 18 lions near a buffalo carcass – another large pride! Some are crunching the last few ribs. Most are feral-looking young males – pushed out by the dominant males further north? We drive a few kilometres away for sundowners, displacing a large male leopard who was chillaxing on the same riverside rocks.

20 July 2016, 11h15

Herd of 30 elephants drinking at the waterhole in front of the lodge deck. Downing my last lime and soda, I tear myself away, load up the rental car and head out – only to spend 30 minutes waiting in the shade of a mopane grove for the same herd to move on – a few very large bulls surround me and linger, tossing ear-claps at me now and then, and kicking up dust – they seem to enjoy keeping me waiting. I don’t fancy my chances if these six-tonne behemoths pull rank on my tin can car. No worries, no rush. Eventually they move off and so do I, on to the next adventure.

A buffalo feast fit for a king in Klaserie Private Nature Reserve ©Simon Espley

Simon watches elephants paying a visit to Klaserie Sands River Camp ©Simon Espley

Make your visit count

As enticing as the wilderness can be, no matter where my travels take me, I also always try to connect with local people as they go about their daily lives. I enjoy visiting people in their villages and homes – obviously with their permission. And so on my trip to Hoedspruit I chose to spend time with Prince Nkuma, who is the manager of Shik Shack, an organisation that arranges community tours, and Nourish, an upliftment project with a strong wildlife focus for community children.

Prince is a gem and his fascinating insight into how the local folk relate to wildlife and poaching had me captivated for hours as we ambled around Sigagula, his hometown on the Orpen Road approach to Kruger. We even hired a donkey cart to visit local homes to taste homemade peanut butter, umqombothi (local beer made from maize), and to visit a sangoma (traditional medicine man) who threw bones to look into my soul. We also visited a home to attend a short dance and eat a humble meal consisting of fried chicken, morogo (wild spinach), roasted ground nuts and pap (a soft starch dish made from maize). Dancing was performed by young girls who were all smiles in pursuing this passion.

If you’re ever in the area, I encourage you to support this and similar causes with your patronage and donations. The area surrounding Hoedspruit is dotted with cultural villages, farms, curio markets and community run restaurants that are well worth your support.

Prince Nkuma and Simon take a selfie ©Simon Espley

A traditional meal (top left), dancers get their groove on (top middle), a heart mosaic at Shik Shack (top right), home grown lettuce (middle left), soul reading (bottom left), hitching a donkey ride (bottom right) ©Simon Espley

Birding and Blyde

The Kruger to Canyons Biosphere houses three major biomes, which means that it’s not only the bush that attracts animals and tourists to the area, but the forests and mountainous areas found around Hoedspruit are also well worth exploring. On my final days in the area, I went up Mariepskop – one of the highest peaks in the northern Drakensberg – with a community guide to go birding, but we had thick mist so only scored a few pictures and some video footage. Marieskop is unique in that is home to over 2,000 plant species and, with the Kruger to Canyons region holding up to 75% of all terrestrial bird species and 80% of all raptor species found in South Africa, it is one of the best places in the world for twitchers like me. I also flew like a bird myself in a microlight flight with Leading Edge Flight School over the canyon and took in the spectacular views of a place that earns its name as the Panorama Route.

Birding in Mariepskop with Abednigo ‘Bedneck’ Maibela ©Simon Espley

Soaring high on a mircolight flight with Leading Edge Flight School ©Simon Espley

The stunning view over Blyde Canyon ©Des Jacobs

A few weeks later Africa Geographic’s general manager, Janine Avery, explored the route from the ground, courtesy of Vula Tours and, in keeping with the theme, here is an extract from her travel diary from her day out in paradise.

Vula Tours, Panorama Route. Guide: Hans Swart

10 August 2016

Gazing out onto the natural formation of the three rondavels, named so because of their hut-like appearance, I can’t think of a better place to spend my birthday. The world’s third largest canyon falls at my feet and, despite a simmering haze and the harsh drought that has ripped the colour from the landscape, I still feel a sense of awe. A boat putters along the Blyde River below me as my enthusiastic guide regales us with tales of adventures, discovery, gold miners, pilgrims and a small town that had electricity before the streets of London – a town that I am promised serves the best Mampoer milkshakes and to which I look forward to indulging in later. Off to my left a Google’s Street View Trekker with a unique contraption on his back, which resembles a soccer ball housing multiple cameras, dances alongside a villager selling curios. Her deep and bellowing “Shap, Shap” is echoed by his American accented version and his clumsy footing as he attempts a bootie wiggle that can’t compete with hers. Their fun-loving antics tear my attention away from the majestic views as I stroll over to add yet another culture to the mix…

Try a Mamphoer milkshake in the small town of Pilgrim’s Rest ©Anthea Smith

Africa Geographic’s general manager, Janine Avery, takes in the view of the Three Rondavels from Blyde Canyon, a Forever Resort ©Ryan Avery

A close-up of Bourke’s Potholes ©Anthea Smith

All smiles while enjoying the view at God’s Window on the Panorama Route with Vula Tours ©Janine Avery

Simon continues…

Where to stay inside the Greater Kruger near Hoedspruit

Makanyi Lodge, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Makanyi Lodge is an extremely luxurious lodge set in the south of the Timbavati, with excellent game viewing throughout the year. Every attention to detail has been considered and every comfort provided. The outside shower is probably the best of many I have enjoyed, thanks to its views over the nearby waterhole. I departed knowing that I need to bring my wife here on my next visit, as she is very inclined towards safari chic.

Food and service were top drawer, as was the guiding. I shared game drives with a mad bunch who had adopted our guide Warren Jacobs, renaming him Woza, and the hilarious banter blended with the unparalleled wildlife viewing!

Relaxed pool deck vibes at Makanyi Lodge ©Simon Espley

A touch of class at Makanyi Lodge ©Simon Espley

Klaserie Sands River Camp, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve

That moment when you feel as if you have arrived home, and yet this is your first visit – has that ever happened to you? I do so enjoy owner-managed lodges, and Klaserie Sands, set on the Ntsiri River in the centre of the reserve, sets the standard for providing top class food and service in a laid-back manner. The expansive wooden deck, set under the shade of huge jackalberry trees and overlooking a busy waterhole, is my cup of tea. I could hang out there all day, cool refreshment in hand, watching the constant coming and going of wildlife. My guide during this brief stay was Andre “AK” Kruger, a freelance guide with an instinctive and granular knowledge of the bush, whose passion, energy and tracking skills had me hooked from the first minute. One day I want to live in a home just like Klaserie Sands.

Lazing by the pool on the deck at Klaserie Sands River Camp ©Simon Espley

Lap up the luxury at Klaserie Sands River Camp ©Simon Espley

Tanda Tula, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Tanda Tula consists of two exclusive tented camps that are both located in the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve, which is part of the Greater Kruger National Park.  I have come to experience this area on numerous occasions over the years and have particularly fond memories from a few days of luxury that I spent at Tanda Tula with my wife. As if bush breakfasts and a passionate team weren’t enough, spending a night in a starbed – sleeping high up on a wooden platform while being serenaded by lions, hyenas, Verreaux’s eagle owls and ground hornbills – features high on my list of incredible experiences that I have had in Africa. Their field camp is also one of the most unique experiences found in the Kruger area, and Janine is always bragging of her time spent on foot with wild dogs and hyenas, as well as the exclusive glamping experience she enjoyed there.

Light up your life at Tanda Tula’s Field Camp ©Tanda Tula

Make the most of the Timbavati at Tanda Tula’s Safari Camp ©Tanda Tula

Umlani Bushcamp, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Umlani Bushcamp is another Timbavati classic, which our team at Africa Geographic Travel recently had the good fortune to enjoy. Offering the ultimate all-inclusive Kruger experience, a stay in a rustic rondavel at Umlani will feel like a family affair, thanks to hearty communal meals served under the African sky. This down-to-earth safari camp runs mainly on solar power, and you’ll be made to feel at home in no time at all.

A cosy rondavel at Umlani Bushcamp ©Kelly Winkler

To find out where to stay outside of the Kruger National Park, continue reading below the advert

Where to stay on the outside

Many people choose accommodation outside of Kruger and enter the park each day for game drives, either in their own vehicle or with a guide. I was lucky enough to spend a night at some of these lodgings.

Wild Olive Tree Camp

Wild Olive Tree Camp is a rustic and very affordable community-owned and managed tented camp, which is a few kilometres away from Kruger’s Orpen Gate, and a few hundred metres from the gate to Manyeleti Game Reserve. It’s a basic but charming camp for independent travellers. The Wild Olive team do also arrange game drives into the park or reserve if you don’t have your own wheels. The camp runs on solar power and gas showers, with battery charging at reception. The tents will probably get very hot during the day in the summer months (when you would probably be out and about), but during my visit in mid-winter they were just right. Meals are served in a communal dining tent, and service was excellent and the smiles wide. This new community endeavour is well worth supporting.

Enjoy the down-to-earth feel of Wild Olive Tree Camp ©Simon Espley

Blyde Canyon, a Forever Resort

Blyde Canyon, a Forever Resort, is one of the only accommodation offerings in the canyon itself, and its views of the Three Rondavels are even better than at the main tourist viewpoints. The resort is the ideal overnight stop for guests exploring the Panorama Route before venturing down into Hoedspruit and on towards Kruger. The accommodation offerings are also expansive, with camping and caravan options, or large self-catering units that appeal to families. With a putt-putt course, trampolines and a large pool on site, the little ones are also sure to be entertained while you try to protect your braai from the cavorting troupes of vervet monkeys.

The view from the deck at Blyde Canyon, a Forever Resort ©Janine Avery

Saddle up for a stunning ride at Blyde Canyon, a Forever Resort ©Blyde Canyon, a Forever Resort

Unembeza Boutique Lodge

This brand new lodge is located within the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate – a stunning location that places you on the doorstep to the town and its variety of exquisite eateries, while still providing the feeling that you are in the bush with resident warthogs, kudus and bushbucks running around. Unembeza provides the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding area. The management of the lodge are always around to offer advice and assistance with your day’s plans, without being intrusive to the privacy and peace of quiet that the lodge offers. The affordable rooms are a breath of fresh bush air, and each suite is decorated with a touch of class and simplicity.

Enjoy the sleek setting of Unembeza Boutique Lodge ©Unembeza Boutique Lodge

Go on a two-wheeled safari at Unembeza Boutique Lodge in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate ©Unembeza Boutique Lodge

How to get there

Hoedspruit has its own airport, known as Eastgate, with regular flights from various cities in South Africa. This is also the closest airport from which to enter the northern reaches of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

However, for those looking to land directly in Kruger National Park, Airlink offers daily flights to Skukuza airport from both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Located in close proximity to the Skukuza main camp (also the administrative headquarters of the Kruger National Park) and the adjoining Sabi Sand conservancy, the airport is unique in providing direct access into one of the world’s largest protected wildlife areas. Airlink’s Lodge Link flights then can connect travellers directly to lodges within the Sabi Sand, which means that a combo safari of a few nights within the Kruger, the Sabi Sand, and the private reserves adjoining Hoedspruit and in the Hoedspruit area itself, is as easy as Amarula pie (I’ll give you the recipe one day).

Start your safari in the sky on an Airlink flight to the Kruger National Park ©Janine Avery

To find out more about this week’s author, the CEO of Africa Geographic,  Simon Espley, continue reading below the advert