Magical bushveld homes in Hoedspruit from R2m

The name Limpopo is derived from the Limpopo River. It is South Africa’s wildlife province and is a land of beautiful and contrasting landscapes with plenty of game and nature reserves, including the northern section of the Kruger National Park.

Ryan Forder, Licence Partner of Engel & Völkers Hoedspruit, says it is a favourite destination for tourists for its Big 5 game parks, birding, untamed bush landscapes, and harbours an ancient African kingdom located at Mapungubwe National Park.

Designed by Kenneth McLaughlin, this three bedroom, three bathroom home for sale in Grietjie Private Nature Reserve in Hoedspruit boasts expansive views, and has a large entertainment deck and office. It is selling for R7.8 million - click here to view.

The Great Escarpment with beautiful mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls lure visitors to the area. Outdoor enthusiasts love to indulge in the activities on offer like abseiling, fishing, and white water rafting, as well as hiking.

Although most only visit the area when a break is due from the busy city life, Forder says many call it home. The spectacular game parks and natural attractions are just as influential to house hunters exploring the real estate market.

Forder says real estate in Limpopo has proven to be as popular with locals as it is with foreigners. This broad area offers property choices from smallholdings to share options, and there are also various residential properties, golf estates and security villages on offer.

“Hoedspruit is among SA's top rental towns, achieving highest rentals second to the Western Cape region, this being a remarkable example of rapid expansion in an area with low rental supply. If you are looking to buy an investment property, Hoedspruit will offer you a great return on your investment,” says Forder. 

This newly-built home for sale in Moditlo Nature Reserve in Hoedspruit offers three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a pool and entertainment deck. It is on the market - click here to view.

Residents and holiday homeowners enjoy the quality of life, a life away from the city with the privilege of being in touch with nature. The towns’ amenities range from a local airport to its own medical centre, quality food stores, and fine owner-run restaurants and an array of both English and Afrikaans medium schools.

Forder says Hoedspruit has a close-knit community where all residents share a common denominator, the love for the untamed bush.

Forder discusses Hoedspruit:

Area overview

Hoedspruit is one of the country's premier eco-tourist destinations for visitors to the local game lodges and private reserves, as well as to the Kruger National Park, and is situated at the foot of the world’s third largest canyon, the Blyde River Canyon. Hoedspruit has fast become one of South Africa’s tourism and lifestyle focal points.

This four bedroom, three bedroom home for sale in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate has an entertainment patio. It is on the market for R2.95 million - click here to view.

In terms of property the Lowveld has plenty to offer. Hoedspruit lies close to game lodges and agricultural farmland. Visitors to this area are bush lovers and return three to four times per year to this unique biosphere and game viewing paradise. Hoedspruit is easily reached via a scenic drive from Johannesburg, which takes approximately five hours.

Average property value

Full title properties within the residential wildlife estates are placed on average around the R2 million margin (three bedrooms), whilst share block properties within the Big 5 areas are on average between R6 million to R8 million (full share). Large private farmland (over 100ha) within the popular Big 5 wildlife reserves such as Klaserie, Timbavati or Thornybush start from R30 million upwards.

Typical property type

This 22ha guest farm for sale in Guernsey Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, offers luxury accommodation comprising cottages, tents and a main home. The farm is on the market for R9 million - click here to view.

Whilst a fair amount of properties are typical thatched bush lodges, construction companies have embraced a new trend of Chromadeck roofing, which gives homes a classy farm-style appearance. Luxury homes with ultra-modern designs of steel and glass are also starting to feature in some of the residential estates.

Estate living

The top-selling areas within Hoedspruit are the two residential wildlife estates, Raptor's View Wildlife Estate and Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate. Real estate in Hoedspruit is unique and each estate offers advantages and a unique lifestyle.

If you do not have all the time in the world to explore the various options available to you, you can do a fair amount of research beforehand to single out some of the reserves and wildlife estates which might work for you.

This three bedroom, three bathroom home for sale Grietjie Private Nature Reserve is elevated to offer views and has a pool and outside cooking area. It is on the market for R4.95 million - click here to view.

“We can assist you with the individual estates rules and architectural guidelines which need to be considered before heading out to view properties,” says Folder.

Buying a property in and around Hoedspruit

Hoedspruit has seen some phenomenal growth in the property market. The Hoedspruit area saw the first residential wildlife estates being developed which at the time was a revolutionary concept providing for wilderness areas within a residential estate where game could continue to roam freely.

Homeowners can watch Africa’s iconic species from their patios and live in harmony with the natural environment. Needless to say that the lifestyle draws families and holidaymakers alike to this unique area. A good percentage of property owners are foreigners who feature mostly within the second-home market but often end up making Hoedspruit their permanent home once retired.

This property in Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate comprises four separate units with a total of five bedrooms and bathrooms. The property has a pool and is on the market for R2.3 million - click here to view.

“For the more exclusive client, our portfolio covers a broad spectrum of products that includes game farms, Big 5 reserves and selected private and commercial game lodges, as well as share block properties,” says Folder.

“Hoedspruit is also providing excellent investment opportunities for investors seeking to purchase and rent out to the ever-growing, unsaturated rental market.”

10 reasons why you should invest in Hoedspruit:

- Growing and strengthening micro-economy.

- Proven history of capital growth in wildlife properties.

- Quality of life.

- Security and safety.

- Local attractions, such as third largest canyon in the world.

- Culturally dynamic.

- Excellent schooling.

- Farming and export hub.

- Subtropical climate and mild winters.

- Convenient access via Eastgate Airport.

Best time to visit Hoedspruit

All year round due to the warm winters and increased game viewing opportunities when the bush is less dense.

What’s happening in Hoedspruit?

-  Hoedspruit Farmers Market where only local produce is sold the first Saturday of each month.

- K2C Cycle Tour: an annual 95km mountain bike fundraising tour from the Kruger National Park to the Blyde River Canyon, passing through various private game reserves on the way in July, hosted by Hoedspruit Rotary Club.

Did you know?

Most Hoedspruit restaurants source their fresh herbs from Hlokomela, an NGO that does valuable work in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Things to do in and around Hoedspruit:

- Visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.

- Visit two new lodges in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate: Pangolin Lodge and Ekhaya Villa.

- Go on a Blyde Dam boat cruise.

- Visit Khamai Reptile Park.

- Visit Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.

- Visit the African Summer Spa.

- Book an open game drive at Kapama Private Nature Reserve.

- Go on a Hoedspruit Balloon Safaris adventure.

- Go on an Elephant Back Safari.

- Visit Bourkes Luck Potholes.

- See how Amarula gets made at the Amarula Lapa.