By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
Hoedspruit, in the heart of Limpopo, is a small town where life moves at a slower pace. It’s known as the gateway to the Kruger National Park, offering both the excitement of the bush and the convenience of modern living. Mornings start with the sound of birds and sometimes lions in the distance, while afternoons are for enjoying coffee shops, browsing small stores, or relaxing at a spa. People from all over South Africa and beyond have made it home, drawn by the sunshine, friendly community, and easy lifestyle. From game drives to fresh local food and sunset views over the mountains, Hoedspruit is a place where every day feels like a holiday.
The Ride
On an early Sunday morning, two friends and I packed the boot of the GWM Tank 300 with road trip essentials and set off from Johannesburg for Hoedspruit. The five -hour journey via the N12 promised a mix of open freeway cruising and rural backroads adventure.
The striking grey exterior of the Tank 300 turned heads everywhere we went. Its 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine gave off a confident rumble, as if eager to steal the attention. On the highway, it felt surprisingly nimble for its size, often itching to surge forward, though I kept its enthusiasm in check to avoid unwanted speeding tickets. The real test came between Dullstroom and Mashishing (formerly Lydenburg), where potholes the size of craters challenge even the most patient drivers. Here, the Tank 300’s well-tuned suspension proved its worth, gliding over rough patches while keeping us cocooned in comfort.
Inside, the interior has a premium feel, consisting of leather seats, intuitive infotainment, and enough space to stretch out — making long drives a pleasure rather than a chore. For the South African market, the Tank 300 offers genuine off-road credentials with a 4×4 system, and an impressive ground clearance while remaining refined enough for city commutes. It’s the kind of SUV that’s as happy tackling Kruger’s gravel roads as it is pulling up at your local coffee shop. By the time we rolled into Hoedspruit in the late afternoon, we’d clocked almost 500 kilometres, shared countless laughs, and proved that this GWM isn’t just about muscle, it’s about making the journey as memorable as the destination.
Accommodation
Tucked away in the serene Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, Lodge 54 The Village, offers a tranquil stay and bush comfort in a wildlife estate that has all the trappings of a modern lifestyle. It felt like a true home away from home – only with zebra and giraffe as neighbours. This fully furnished, self-catering gem has three airy bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, and an inverter for those inevitable load-shedding moments. We loved the farmhouse-style patio with its built-in braai, perfect for sunset drinks as the bush came alive around us.
The estate itself is a delight – safe walking trails, bird hides, and free-roaming game at every turn. It’s just 50 minutes from Kruger, but we stayed put, soaking up the peace and meeting locals doing inspiring work in nearby communities. Also, the shopping centre is literally outside the gate of the estate and has a variety of shops, including a Pick’n Pay, where you can get your supplies to enjoy your stay. At R2 500 per night for four people, it’s an ideal base to recharge, reconnect, and savour the Lowveld’s magic.
Dining
To cater for the tourists and the growing number of people who have made Hoedspruit home, the town offers no shortage of great dining spots. One such gem is The Hat & Creek, a beloved local favourite that has been serving visitors and residents for years. While many restaurants in Hoedspruit close early on Sundays and remain shut on Mondays, we were lucky to find this spot open, its twinkling lights drawing us in after a long drive. Set a short distance from the heart of town, The Hat & Creek has a laid-back, almost barefoot charm – it’s the kind of place where you can truly unwind. The service is warm and genuine, and the menu celebrates simple, honest flavours. My steak was cooked to perfection, tender enough to melt in my mouth, while my friend’s vegetables were fresh, crisp, and full of flavour. We lingered far longer than planned, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere.
Fat Franks Butchery turned out to be a real find, offering fresh, top-quality cuts that
came to the rescue on Monday. Thanks to the fully equipped kitchen at Lodge 54, we enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal before slipping back into our primary
mission—pure, uninterrupted relaxation in the heart of the bushveld. Two days later, as we made the drive back to Johannesburg, it felt as though we had left a piece of
ourselves behind in Hoedspruit. One thing was certain—we’d be back, and next time, we’d stay longer.
