MOHOLOHOLO Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, located at the base of the Drakensberg Mountains near Hoedspruit in Limpopo Province, South Africa, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, and poisoned wildlife. Established in 1991, the center also provides a permanent sanctuary for animals that cannot be reintroduced into the wild due to the severity of their injuries.
Visitors to Moholoholo can participate in guided tours offered twice daily, Monday through Saturday. These tours provide educational insights into the challenges facing South Africa’s wildlife and the conservation efforts undertaken by the centre.
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC)
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC), located near Hoedspruit in Limpopo Province, South Africa, is dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of rare, vulnerable, and endangered animals, with a particular emphasis on cheetahs and rhinos. Established in 1990 as the Hoedspruit Cheetah Project, HESC has expanded its focus to include the rehabilitation of rhinos affected by poaching and the care of various other species such as African wild dogs, leopards, and lions.
HESC offers guided tours that provide visitors with insights into its conservation efforts and the species under its care. These two-hour tours are conducted daily at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 1:00 PM. Advance bookings are essential, and the tours include visits to various animal enclosures and educational presentations.
Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon in South Africa is one of the world’s largest canyons and a prominent natural wonder in the country. Spanning approximately 26 kilometers (16 miles) in length, it is renowned for its lush subtropical vegetation, earning it the distinction of being the largest ‘green canyon’ globally.
The canyon is characterized by towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations. Notable landmarks within the canyon include the “Three Rondavels,” a trio of massive, rounded rock formations resembling traditional African huts.
“Mariepskop (Drakensberg Mountain range)”
Originally built by the military to monitor the border along Mozambique, it is now one of Hoedspruit’s most attractive off-the-beaten-path tourist attractions and a ‘must-see’ destination with gorgeous and breathtaking vistas.
Mariepskop Viewpoint, perched at 1,947 meters above sea level, stands as one of the highest peaks in the northern Drakensberg and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels, and the surrounding landscapes. On clear days, the vistas extend to the Kruger National Park and even as far as Maputo and the Indian Ocean.
Blyde picnic spot
Nestled at the base of Mariepskop within the Blyde River Canyon, the Blyde River Picnic Spot offers a secluded retreat for visitors seeking relaxation and natural beauty. This hidden gem provides facilities for braais (barbecues) and opportunities to swim in the refreshing waters of the Blyde River, all while being surrounded by the impressive gorge scenery.
Additionally, the Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre, situated in the vicinity, provides various adventure activities and boat trips, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Blyde River Canyon.
