We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.
Hoedspruit
Log in Join
  • My Trips
  • Bookings
  • Rental Inbox

    • Browse

    Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

    764 Reviews
    #2 of 21 things to do in Hoedspruit
    Features Animals
    Nature & Wildlife Areas, Nature & Parks
    R40 Between Hoedspruit and Klaserie | Kapama Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa
    +27 15 793 1633
    Website
    Save
    All photos (303)
    Full view
    Certificate of Excellence
    Book In Advance
    More Info
    US$111,37*
    and up
    Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Tour from Hazyview
    More Info
    US$75,40*
    and up
    Full-Day Endangered Species Tour from Hazyview
    More Info
    US$84,30*
    and up
    Full-Day Endangered Wildlife Tour from Hazyview
    See More Tours & Experiences
    Map
    Satellite
    Map updates are paused. Zoom in to see updated info.
    Reset zoom
    Overview
    More
    Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered animals. Cheetah Conservation is one of the core disciplines. HESC has established itself as one of the leading private research and breeding facilities for endangered species in the country. Governed by a progressive and modern management approach, it concerns itself with the breeding and maintenance of several endangered indigenous wildlife species in southern Africa. The centre places particular emphasis on the breeding and maintenance of cheetah in captivity. The excellent condition of these animals and the premises on which they are maintained, reflect the attention to detail, which is the hallmark of this facility. STANDARD TOUR The duration of each tour is 2 hours. Therefore it enables the visitor to have sufficient time to ask questions to the guide and do an in-depth tour of the centre. Please note that our first tour can include the cheetah run, however bookings are essential. Prior reservations are essential. Please refer to our rate sheet for more information on special packages and accommodation. DELI at CHEETAH Visitors may enjoy a selection of home baked cakes and a light meal under thatched cover overlooking the Centre's enclosures. Refreshments such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine and beer are but some of the offerings available to a thirsty palate. Groups can be catered for, but we advise bookings to guarantee efficient serving time. CURIO SHOP One of the most imported sources of funding at the HESC is the curio shop; stocked to the brim with locally made artefacts, wildlife literature, and children's toys, visitors will no doubt enjoy the experience of browsing through the colorful shelves. Many of the pieces for sale in the shop are made by local communities, renowned for their proficiency in beading and weaving. All proceeds from sales in our curio shop from your visit will go towards the care and up- keep of our hundreds of animals and birds.

    About Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

    Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) focuses on the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered animals. Cheetah Conservation is one of the core disciplines. HESC has established itself as one of the leading private research and breeding facilities for endangered species in the country. Governed by a progressive and modern management approach, it concerns itself with the breeding and maintenance of several endangered indigenous wildlife species in southern Africa. The centre places particular emphasis on the breeding and maintenance of cheetah in captivity. The excellent condition of these animals and the premises on which they are maintained, reflect the attention to detail, which is the hallmark of this facility. STANDARD TOUR The duration of each tour is 2 hours. Therefore it enables the visitor to have sufficient time to ask questions to the guide and do an in-depth tour of the centre. Please note that our first tour can include the cheetah run, however bookings are essential. Prior reservations are essential. Please refer to our rate sheet for more information on special packages and accommodation. DELI at CHEETAH Visitors may enjoy a selection of home baked cakes and a light meal under thatched cover overlooking the Centre's enclosures. Refreshments such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, wine and beer are but some of the offerings available to a thirsty palate. Groups can be catered for, but we advise bookings to guarantee efficient serving time. CURIO SHOP One of the most imported sources of funding at the HESC is the curio shop; stocked to the brim with locally made artefacts, wildlife literature, and children's toys, visitors will no doubt enjoy the experience of browsing through the colorful shelves. Many of the pieces for sale in the shop are made by local communities, renowned for their proficiency in beading and weaving. All proceeds from sales in our curio shop from your visit will go towards the care and up- keep of our hundreds of animals and birds.
    4.5
    764 reviews
    • Excellent62%
    • Very good29%
    • Average6%
    • Poor2%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “king cheetah” (43 reviews)
    “endangered species” (61 reviews)
    “wild dogs” (74 reviews)
    LOCATION
    R40 Between Hoedspruit and Klaserie | Kapama Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa
    CONTACT
    Website
    +27 15 793 1633
    Improve This Listing
    Write a Review
    Reviews (764)
    Traveller rating
    Traveller type
    Time of year
    Language

    1 - 10 of 571 reviews

    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Incredible!!

    Just love the work that HESC does. Absolutely incredible that they're doing their bit to save the endangered animals and release them back into the wild. The tour was really good. The guide was informative and answered our questions readily and patiently, given that there...More

    Thank Rachel V
    Reviewed 3 days ago
    Awesome Experiential Education

    We took part in a five day student program at HESC with Ruan and Herman. All aspects of the trip were very memorable, especially for the 13 Australians that had never been to Africa before. The sheer privilege of being able to work with the...More

    Review collected in partnership with this attraction
    Thank SJWalls
    Reviewed 1 week ago
    They found the right balance...good on them.

    To preserve these and other spectacular species facilities must balance the need to educate the public with the type of presentation needed to attract donors. This team has found the right balance. Yes, they do provide non-contact, visual access to these animals during feeding events...More

    Thank PhotoCouple
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Visit

    We visited the center with our ranger from camp jabulani. He was very familiar with the history of the particular animals found at the center. It was an enjoyable experience. Of note was the vulture feeding. It was like the Hitchcock movie "the birds".

    Thank Anne C
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
    Great visit

    Great !! 2 hours visit with a ranger driving in the reserve to show you cheetahs rhinos lions wild dogs that have been abandonned wounded rescued from poaching! Rangers are passionate about what they do, they share their knowledges about the wildlife and animals !...More

    Thank Laet A
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    Khula's Cottage & HESC

    The cottage was of an exceptional standard - quality finishes throughout. The way the cottage is built as a treehouse adds to its charm and allows great views over the surrounding landscape. The boma provides for great bushveld feel entertainment under African night sky. What...More

    Review collected in partnership with this attraction
    Thank E7980FSvanessah
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
    A must see in Hoedspruit!

    We visited with a group from our lodge. They have a small cafe with reasonable prices for refreshments and a very good gift shop. The tour was very educational and it was a unique experience to get so close to cheetah and even rhinos!

    Thank Nadine_op_reis
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
    Very interesting

    we've learned a lot about the endangered animals here and also saw them all in their natural habitat.

    Thank Christoph H
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
    King cheetahs!

    Well set out and informative, the venue is very nice and the staff are friendly. An amazing souvenir shop too. I loved seeing the King cheetah (a first for me).

    Thank scarlettvixxen
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    Incredible Work Being Done Here!!

    I left this place with tears in my eyes for all the wonderful work that is being done here. Run by folks who really care about helping animals. This really was one of the high spots on my trip. Well done to all who work...More

    Thank Chris B
    Nearby
    Nearby Restaurants
    The Hat & Creek - Hoedspruit
    434 reviews
    19.59 km away
    Potluck Boskombuis
    333 reviews
    31.40 km away
    Austrian Coffee Estate
    7 reviews
    38.17 km away
    Cala la Pasta Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
    295 reviews
    19.67 km away
    Nearby Attractions
    Camp Jabulani Elephant Experience
    77 reviews
    13.39 km away
    Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre
    841 reviews
    14.51 km away
    Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail
    30 reviews
    24.77 km away
    Bourkes' Luck Potholes
    579 reviews
    30.19 km away
    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    Smitha S
    13 January 2017|
    AnswerShow all 8 answers
    Response from catherinecK4593VL | Reviewed this property |
    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.
    1
    Vote
    Public Relation... M
    18 July 2016|
    Answer
    Response from Nkosisikeli | Reviewed this property |
    I agree. The Cheetah Focus Tour is worthwhile, plus you'll also be able to see endangered vultures feeding.
    0
    Votes
    Phch
    3 July 2016|
    AnswerShow all 10 answers
    Response from TrekCarrie | Reviewed this property |
    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!!
    2
    Votes