Welcome to our Activities Page
At Ekhaya Bush Villa, your adventure begins the moment you arrive! Nestled in the heart of South Africa's stunning Lowveld, our villa offers the perfect gateway to explore the breathtaking beauty and rich wildlife of the Greater Kruger region. Whether you're seeking thrilling safari experiences, serene nature walks, or cultural excursions, we have curated a variety of activities that cater to every taste. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the wild, from exhilarating game drives to peaceful birdwatching sessions. With our prime location, you’ll have easy access to some of the most exciting attractions and experiences that Hoedspruit has to offer. Get ready to create unforgettable memories while enjoying the luxurious comfort of our villa. Your adventure awaits!
Morning & Afternoon Big 5 Safari Drives
Experiencing Africa’s Big 5 in this natural bush-veld will create memories you will treasure forever. Your experienced guide will take you on an epic adventure, sharing their local knowledge of not only the African wildlife but the fauna and flora of this incredible wonderland too. You can experience the thrill of seeing some of Africa’s so called ‘Big 5’ from the safety of your open vehicle and may be lucky enough to have an up-close personal encounter with our ‘Little 5’ (which include the rarely seen Rhino beetle; Ant Lion; Elephant shrew; Buffalo weaver and the Leopard tortoise).
Your guide will lead you on a journey of discovery through the sights and sounds of this African bush, right from eKhaya Bush Villa’s doorstep and will leave you with a lifetime of memories and a yearning for many more. Pick up for this activity will be 05:00 or 14:00. Safari Drives start at 06:00 or 15:00.
Full Day Kruger Safari
Enter the Kruger National Park and be welcomed to real Africa! Where an unrivaled diversity of life forms co-exist with historical and archaeological points of interest. No trip to South Africa can be complete without visiting the iconic Kruger National Park, Africa’s largest Big 5 game reserve.
This flagship of our country’s national parks covers almost 2 million hectares and stretches for nearly 350 kms from north to south.
It can be likened to the size of Scotland and is an absolute must to visit on your South African Journey. The excitement and thrill of exploring all this in an open safari vehicle will complete your adventure. Develop a real connection to the African bush by witnessing the circle of life right outside your doorstep in the spectacular Kruger National Park.
Pickup times are seasonal, but normally depart at 05H30 from your lodge and return back at approximately 17H00.
Full Day Panorama Tour
This tour starts a little later than the other activities – with a departure time from the lodge of 8.00 am.
You will make your way into part of the magnificent Blyde Canyon (3rd largest canyon in the world, and the largest ‘green canyon’ in the world), via the Abel Erasmus Pass and JG Strydom Tunnel.
For those avid bird spotters this is where you may be lucky enough to see the critically endangered and rare Taita Falcon, as there is a breeding pair nesting here – the only known site in South Africa and one of the only 50 known sites throughout the African Continent.
From here, you will continue on a historical adventure through old South Africa and will travel around the Pilgrims Rest area – which was a prominent gold mining town during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Leading straight to the next few activities on the trip: The Three Rondavels Panoramic View Site, The incredible Bourkes Luck Potholes, both the Berlin & Lisbon Falls, God’s Window and the Pinnacle. A truly special tour in one of the most spectacular areas of our country.
Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is extremely proud of its efforts in wildlife education in South Africa. At Moholoholo they are often faced with the difficult decision of what to do with an injured, orphaned or poisoned animal which has been brought to them from some of the many surrounding game reserves, even including the Kruger National Park, and cannot for whatever reason be released back into the wild of these reserves.
As a result there are a number of “permanent residents” at the centre and at their own cost or with the help of donations they use them as “ambassadors” for their respective species, shining a light on the reality that the wildlife in the region face on a daily basis.
Members of the public are therefore able to get an up close and personal experience of these incredible creatures and with Moholoholo’s hands-on approach, they have the ability to demonstrate to the public the threats and danger these defenseless animals experience, and what we can all do to lessen their plight even in the slightest.
Facility Introduction and Tours Daily at 09H00 and 15H00
Blyde Dam Boat Cruise
The majestic view point of the Canyon (which is at an altitude of 665m) from the water is actually a magnificent sight. This canyon is not only one of the largest, but it is the largest ‘green canyon’ in the whole world!
The Blyde Dam is also home to the Kadishi Tufa Waterfall which is one of the few rare living Tufa waterfalls in the world today, and is said to be the second highest waterfall in the world dropping over 200 m from its limestone shelf. Hippos and crocs are also resident to the Dam and the boat gets fairly close for great photo opportunities and close encounters of the African kind!
This tour is extremely popular – and is offered daily either in the morning or in the afternoon. Cruises are 1H30 mins in duration and times are from 11:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 16:30.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Experience the magic of lighter-than-air flight near the foot of the Drakensberg Escarpment. We offer one-hour long flights over the scenic, lowveld section of the Blyde River, 15 km West of Hoedspruit. The terrain is a mixture of farmland, private nature reserves and wildlife estates.
The mountains to the South and West provide shelter from the prevailing winds, thereby affording us good flying weather on most days. As the sun rises, the landscape, the vegetation and, if you’re lucky, some wildlife will provide delightful photo opportunities.
Game spotting cannot be guaranteed but on most flights we see plains game like giraffe and wildebeest.
NB* limited to guests Taller than 1.3m in height *
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days in Kruger Is Enough?
You'll need at least 5 days in Kruger to fully experience its wonders, allowing for multiple game drives, guided bush walks, and exploration of quieter camps, but even shorter visits can be rewarding if planned well.
What Is the Best Month to Visit Kruger National Park?
As you step into the wild fabric of Kruger National Park, May to September unfolds as the best months to visit, with July and August offering peak wildlife encounters, though October to March is ideal for birdwatching.
Is It Safe to Self Drive From Johannesburg to Kruger National Park?
You can safely self-drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park if you're vigilant, adhere to speed limits, and avoid driving after dark because of wildlife hazards and reduced visibility. Make certain your vehicle is reliable and fueled before entering the park.
Which Part of Kruger Is the Best to Visit?
You'll love Kruger's diverse regions, but the best part to visit depends on your interests. For the Big Five, head to the Southern region around Skukuza. For predators, visit the Central region near Satara. For a remote experience, explore the Northern region around Punda Maria.
Activities Blog Articles
At Ekhaya Bush Villa, we offer a wide range of activities designed to immerse you in the African wilderness. Our activities are tailored to provide you with an authentic safari experience, allowing you to explore the beauty and diversity of the African bush in a variety of ways.