Mpfuvu Manor is located on the banks of the Olifants River in the Lowveld bush just 20km north of Hoedpsruit, in the Limpopo region of South Africa.
Hoedspruit has it all. Surrounded by the largest privately owned conservation area in the world and the gateway to Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit is a thriving town with arts and crafts markets, amenities, shops and a number of good bars and restaurants. Now a popular destination for travellers, Hoedpsruit is also known for specialising in Mango and Citrus production.
In Hoedspruit town itself, there’s Africology Spa, a number of restaurants offering tapas, sushi and African cuisine, river cruises, horse riding and hot air ballooning.
Hoedspruit is a safe and lively town with great restaurants, markets and activities for all the family. If you’re after a relaxing break, our pool offers the perfect place to relax and you could even try some Bush Yoga.
For those interested in spotting wildlife and exploring the local area, from the lodge we can explore Pridelands, Umfula, Manyeleti, Greater Kruger and Kruger Park amongst other locations. Manyeleti Gate is 50 minutes away, another thriving town, Phalaborwa, is close by and the Orpen Gate in Kruger Park is within an hour. There are nice walking trails in the reserves near the lodge and occasionally we spot leopards, hyenas and wild dogs.
Please note some trips will need to be booked in advance and they can be weather-dependent. We are happy to help you plan additional activities during your stay and can help arrange trips for you.
Here are our 5 favourite things to do in Hoedspruit:
1) Go on safari
Mpfuvu Manor and Hoedpsruit are just a stone’s throw away from some of the world’s most loved safari locations. Observe wildlife roaming freely and watch the sun rise and set over some of the largest areas of biodiversity in Africa.
From the lodge, we can explore Pridelands, Umfula, Manyeleti, Greater Kruger and Kruger Park amongst other locations.
Read more about the areas we explore from our lodge here.
Graham is a legend of the South African safari world. He is a highly distinguished and internationally renowned guide whose story of hand-rearing two leopard cubs and releasing them into the wild is told in the now-popular book – “My Life with Leopards”.
During your stay, Graham will immerse you into the natural world around Mpfuvu Manor and will provide an unparalleled level of insight and understanding of the animals we have the pleasure of living near.
You’ll hear wonderful stories from his time in the bush while having once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
2) Visit the Africology Spa
After a morning bush walk or a dawn safari, head to Africology Spa in Hoedspruit. Africology offers a number of treatments to help you unwind. All the products used at the spa include natural ingredients that are bio-identical to your biology, with many of them growing abundantly in and around Hoedspruit.
Enjoy a facial, therapeutic massage, skin wrap or manicure and pedicure with nourishing skin vitamins, minerals and flower oils.
3) Blyde River Canyon Drive
26km in length, the Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons on earth. Known for its lush, green appearance packed with subtropical foliage and deep cliffs that provide a stunning backdrop.
The Blyde River Canyon Reserve is situated against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment and includes natural wonders such as the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window.
It’s worth combining game viewing in Kruger National Park with a drive along the Panorama Route. A stunning and unforgettable trip that is accessible from Mpfuvu Manor and Hoedspruit.
4) Hot Air Balloon ride
Float over the savannas as the sun sets on an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. From the skies, you’ll get a unique perspective and experience tranquillity while absorbing breathtaking views.
Hot Air Balloon rides are a gentle experience that all the family can enjoy and they provide a unique game viewing experience. There are a number of Hot Air Balloon ride operators in the Hoedspruit area and we are happy to recommend these to you during your stay at Mpfuvu Manor.
5) Bush Yoga
A wild and free experience where you’ll truly relax and feel at one with nature. Bush Yoga lets you soak up the smells, sounds and sights of nature and forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.
You’ll feel restored and revived after a Bush Yoga session and pairing with a sunset bush walk and bush dinner, will create the perfect day where you’ll truly feel at one with the natural world.
When you visit Mpfuvu Manor near Hoedspruit, we can also recommend sleeping out under the stars, horse riding and exploring the Hoedspruit nightlife.
More from our journal:
- Where can you see elephants in South Africa?
We know the best places you can see elephants while on safari in South Africa - What river runs through the Kruger National Park?
Six major rivers flow through the Kruger National Park. Mpfuvu Manor is situated on the banks of one of them – The Olifants River. Find out more about the rivers in our region - How do I plan a family safari trip?
We look at how you can start planning your family safari trip to South Africa
