Giraffe Lodge

If you’ve ever wanted to come face-to-face with South Africa’s most famous wild animals while enjoying the luxuries of home, Giraffe Lodge in Hoedspruit is just the place for you. Located near the famous Kruger National Park, Giraffe Lodge is a self-contained holiday home with three bedrooms that sleeps a total of six people. From the Big Five game areas to the Blyde River Canyon; you can enjoy a wide range of daily activities during your stay. Even though you’re amongst majestic wild animals, the estate is located just few hundred meters away from Hoedspruit and it is close to amenities such as restaurants, pubs and shops.

Top Tips

• Because Giraffe Lodge is a self-contained holiday home, you have to book the entire house during your stay. It is worth noting that the home is very popular throughout the entire year so make sure to get your bookings in early and well before your holiday.

• To make the most of your time in Hoedspruit, it’s definitely recommended that you hire a car for the duration of your trip. It will make going back and forth from the house to the town a lot easier, not to mention making exploring the surrounding area a lot easier as well. Pro tip: don’t worry about parking at Giraffe Lodge, as there are designated parking spots at the house itself.

• It’s an understatement to say that there’s plenty to do in Hoedspruit, from safari drives to Blyde River adventures, there is truly something for everyone. Because you’re amongst South Africa’s best national reserves, you are almost obligated to experience the local flora and fauna. Thanks to strategic partnerships that the lodge has with local providers, you can view these majestic animals either from the ground on a safari truck or from the sky on a hot air balloon!

• For those looking for even more adventure, the lodge can even arrange activities like tours through Echo Caves (some of the world’s oldest limestone caves), a zipline adventure through the upper level of South Africa’s indigenous forests and ancient mountain cliffs, a boat tour of the third largest “green” canyon in the world, or even a day of rest and relaxation at the Kapama Wellness centre.

• If you’re an animal lover, you’re going to love your stay at the Giraffe Lodge not just because of the close proximity to wild animals but also because you’ll be in the vicinity of many animal rehabilitation centres. You’ll be able to learn so much firsthand about South Africa’s efforts to preserve their local wildlife and may even be able to interact with some of the animals that are in their care. Make sure to email the lodge for a list of centres you can visit during your trip.