Our accommodation is close to Hoedspruit town, Hoedspruit airport, Kruger National Park, Kampersrus and the Panorama Route.
We offer plenty of exciting and adventurous activities; game drives, helicopter rides, 4x4 rides, quad biking, balloon rides, 4x4 trips to Mariepskop mouintain and much more.
Important remarks
PRICES BASED ON 2 PARTICIPANTS
The prices of all transfers/activities summarised below are based on two people joining the transfer/activity together. If your party has more people, the costs per person will be lower. If you travel solo, there's a surcharge. Contact us for more details.
PLEASE GIVE US TIME TO ARRANGE THE SERVICES YOU NEED
For most activities we work with local partners. These have been chosen based on the quality of the services they provide, so they are in high demand. To avoid disappointment please book your activities before arrival, and preferably at least a week in advance. We will do our utmost best to assist you with your preferred activities but unfortunately can never guarantee availability.
SELF-DRIVING CAN SAVE YOU A LOT OF MONEY
Please note that all these activities include transfers to/from their starting point. However, if you decide to use your own car for those transfers then the cost of these activities is lower, as we do not need to include our own car and guide. Please let us know if you would like to book your activities without transfers; we will gladly make the necessary reservations for you.
PRICES VALID UNTIL 31 OCTOBER 2024
Whatever you order, please always make sure to not fill your stay at Kruger Cliffs entirely with day trips. Rather leave some time to relax and enjoy your plunge pool!
The prices of all transfers/activities summarised below are based on two people joining the transfer/activity together. If your party has more people, the costs per person will be lower. If you travel solo, there's a surcharge. Contact us for more details.
PLEASE GIVE US TIME TO ARRANGE THE SERVICES YOU NEED
For most activities we work with local partners. These have been chosen based on the quality of the services they provide, so they are in high demand. To avoid disappointment please book your activities before arrival, and preferably at least a week in advance. We will do our utmost best to assist you with your preferred activities but unfortunately can never guarantee availability.
SELF-DRIVING CAN SAVE YOU A LOT OF MONEY
Please note that all these activities include transfers to/from their starting point. However, if you decide to use your own car for those transfers then the cost of these activities is lower, as we do not need to include our own car and guide. Please let us know if you would like to book your activities without transfers; we will gladly make the necessary reservations for you.
PRICES VALID UNTIL 31 OCTOBER 2024
Whatever you order, please always make sure to not fill your stay at Kruger Cliffs entirely with day trips. Rather leave some time to relax and enjoy your plunge pool!
Hoedspruit transfer
R 600
Per person.
From Hoedspruit airport or Hoedspruit town to Kruger Cliffs, or vice versa (one way fee).
Nelspruit transfer
R 1550
Per person.
From Nelspruit KMIA airport to Kruger Cliffs, or vice versa (one way fee).
Mariepskop scenic views & forest hike (6h)
R 1550
Per person. Including reserve entrance fees and pick-nick breakfast.
The gravel road towards Mariepskop starts practically in our back yard. The road to the top is an adventure in itself; the higher you are, the steeper it gets! We take you up with our 4x4, and along the way we pick up our mountain guide, Thabelo. We visit multiple viewpoints (towards the Lowveld, towards the Canyon, and on Mariepskop itself - at the latter we have breakfast). After that we descend a few kilometers, and stop for a short hike in the mountain forest (Bushpig trail). We are back at the lodge in time for a late lunch (around 2PM).
Absolute highlight; our viewpoint towards the Blyde Canyon and the Three Rondawels; arguably even a better viewpoint than the similar one on the Panorama Route …but minus the crowds!
Important; if you have the right type of car (4x4), you can choose to hire Thabelo directly, as a guide for one of the many exiting hiking trails that he knows like the back of his hand. See the "Hiking & Birding" section at the bottom of this page.
Blyde Dam cruise
(1,5h)
R 1050
Per person. Transfers & reserve entrance fee included.
R 400 pp without transfers & reserve entrance fee.
R 400 pp without transfers & reserve entrance fee.
Kruger Cliffs is literally at the door of the Blyde River Canyon Reserve. Your guide will take you into the valley, a short but scenic drive. We will stop at a waterfall, and then drive on to the Blyde Dam. Here you will do a cruise of about 1,5 hour. The boat takes you all the way to the back of the dam. Can you spot the crocodiles and hippos?
Absolute highlight; can you see the little ants crawling about on top of the mountain? There's people there! If you book the Panorama Route tour, you'll be able to enjoy their viewpoint.
Panorama Route
(full day)
(full day)
R 2150
Per person. Including entrance fees.
Local visitors; please deduct
R 100 due to lower resident entrance fees.
Local visitors; please deduct
R 100 due to lower resident entrance fees.
We start with a bit of driving, through the Strydom tunnel and over the Abel Erasmus pass, a scenic and windy road that takes us into the mountains. Then we turn onto the R532, and along that route we'll have many stops, to enjoy viewpoints and tourist attractions such as Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window, the Three Rondawels and the Blyde Canyon.
Absolute highlight; at the end of our tour, we stop at the viewpoint over the Blyde River Canyon, the biggest green canyon in the world. Can you spot Kruger Cliffs?
Kruger National Park
(full day)
(full day)
R 2150
Per person. Including transfers from & to Orpen gate, entrance fee and pick-nick breakfast.
Local visitors; please deduct
R 300 due to lower resident entrance fees.
Deduct R 100 if no transfers are needed.
Local visitors; please deduct
R 300 due to lower resident entrance fees.
Deduct R 100 if no transfers are needed.
A full day of game driving in Kruger National Park in an Open Safari Vehicle, with a guide. Should you desire this we can also arrange a Kruger day trip in a closed vehicle (SUV) at the same cost, with a private guide. We go in at Orpen gate. The section we visit is arguably the best section of the park; we avoid the crowds in the south, as well as the boring mopane blocks in the north. What roads we will drive? Where our nose takes us! We might do the Mohlabetsi River bed, or do the Talamti-Sweni route, or drive the famous S100 …or a combination of these!
Absolute highlight; who knows? Safari is like a box of chocolates…
Manyeleti Reserve
game drive (3h)
R 1550
Per person. Transfers, reserve entrance fee and drinks included.
Local visitors; please deduct
R 100 due to lower resident entrance fees.
R 1450 pp without transfers.
Local visitors; please deduct
R 100 due to lower resident entrance fees.
R 1450 pp without transfers.
Game drives on private reserves with open borders to Kruger are the ultimate safari experience; away from the crowds, going off road, being able to spend time in an animal's (very close) presence. But to be able to participate in such drives you normally have to book a room on the private reserve. Fortunately for us, Manyeleti is an exception to this rule.
This game drive takes you deep into the reserve, in an Open Safari Vehicle. It lasts about three hours, with a break somewhere half way, during which you can enjoy a coffee/tea/hot chocolate & rusks in the morning, and soft drinks & snacks in the afternoon.
Absolute highlight; on at least one in four drives we have a leopard sighting. We hope you get to see it on your game drive!
Timbavati Reserve
game drive (3h)
R 1950
Per person. Transfers, reserve entrance fee and drinks included.
Idem as Manyeleti; Timbavati is a private game reserves with open borders to Kruger. But the experience here is even more exclusive; you'll be driving in an open safari vehicle (no roof!) on 6000Ha of traverse, amidst farms that have the most expensive lodges on them. You'll get the same safari experience as their guests, at a fraction of the cost.
That's not to say it's cheap though. Part of the cost is the mandatory transfers from and to our lodge; there's no way to leave private vehicles at the entrance gate that we use. But note that the cost comes down significantly if those transfer costs can be shared by more guests (example; 4 people joining would only pay R 1650 each).
Game drives have a break half way, during which you can enjoy a coffee/tea/hot chocolate & rusks in the morning, and soft drinks & snacks in the afternoon.
Please note; this activity can only be booked up to two weeks in advance, and depends on availability of the safari guide.
Absolute highlight; Timbavati is know for it's abundance of rhinos and good leopard sightings!
Moholoholo Animal Rehab Centre (1,5h)
R 800
Per person. Transfers & entrance fee included.
Moholoholo takes care of all wounded animals or "problem animals" in our area. Wounded animals are restored back to health, and released into the wild, if possible. Problem animals (typically unfortunate individuals that ended up in the wrong place) are captured and released where it is safe to do so. Moholoholo provides these services free of charge. To make ends meet, they provide tours at their centre.
Absolute highlight; seeing a black (melanistic) leopard up close.
Jessica The Hippo
visit (1h)
R 800
Per person. Transfers & entrance fee included.
Jessica was found at the doorstep of Tonie, a warden of Kruger National Park. She was born prematurely, and washed away from her mother in a flood. Tonie took her in and raised her. By now Jessica is mature and free to go wherever she pleases. But she decides to stay with Tonie. Unlike the rest of her species, Jessica is not aggressive at all towards humans. Quite the opposite!
Absolute highlight; giving Jessica a kiss on the nose (a privilege only women get)
Olifants River sunset cruise (2h)
R 1050
Per person.
This activity is only available for self-drivers.
A bit of a far drive but absolutely worth it, and on the way back to Kruger Cliffs you pass Hoedspruit town, so you can have dinner at one of Hoedspruit's exquisite restaurants.
To get there you need to drive through Phalaborwa mine, and it's interesting to see how an industrial area turns into pure nature in a mere few kilometers …without there being a proper fence between the two! The boat ride itself is simply divine. The lush vegetation attracts a myriad of birds and the occasional elephant family coming for a swim. You may even spot a predator! Catering is available on the boat (drinks, snack platters) but needs to be ordered in advance.
Absolute highlight; When the sun sets the colors over the water are simply unreal. A photographer's dream!
Spa treatments
Full body massages starting at:
R 1250
Per person
There’s 2 therapists available, so indulge in a couple’s massage on your private terrace.
Absolute highlight; complimenting your spa treatment with a hot shower, a bottle of bubbles, and a dip in your refreshing plunge pool, all while enjoying our fantastic mountain view!
Blyde Canyon sightseeing helicopter flight (45min)
R 12500
Per flight. Bottle of bubbles included.
Total duration of this trip is about 45min of which 30 minutes is spent while flying. During this flight you will gain a unique perspective of the Blyderivierpoort Dam, Kadishi Waterfall, Three Rondawels and the Blyde River. After a short stop on a mountain top you fly back over the escarpment egde towards the Lowveld; a breath-taking experience!
After touch down at our lodge you enjoy a glass of bubbles.
Please note; a maximum of 3 people (400kg) are allowed per flight. Kids under 3 years old can sit on the parents’ lap, but older kids need to occupy a regular seat.
Absolute highlight; seeing Blyde Canyon from the air. Kruger Cliffs really is located at the doorstep of one of Earth’s most beautiful spots.
Self catering accommodation near Kruger National Park.
Luxury and privacy! Affordable and spacious! A romantic setting with a beautiful view!
Private plunge pool, outdoor shower, air conditioning, king size bed, fully equipped kitchen.
Hiking & birding
Kruger Cliffs is right underneath the Mariepskop mountain flank. We are in a fantastic spot for mountain hikes and for birding, as the bird life here is absolutely prolific. We are proud to offer various guided hikes in our area; both long hikes & short walks, as well as difficult & easier hikes.
Your guides will be Thabelo Sekome (the only Mpumalanga-province-accredited guide for this area) and his team, from the neighbouring communities. Kruger Cliffs is proud to support these communities; all revenue of these hiking activities goes straight to Thabelo & team. We do not add any commission.
You can reach Thabelo on +27 84 955 29 75 or info@mariepskophikes.co.za. Below are some examples of hikes he offers.
Note that the starting point for these walks is not our lodge; you'll need a (rental) car, or a transfer (we can arrange this for you). For the Mariepskop trails you'll need a 4x4 to get there.
Distance from Kruger Cliffs; 45 min
Duration; half a day
Difficulty level; ♦♦◊◊◊
Birding level; ♦♦♦♦♦
These trails on top of the mountain are surprisingly flat and easy to walk, if you have a decent fitness level. Birding is excellent, not in terms of total numbers (in the forest areas bird are very difficult to spot and it takes time to find them), but you can find lots of species that you will not find (or find far less) in Kruger /lowveld area. To name a few; Knysna Lourie, Jackal Buzzard, Orange Ground Thrush, Black-fronted Bush-shrike, Olive Woodpecker, Square-tailed Drongo, Olive thrush, Mocking Cliffchat, Lazy Cisticola, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher and Amethyst sunbird.
Mariepskop,
Bushpig- & Kgogweng trails combo
Distance from Kruger Cliffs; 45 min
Duration; full day
Difficulty level; ♦♦◊◊◊
Birding level; ♦♦♦♦♦
These trails on top of the mountain are surprisingly flat and easy to walk, if you have a decent fitness level. Birding is excellent, not in terms of total numbers (in the forest areas bird are very difficult to spot and it takes time to find them), but you can find lots of species that you will not find (or find far less) in Kruger /lowveld area. To name a few; Narina Trogon, Lemon Dove, Crowned Eagle, Little Sparrowhawk, Olive Pigeon, Emerald Cuckoo, Half-collared Kingfisher, Chorister Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, Grey Waxbill and Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler.
Mariepskop & Kgogweng trails combo
Distance from Kruger Cliffs; 45 min
Duration; full day
Difficulty level; ♦♦◊◊◊
Birding level; ♦♦♦♦♦
These trails on top of the mountain are surprisingly flat and easy to walk, if you have a decent fitness level. Birding is excellent, not in terms of total numbers (in the forest areas bird are very difficult to spot and it takes time to find them), but you can find lots of species that you will not find (or find far less) in Kruger /lowveld area. To name a few; Forest buzzard, Long Crested Eagle, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Grey Cuckooshrike, Southern Black Tit, Stripe-cheeked Greenbul, Cape Batis, Cape White-eye, Olive Bushshrike, Greater Double-collared Sunbird and Jameson’s Firefinch.
Mariepskop,
Bushpig starting point to Kampersrus
Distance from Kruger Cliffs; 45 min
Duration; full day
Difficulty level; ♦♦♦◊◊ (the walk is mostly downhill, but has rocky slopes where you have to watch where you step.
Birding level; ♦♦◊◊◊ (this is more a walk to enjoy the landscapes, the focus is not entirely on birds)
This walk starts on top of the mountain with a rather flat part where we can spend some time looking for bird species that are not to be found in Kruger, but after a while the trail goes downhill, all the way to Kampersrus town. The second part of the walk is not difficult. It's downhill after all. But you do have to watch where you're going, so you'll spend less time spotting birds. At regular intervals we stop to enjoy the views.
Blyde Dam,
Hippo Trail - short distance
Distance from Kruger Cliffs; 20 min
Duration; 1,5h (up & down the same path)
Difficulty level; ♦♦♦◊◊
Birding level; ♦♦◊◊◊
This walk is for those who like landscape photography, as it is a walk that has lots of nice views on the Blyde Dam and -Canyon. The bird life is not that prolific, but you may find some general wildlife like kudu and bushbucks on the trail.
Blyde Dam,
Hippo Trail - longer distance
Distance from Kruger Cliffs; 20 min
Duration; 3h (up & down the same path)
Difficulty level; ♦♦♦♦◊
Birding level; ♦♦◊◊◊
This walk is for those who like landscape photography, as it is a walk that has lots of nice views on the Blyde Dam and -Canyon. The bird life is not that prolific, but you may find some general wildlife like kudu and bushbucks on the trail. A bit tougher than the aforementioned walk as the further you get from the starting point the more rough it gets.
This list is far from complete, but it's impossible to list all activities in and around Hoedspruit. For example; you can also go mountain biking or quad biking. If the above activities are not what you're looking for, please contact us and tell us what you'd like. There's a fair chance we can organise it for you.