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The United Nations’ Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is of global significance. Listed on CITES as a cheetah breeding hub, the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre has played an important role in the conservation of endangered animals, especially cheetahs and rhinos, in South Africa, since 1990. While they do rescue and rehabilitate cheetah and rhino survivors of poaching, their focus has been to promote cheetah survival by breeding and maintaining diverse bloodlines, as well as providing research opportunities.
HESC works tirelessly to create awareness both locally and internationally of the destructiveness of poaching. A guided tour will take guests into the world of theses cats, white rhino, and wild dog. Guests can also meet the gentle giant Esme the white rhino and her two faithful companions, David the dog and Miele the sheep. There is also the unique experience of the vulture feeding restaurant.
Khula’s Cottage is a charming self-catering cottage built in a truly unique and extraordinary location within the perimeter of The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
Basic electricity is provided via solar panels and limited mobile phone coverage facilitates a true African getaway from the hustle and bustle of city living. The cottage offers an exclusive and private setting to observe the life of HESC’s cheetahs, and is the perfect base from which to explore the scenic wonders of the lowveld, including (but not limited to) God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Pilgrim’s Rest.
This is a birder’s paradise, for the region supports a diverse and kaleidoscopic number of bird species. Another treat for feathered enthusiasts is watching vultures descend from the sky to avail themselves of the pickings delivered to the Vulture Restaurant at HESC.
Khula’s Cottage is set within its own enclosed and protected area, offering a private and personal experience. This is the ideal experience for self-drive clients who do not wish to compromise on comfort, but are looking for an authentic bush experience with great value for money.
The cottage comprises three en-suite bedrooms and is perfect for larger families, or for friends traveling together. The cottage consists of two twin rooms (each with an additional day bed) and one double room. An expansive wooden deck boasts spectacular views of the surrounding wilds. Amenities include towels, linen, cutlery, tea and coffee making facilities and cooking utensils. The cottage has a gas fridge and stove.
Clients staying at Khula’s Cottage will have a dedicated ranger on hand should they require any assistance. Visitors will leave their vehicles at HESC and a ranger will escort them to the cottage.
If you love the bush but appreciate your creature comforts, then Sebeka Self-Catering Cottage is just for you!
The cottage can accommodate 6 people sharing and nestles in the tranquil bush of the Kapama Game Reserve.
At Sebeka, a mere metre and a half fence separates you from the bush, so you have an unspoiled view of the animals passing by. Sebeka also has a big protected yard surrounding the house – an excellent roaming area for curious young explorers.
Sebeka has a fully equipped kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, barbeque area and a garage where vehicles can safely be parked.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Barbeque Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card, Travel Desk
Following an introductory presentation, day visitors will embark on an in-depth tour of the centre. Open safari vehicles with experienced guides depart every 2 hours, commencing at 09h00 every day, with the last tour at 15h00 (a slightly different schedule is applied during peak periods).
HESC houses a number of animal species including cheetah, African wild dog, lion, African wild cat, Ground hornbill, Sable antelope, to name just a few. Visitors can view the resident animals in close proximity, in a habitat simulating what they would experience in the wild. Guests are also afforded the opportunity of watching rare African vultures feeding at the Vulture Restaurant.
Normal tour hours: 09h00 / 11h00 / 13h00 / 15h00
During national holiday season (including public holidays) tours take place at the following times:
08h00 / 10h00 / 12h00 / 14h00 / 16h00
Tours last for 2 hours each. After the introductory video, guests will have time for questions and answers with the guides.
The Cheetah Spot offers guests the opportunity to observe HESC’s beautiful cheetahs at close range. Located approximately 300 m from HESC’s entrance, guests can relax and appreciate the cats while waiting for their tour to commence.
Please note reservations are essential. Please refer to our rate sheet for more information on special packages and accommodation bookings.
Join us for the Cheetah Focus tour and we will share our knowledge and experiences with you.
The Cheetah Focus tour commences at 08:00 and will include the following:
Standard HESC tour.
A drive through the cheetah enclosure where the cheetah run takes place. This involves the cheetah chasing a lure (a piece of cloth pulled by a pulley system). Witnessing the fastest animal on the planet at full speed is a sight to behold.
A drive through the wild dog enclosure where guests will watch the ’painted wolves’ while they feed.
A trip to the Vulture Restaurant where guests will experience the vultures circling in a synchronised pattern, and descending out of the sky to feed off the remains on the ground.
Please note reservations are essential. Please refer to our rate sheet for more information on special packages and accommodation bookings.
Take a break from the Big Five chase and come and enjoy a unique game drive around the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Experience the biodiversity of this area with one of our knowledgeable guides, on a drive focused not only on species but also the variety of strategies that wildlife employs to survive and flourish.
Book either the HESC@DAWN tour and use the opportunity to slow down, take a breath and truly connect with nature as you explore the smaller things that Mother Earth has to offer.
Guests will have the opportunity to get off the vehicle and interact with nature, as well as enjoy a Coffee Break with light snacks whilst reflecting on all the intriguing things seen and learnt on this unique drive. From birds, to trees, to plants and insects learn how these often forgotten things inevitably work hand in hand to sustain our environment.
You will walk away with a new understanding of the diversity of life. Don’t miss it, book now!
Please note reservations are essential. Please refer to our rate sheet for more information on special packages and accommodation bookings.
Take a break from the Big Five chase and come and enjoy a unique game drive around the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Experience the biodiversity of this area with one of our knowledgeable guides, on a drive focused not only on species but also the variety of strategies that wildlife employs to survive and flourish.
Book either the HESC@DUSK tour and use the opportunity to slow down, take a breath and truly connect with nature as you explore the smaller things that Mother Earth has to offer.
Guests will have the opportunity to get off the vehicle and interact with nature, as well as enjoy a Sundowner with light snacks whilst reflecting on all the intriguing things seen and learnt on this unique drive. From birds, to trees, to plants and insects learn how these often forgotten things inevitably work hand in hand to sustain our environment.
You will walk away with a new understanding of the diversity of life. Don’t miss it, book now!
Please note reservations are essential. Please refer to our rate sheet for more information on special packages and accommodation bookings.
HESC offers the opportunity to experience, first hand, the work of the centre. This intensive 21-day programme is divided into 3 main sections: Participation; Conservation; and Sightseeing. The programme is for the adventurous spirit looking for a unique African adventure; for the passionate animal lover; and for the conservationist.
The programme is based at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, which is home to cheetah, wild dogs, white rhino, lion, African wild cats, Ground hornbills, Sable antelope, to name only a few.
WCE participants will be involved in the everyday care of the many animal species at the centre. This includes cleaning, feeding and, where required, assisting with or observing any veterinary activities that may occur during their stay.
The knowledge gained about the animals and the work of HESC through this kind of participation is both specific and personal. Participants may also get the opportunity to learn more about the day-to-day operations at ‘Rescued Rhinos @ HESC’, a sanctuary for orphaned rhinos and rhinos which have been victims of poaching.
Conservation:
This section of the program involves informal lectures on all aspects of conservation and includes specialist input on all animals, grasses, trees and basic biodiversity.
The program enables participants to put theory into practice, either through direct observation in the wild or at other centres that specialise in other areas of research or conservation.
Sightseeing:
WCE participants will also have the opportunity to visit places of interest and attractions in the area, including the renowned Kruger National Park.
Duration of the program:
Three weeks – A basic conservation course, consisting of a theoretical component, followed by active participation in practical exercises.
One-week programs are available on request.
Aims of the program:
To equip participants with the aptitude of conserving the wildlife of Southern Africa; to build awareness of conservation on a broader global scale; and to facilitate the experience of the beauty and rich diversity of South Africa.
Accommodation & Facilities:
Accommodation in twin thatched huts (max 2 people) in Nungu Camp – situated within the Kapama Private Game Reserve (Big 5). Separate facilities are available for male and female participants. Accommodation is basic, yet clean and comfortable.
Accommodation is fitted with adequate power points and ceiling fans.
Wifi is available on request.
Breakfast and lunch will mostly be prepared by participants, with a few traditional South African meals prepared by the coordinators too. On Saturdays and Sundays, participants are given the chance to prepare their own local dishes – a valuable team building experience.
There is a kitchen with fridges in the camp, as well as a boma and bbq facilities. Basic food and drink will be provided, but all luxury items will be for the participants’ own expense.
Pioneer hand-wash laundry facilities are available in the camp.
Sunday’s are off days and are spent at leisure.
The area:
The closest town is Hoedspruit, which is approximately 23 km from the reserve. Regular trips to town can be organised for supplies, banking or internet facilities.
Adventure activities are available in the area. Should volunteers decide to participate in such activities, such as quad biking, paint ball war-games, river rafting in the Sabie river or a visit to Jessica the Hippo or Moholoholo rehabilitation centre, they can be arranged with the project leader at participants’ own expense.
