The Kruger Park is also excellent for visiting with your own car. From Hoedspruit you drive along the Greater Kruger fence to the Orpen Gate, 40 minutes away from the villa, from where you can make beautiful day trips and enjoy nature at your own pace. Feel free to ask for our tips to put together a nice route.
If you drive in the other direction from Hoedspruit, you enter a completely different world. You can already see them from the luxurious sundeck of Villa Tall Horse: the small Drakensberg mountains, with the Mariepskop (1944 meters) as the highest point. Between the mountains is the Blyde River Canyon, the largest living green canyon in the world. The canyon is one of the greatest sights in South Africa and is part of the Panorama Route. You can take a boat trip on the river but also opt for more action such as tubing, canyoning and canoeing.
Did you know that hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa? You better not get in their way. That's why it's extra special to get to know Jessica and hear her story. Jessica still lives in the wild but is the only hippo in the world you can pet. Jessica is fed twice a day, so check the times when you go. Fun for children, but also worth a visit for adults.
Half an hour from Villa Tall Horse you will find the pier for a relaxing boat trip on the Blyde River. Enjoy the beautiful view of the canyon from the water and in the meantime, scan the water for crocodiles or hippos. There are several departures per day. You can book a ticket online.
The estate has its own professional riding school. You can take horse riding lessons here, but even without experience, you can book a safari tour on horseback for 1, 2 or 3 hours in the Wilderness Area of the Estate under professional guidance. This is also possible with young children.
The HESC provides a fascinating insight into rare, vulnerable and endangered species and animal conservation efforts in general. It offers fun and informative tours and other specialized excursions to visitors. The entrance costs contribute directly to the conservation projects and daily running costs. There are two tours a day. You have to make a reservation in advance.
If you drive the Panorama Route, you can choose to make a small detour from Graskop amd also make a stop in Pilgrim's Rest. Pilgrim's rest is small, but well worth stopping by. It is a kind of open-air museum where the atmosphere of the gold rush era still lives on. Nice for a lunch stop.
At 30 minutes from Villa Tall Horse at the foot of the Mariepskop you can make a quad ride. The trail takes you through riverine forest, savanna grasslands with spectacular mountain views. You must be 14 years and older to drive a quad. Children under the age of 16 are allowed on the back as a passenger.
Snakes have a bad reputation, but they are essential to the balance of the eco system, and are they all as dangerous as we think? What's best to do when you come across one? You can learn more about reptiles at the Hoedspruit Reptile Center (HRC). It is one of the oldest and best-known reptile centers in Africa for conservation, training and education of African reptiles and amphibians. Look for the possibilities of an interactive tour to get the most out of your visit.
Start the day well with a relaxing bike ride through the wilderness area of the Zandspruit Estate. Are you an experienced and enthousiatic MTB rider? Then the Mariepskop is something to consider. From this mountain at an altitude of 1945 meters you have a magnificent view over the canyon. But make no mistake! It is a 30km climb over gravel, boulders and at the end a 5km stretch of rough concrete. This last 5 km has an average gradient of 17% with peaks of up to 30%.
You get the real safari feel in an open jeep Within a 10-minute drive from Villa Tall Horse you are at the Greater Kruger where this adventure can begin. Book an early morning safari with a professional guide and watch the sunrise as the nocturnal animals give way to the diurnal ones. Or go into the evening and enjoy a sundowner as the sky turns orange.
Are you a golf enthusiast? Opposite the Zandspruit Estate is the Drakensig Golf Club, where you can choose from 9 or 18 holes. All materials are provided. In addition, there are a number of other golf courses that are further away from Hoedspruit. A famous place is the golf course at the Skukuza rest camp, in the middle of the Kruger Park!
An unforgettable experience: a balloon flight over Hoedspruit and surroundings. A balloon flight is an experience anyway, but above the canyon and wilderness, makes it even more special. It is also possible to join a microlight flight. Depending on your budget, you can choose how long you want to be in the air.
The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provides a home for animals that have lost their mother, been injured or poisoned. The main goal is to help these animals return to nature. The center is very successful in this, but unfortunately not all animals can be returned. As a result, they have a number of "permanent residents" in the center who are the ambassadors for their species. A visit to this center will only increase your appreciation for the people who care for the animals and leave lasting memories. There are two tours daily.
The history and culture of the African tribes come alive at Nyani Cultural Village. The cultural journey begins in the village of Shangaan where guests experience an original show "Limpopo Pathways" featuring costumes, songs, and dances. After the show, you will be introduced to all aspects of a typical Shangaan village.
These beautiful rock formations along the Panorama Route were carved out by erosion centuries ago and provide beautiful pictures. This viewpoint is one of the most popular stops along the route for a reason. So take your time here.
Walking safaris offer a different and unique perspective on the flora and fauna of Africa. During a bush walk led by a professional guide you will see a completely different way of life. Discover a level of detail you've never seen before, from tiny reptiles and insects to learning how guides track big game in the bush.
For a sporty start to the day, take our bikes to Zandspruit Boulevard. There you will find Hoedspruit Padel, open to members and visitors. Don't have a padel racket with you? You can rent both a court and equipment.
Go hiking! At the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, various hiking trails have been set out of various lengths and through various types of landscapes. These routes are free, but you must pay a small fee to enter the reserve. Ask our host for the details.
If you are going to drive the panorama route, this place is highly recommended. Descend into the gorge with the elevator and discover the diverse nature. Via footbridges you walk through the forest past various information points. For the daredevils there is a spectacular zipline and a big swing.
In short, there is plenty to do in the area. But....above all, don't forget to do just nothing at all for a while and enjoy the pool, peace and nature from the terrace of Villa Tall Horse .
The HESC provides a fascinating insight into rare, vulnerable and endangered species and animal conservation efforts in general. It offers fun and informative tours and other specialized excursions to visitors. The entrance costs contribute directly to the conservation projects and daily running costs. There are two tours a day. You have to make a reservation in advance.
At 30 minutes from Villa Tall Horse at the foot of the Mariepskop you can make a quad ride. The trail takes you through riverine forest, savanna grasslands with spectacular mountain views. You must be 14 years and older to drive a quad. Children under the age of 16 are allowed on the back as a passenger.
Did you know that hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa? You better not get in their way. That's why it's extra special to get to know Jessica and hear her story. Jessica still lives in the wild but is the only hippo in the world you can pet. Jessica is fed twice a day, so check the times when you go. Fun for children, but also worth a visit for adults.
If you drive in the other direction from Hoedspruit, you enter a completely different world. You can already see them from the luxurious sundeck of Villa Tall Horse: the small Drakensberg mountains, with the Mariepskop (1944 meters) as the highest point. Between the mountains is the Blyde River Canyon, the largest living green canyon in the world. The canyon is one of the greatest sights in South Africa and is part of the Panorama Route. You can take a boat trip on the river but also opt for more action such as tubing, canyoning and canoeing.
Half an hour from Villa Tall Horse you will find the pier for a relaxing boat trip on the Blyde River. Enjoy the beautiful view of the canyon from the water and in the meantime, scan the water for crocodiles or hippos. There are several departures per day. You can book a ticket online.
The estate has its own professional riding school. You can take horse riding lessons here, but even without experience, you can book a safari tour on horseback for 1, 2 or 3 hours in the Wilderness Area of the Estate under professional guidance. This is also possible with young children.
The Kruger Park is also excellent for visiting with your own car. From Hoedspruit you drive along the Greater Kruger fence to the Orpen Gate, 40 minutes away from the villa, from where you can make beautiful day trips and enjoy nature at your own pace. Feel free to ask for our tips to put together a nice route.
If you drive the Panorama Route, you can choose to make a small detour from Graskop amd also make a stop in Pilgrim's Rest. Pilgrim's rest is small, but well worth stopping by. It is a kind of open-air museum where the atmosphere of the gold rush era still lives on. Nice for a lunch stop.
Snakes have a bad reputation, but they are essential to the balance of the eco system, and are they all as dangerous as we think? What's best to do when you come across one? You can learn more about reptiles at the Hoedspruit Reptile Center (HRC). It is one of the oldest and best-known reptile centers in Africa for conservation, training and education of African reptiles and amphibians. Look for the possibilities of an interactive tour to get the most out of your visit.
Start the day well with a relaxing bike ride through the wilderness area of the Zandspruit Estate. Are you an experienced and enthousiatic MTB rider? Then the Mariepskop is something to consider. From this mountain at an altitude of 1945 meters you have a magnificent view over the canyon. But make no mistake! It is a 30km climb over gravel, boulders and at the end a 5km stretch of rough concrete. This last 5 km has an average gradient of 17% with peaks of up to 30%.
You get the real safari feel in an open jeep Within a 10-minute drive from Villa Tall Horse you are at the Greater Kruger where this adventure can begin. Book an early morning safari with a professional guide and watch the sunrise as the nocturnal animals give way to the diurnal ones. Or go into the evening and enjoy a sundowner as the sky turns orange.
Are you a golf enthusiast? Opposite the Zandspruit Estate is the Drakensig Golf Club, where you can choose from 9 or 18 holes. All materials are provided. In addition, there are a number of other golf courses that are further away from Hoedspruit. A famous place is the golf course at the Skukuza rest camp, in the middle of the Kruger Park!
An unforgettable experience: a balloon flight over Hoedspruit and surroundings. A balloon flight is an experience anyway, but above the canyon and wilderness, makes it even more special. It is also possible to join a microlight flight. Depending on your budget, you can choose how long you want to be in the air.
The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provides a home for animals that have lost their mother, been injured or poisoned. The main goal is to help these animals return to nature. The center is very successful in this, but unfortunately not all animals can be returned. As a result, they have a number of "permanent residents" in the center who are the ambassadors for their species. A visit to this center will only increase your appreciation for the people who care for the animals and leave lasting memories. There are two tours daily.
The history and culture of the African tribes come alive at Nyani Cultural Village. The cultural journey begins in the village of Shangaan where guests experience an original show "Limpopo Pathways" featuring costumes, songs, and dances. After the show, you will be introduced to all aspects of a typical Shangaan village.
These beautiful rock formations along the Panorama Route were carved out by erosion centuries ago and provide beautiful pictures. This viewpoint is one of the most popular stops along the route for a reason. So take your time here.
Walking safaris offer a different and unique perspective on the flora and fauna of Africa. During a bush walk led by a professional guide you will see a completely different way of life. Discover a level of detail you've never seen before, from tiny reptiles and insects to learning how guides track big game in the bush.
For a sporty start to the day, take our bikes to Zandspruit Boulevard. There you will find Hoedspruit Padel, open to members and visitors. Don't have a padel racket with you? You can rent both a court and equipment.
Go hiking! At the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, various hiking trails have been set out of various lengths and through various types of landscapes. These routes are free, but you must pay a small fee to enter the reserve. Ask our host for the details.
If you are going to drive the panorama route, this place is highly recommended. Descend into the gorge with the elevator and discover the diverse nature. Via footbridges you walk through the forest past various information points. For the daredevils there is a spectacular zipline and a big swing.
