Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC), has been in operation for almost 30 years, and is one of South Africa’s leading conservation and rehabilitation centre’s for Rhino’s and Elephants, as well as being respected for one of the longest standing, and most successful cheetah breeding and conservation programme’s in the country too. We have daily tours, which are 2 hours in length. You will have a dedicated guide that gives you an informative and educational tour of the centre on a game vehicle. The "Cheetah Focus Tour" is starts between 7:30 - 8am Tues, Thurs, Sat and Sundays only. Please note we do not allow guests to touch the animals, we always maintain a respectful distance, and never encroach on their space. Only the staff or volunteer students where applicable are permitted, to keep human interaction to the very minimum. Their safety and well-being is our first and foremost concern at HESC. We recommend booking ahead to ensure availability.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Holidays Abroad697 contributionsA must visitWe went on the 0900 (17th February tour) with Melissa and it was excellent. Melissa had a real affinity with the animals and was very knowledgeable. We were driven round in a safari vehicle to see the various animals - Boombie the southern ground hornbill, marabou stork, the cheetahs (including king cheetahs), African wild dogs, a leopard and rhinos with a sheep! We got very close to the cheetahs and dogs which was excellent. We would highly recommend a visit here, not only is it enjoyable but you are also helping a very very worthy cause. Put this on your places to visit, you will not be disappointed.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 February 2024
- Jenny8 contributionsWonderful ecperienceAn absolute must for anyone visiting Hoedspruit. Tickets seem a bit expensive for local travellers, but when you hear and see what they do, it is well worth it. Our driver/guide, Ryan, was very knowledgeable and his passion for his work was evident in his interactions with us. Seeing the king cheetah was amazing as was having a close encounter with a rhino.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 May 2024
- Candice PDurban, South Africa266 contributionsKing CheetahHaving visited here in early 2000, i had high expectations and my hubby is a hobby photographer so i had explained what it was like when we went last. Sadly for the price i was a little disappointed. We went purely due to wanting the see the king cheetah, first time i went they were not available to see as they were nursing cubs. This is extremely tourist orientated. The tour is on a game drive truck, they drive you into the enclosures of the wild dogs and the King cheetah. We got to see the King cheetahs up close as the one came close to the vehicle. We saw the Ground hornbill, as well as where they have a "vulture restaurant" but it was just bones and the smell was a bit hectic with a few odd little hornbills etc. We saw sables as well as their rehab rhinos and calves that have been rescued that will be released back into the wild when they are ready. The experience was lovely, it was a bit rushed. Also they used to have the cheetah run, where they had like a stuffed toy on a line that they used to show how fast the cheetah can run, they don't seem to do that anymore. They have a curio shop as well as a little "Deli" restaurant. The curios were expensive. While i understand that it goes to research and all that, i just felt it was expensive for a local SA. We have been and definitely won't go again.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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1 064 reviews
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moraira
UK871 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre is the place to go if you want to see a functions conservation/rehabilitation project
Unlike another "rehabilitation" project we visited some days later, Hoedspruit does protect and release animals. The place is well run and profession. This is not a zoo, it is reals animals being cared for
If you want to see Cheetahs and how they are rehabilitated for return to the wild then do visit this site
Unlike another "rehabilitation" project we visited some days later, Hoedspruit does protect and release animals. The place is well run and profession. This is not a zoo, it is reals animals being cared for
If you want to see Cheetahs and how they are rehabilitated for return to the wild then do visit this site
Written 4 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie Watson
4 contributions
Oct 2022
10 years ago I met Lenta at the 2nd International Animal Trainers Conference at Twycross Zoo in the UK. Now I have finally been able to visit the Centre she started so long ago.
Her work inspired me back then and I was so impressed at the work they all do here to help endangered species and how they work inside their local communities too! Helping raise awareness of the plight of wildlife who suffer when farmers poison and snare. They heavily invest in children and we all know that they are the future after all!
This place is awesome and well worth a visit
Her work inspired me back then and I was so impressed at the work they all do here to help endangered species and how they work inside their local communities too! Helping raise awareness of the plight of wildlife who suffer when farmers poison and snare. They heavily invest in children and we all know that they are the future after all!
This place is awesome and well worth a visit
Written 19 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joel B
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We booked a 14-day photo safari with Mafigeni Safaris. We visited Hoedspruit and it's local activities, Kruger National Park, Blyde Canyon, Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. It was a spectacular trip. We saw a wide variety of animals in the wild along with geological formations. We had a guide with a vehicle who stayed with just us the entire trip. He helped with the immigration process as we crossed through many countries. He knew his way around all the airports.
Mafigeni guided us through the entire process and took responsibility for all aspects of the trip, particularly airline reservations. This truly was a turn-key trip for us. No way I would I have done this on my own.
We particularly enjoyed our guide Paddy. He was organized and well known everywhere we went. He knew the intricacies of border crossings. People were always glad to see him, even immigration people.
He was extremely knowledgeable of plants and animals everywhere we went.
We have no regrets or complaints. This trip exceeded our expectations.
Mafigeni guided us through the entire process and took responsibility for all aspects of the trip, particularly airline reservations. This truly was a turn-key trip for us. No way I would I have done this on my own.
We particularly enjoyed our guide Paddy. He was organized and well known everywhere we went. He knew the intricacies of border crossings. People were always glad to see him, even immigration people.
He was extremely knowledgeable of plants and animals everywhere we went.
We have no regrets or complaints. This trip exceeded our expectations.
Written 5 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
g4pfk
Birmingham, UK102 contributions
Feb 2023
My wife and I were in a party of eleven staying at Camp Bethel who organised this
local visit.
Nice intro film before boarding vehicle then informative by guide. The 6 month old rhino was very active charging the staff when given the opportunity,
Firs call was the 'vulture diner' close encounter as many appear to feed on raw meat
which did not smell very pleasant.
Visits to different enclosures to see, wild dogs, cheetahs, a leopard with more info given at each stop.
local visit.
Nice intro film before boarding vehicle then informative by guide. The 6 month old rhino was very active charging the staff when given the opportunity,
Firs call was the 'vulture diner' close encounter as many appear to feed on raw meat
which did not smell very pleasant.
Visits to different enclosures to see, wild dogs, cheetahs, a leopard with more info given at each stop.
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AnthonyPM
La Jolla183 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
We had a great time at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. We booked a private tour for 4 people in a safari vehicle for approximately 3 hours. We were able to get good photographs of the Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, Rhino's and Vultures. They also have rare king cheetahs, which are exceptionally beautiful. Our guide was excellent and very knowledgable. They also have a good restaurant and gift shop. We also rented a cottage for 1 night that was very clean, nice and good location.
Written 28 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tim0mara
Leeds, UK11 contributions
Jan 2020
Wow! what an amazing place to visit. We had a great time and our guide was so knowledgable. Their work into saving Cheetahs and endangered species is so worthwhile. You feel safe and get so close to the animals which all look healthy and content. The feeding of the vultures is quite a highlight. Put this on your MUST VISIT list. You will not be disappointed.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agrobb701421
Boksburg, South Africa1 contribution
Dec 2020
I am very happy with the accommodation and the only issue I had was the fact that the roof fan was not effective. Places where it gets so hot really need strong roof fans if they do not have aircons. It was fantastic to hear the lion roar during the night and waking up to birdsong. The sunset was also amazing. The kitchen was very well equipped and everything was very clean.
Written 17 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Graeme Bell
Sandton, South Africa19 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
Sean was a gentleman, knowledgeable beyond his years and good fun to share the game drive with. Allowed us as much time as we like with each animal. Loved the term Vulture Restaurant lol.
Information video at the start gets the ball rolling and inspires further questions. Seems like the animals are being looked after.
Staff in Curious shop, at reception, other guides and Sean all exceptional.
Information video at the start gets the ball rolling and inspires further questions. Seems like the animals are being looked after.
Staff in Curious shop, at reception, other guides and Sean all exceptional.
Written 30 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mdenison2567
Lagos, Portugal60 contributions
Oct 2019
really wonderful afternoon taking the tour around the centre. a wonderful selection of wildlife, really up close and personal. the guides were extremely personable and friendy and in general it was a really enjoyable afternoon, would highly recommend.
Written 25 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keca66
Uttoxeter, UK319 contributions
Mar 2020
We visited in the afternoon and were on the 1pm tour. Very educational and shows the great work that HESC does and how it is working on breeding cheetahs. Also got to see a King Cheetah.
Vulture restaurant is a must see, just to watch these birds fighting over everything, though it does smell!
Also a good Deli cafe at great prices.
Vulture restaurant is a must see, just to watch these birds fighting over everything, though it does smell!
Also a good Deli cafe at great prices.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good day Keca66
Happy to hear that you enjoyed the centre.
We look forward to seeing you in the future!
Kind regards
The HESC team
Written 14 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
le prix par personne pour une visite guidée dans le centre ? pour des séniors, jeunes adultes et enfants de moins de 12 ans ?
Written 7 March 2019
PR-Hesc
Hoedspruit, South Africa
Le prix par personne pour une visite guidée est de 180 ZAR. Pour les personnes âgées, le prix est de 145 ZAR et pour les enfants de 6 à 11 ans, le prix est de 90 ZAR.
S'il vous plaît laissez-nous savoir si vous avez besoin de quelque chose d'autre?
Written 14 March 2019
We are coming to Hoedspruit end of September, how far in advance do we habe to reserve 3 tickets for the Cheetah tour?
Written 20 August 2017
PR-Hesc
Hoedspruit, South Africa
Dear Bayu S
Bookings for the Cheetah Focus Tour are to be made a day in advance, and for the standard tour it can be booked on the same day (subject to availability).
HESC Team
Written 21 August 2017
Hi, i am looking to spend 3 nights & 4 days in Kruger area in May. We are a family of 2 adults & 2 kids aged 8 & 11 yrs. HESC seems very interesting. But we would also like to experince the game drives inside Kruger park. Can we do this even if stay at HESC? Are there any hindrances for us going for game drives if we stayed with you rather than at one of the rest camps inside Kruger?
Smitha
Written 13 January 2017
I don't think you can stay at HESC...I visited with my kiddos and did not see any accommodations. You simply do a drive through their property and see the animals in their care.
Written 14 January 2017
bonjour,
nous preparons notre voyage en Afrique du sud
comment reserver à Thornybush reserve ou autre safari pour une 1/2 journée à Hoesdpruit le 24 Fevrier 2017
Merci de votre réponese
Written 26 September 2016
PR-Hesc
Hoedspruit, South Africa
Dear Mayerouxarlette,
We look forward to welcoming you to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
You can enjoy one of our tours around our centre (each is 2 hours long, and they are available every day), a Cheetah Focus Tour (a more exclusive tour, with a specialised focus on the cheetah) or a Game drive within the Big Five reserve adjacent to the centre.
Please find our website and Facebook page under Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre to contact us directly.
We would advise to book well
in advance to avoid disappointment.
Written 9 November 2016
PR-Hesc
Hoedspruit, South Africa
We would definitely suggest the Cheetah Focus Tour. To see a cheetah in the wild is really spectacular, but seeing a cheetah's running abilities up close is even more spectacular. You will also be able to see other rare animals species, such as the African Wild Dog.
If you will be spending time in the Kruger, you will no doubt already have hours worth of experience under your belt within the reserve itself.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Written 18 July 2016
I agree. The Cheetah Focus Tour is worthwhile, plus you'll also be able to see endangered vultures feeding.
Written 14 January 2017
Hi,
We have booked a night's accommodation at Sebeka cottage next month and I was wondering which activities to book. We will be spending some time in Kruger so is it worth doing the Kapama game drive or would you suggest the cheetah focus tour?
Many thanks
Written 3 July 2016
Both are excellent. I would choose a game drive as it is a more authentic experience but if you want to see endangered king cheetahs, wild dogs and rare sable antelope up close then do the HESC tour - better still, do both!!
Written 9 July 2016
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