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Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

718 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
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US$112,27*
and up
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Tour from Hazyview
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US$76,02*
and up
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US$84,99*
and up
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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
718 reviews
  • Excellent61%
  • Very good30%
  • Average6%
  • Poor2%
  • Terrible1%
Travellers talk about
“king cheetah” (40 reviews)
“endangered species” (57 reviews)
“wild dogs” (70 reviews)
LOCATION
R40 Between Hoedspruit and Klaserie | Kapama Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa
CONTACT
Website
+27 15 793 1633
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Reviews (718)
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1 - 10 of 536 reviews

Reviewed 3 days ago
Great visit

I really enjoyed my visit to HESC during my most recent visit to South Africa. It is very centrally located about 40 minutes down the R40 from the camp which I stay. My friend and I were on the last tour of the day and,...More

Thank Kim Van N
Reviewed 3 days ago
Great couple of hours among beautiful cats

We were in a bit of a rush to get to the tour at 1300, and only were at the gate at 1305 so 5 mins after the tour was meant to start. The rangers were really cool and let us join even late. The...More

Thank Yavor R
Reviewed 3 days ago
THE Place to See and Learn about Cheetahs, Lions, and Wild Dogs! After, Enjoy A Nice Coffee and Upscale Gift Shopping.

THE place to see and learn about cheetahs, lions, and wild dogs. Our experience began with a video presentation then a few minutes to visit a few small animal enclosures near the welcome center. To see the large animals, we boarded game vehicles (backseat visibility...More

Thank WonderfulWorld59
Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
A great place with super guides

We took the guided tour and the guide was fantastic, explaining everything about the centre and how it is working towards the rehabilitation of the animals it looks after. Because rehabilitation involves avoiding human contact, a lot of the animals are from a distance but...More

1  Thank Blouncy
Reviewed 1 week ago
African Bush Experience

Brilliant Bush location near the cheetah enclosure to keep you company while experiencing the night sounds of the African bush, highly recommended.

Review collected in partnership with this attraction
Thank bobwD7645SX
Reviewed 1 week ago
Critical preservation of rare species

Amazing work being done here to preserve and rehabilitate a number of endangered species, including King Cheetahs, rhinos, wild dogs and others. This is a must-see if you are in the area.

Thank Gail M
Reviewed 1 week ago
wildlife conservation experience

Two weeks where people can learning, help for animals and enjoy every day in the centre ! The staff is very nice, help you when you need and explain everything that interest you in the bush. I will come back as fast as possible and...More

Review collected in partnership with this attraction
Thank S1506LOisabelleb
Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
Excellent experience!

We toured HESC with our guide Ruan from Camp Jabulani, which helps support the center and whose staff have direct experience with them. It struck me as a first class operation working to ethically support rare animals and ecotourism as the alternative to destructive exploitation...More

Thank Martin R
Reviewed 2 weeks ago via mobile
Wish we had longer

Awesome. Words cannot explain what these people are doing to protect our world. Take your children and grandchildren to see how we can all live together in a healthy globe. Go for at least a whole day.

Thank Bronwyn K
Reviewed 3 weeks ago
What a Great Experience

We had a wonderful tour at the center lead by our guide from Camp Jabulani, Andre'. Andre' used to work at the center before moving to Camp Jabulani so our tour was even better. He also had a surprise waiting, for the guests of Camp...More

Thank Cupcardriver
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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