Hoedspruit Warnings Or Dangers

I would caution you to be a little conservative in calculating travel times when you're planning your itinerary in the scenic eastern part of Mpumulanga.

Because of the steep topography, distances that look short 'as the crow flies' on the map often take much longer to cover than you think. For example, to get from Graskop to Hoedspruit takes well over an hour because you have to take the Abel Erasmus Pass down the escarpment and come through Strydom Tunnel. This road (and many others in the region) can be slow, as they are winding, pass through villages with speed restrictions and carry quite heavy traffic - all you need to do is get stuck behind a truck on one of these sections and your travel time will markedly increase.

On a happier note, you won't want to progress all that fast, because the scenery is so stunning that you'll want to savour it! So remember that the journey is as much part of the travel experience as the destination, and allow yourself plenty of time to stop and linger en route - you won't regret it!

Most people that I transfer to lodges in or around hoedspruit don?t know of the conservation fee that must be paid. At the moment it is R90.00 P/Pin the Timbavati and R60.00 in Sabi Sands (17-12-2005). Please ask your travel agent about the conservation fee that must be paid in all the game reserves in SA. It will help you to plan your money.

Also the airport at hoedspruit is privat so a airport tax must be paid and that is not included in your air ticket.

All driving must preferably done during the day. The roads are 90% in a good condition. stay with in the speed limit, and if driving at night drive slow (60km/h). After heavy rains pot holes may appear which are not necessarily roadmarked or visible.