Hoedspruit and Kommetjie - the perfect pair

They're the two towns we like to call home - Hoedspruit in South Africa's beautiful Greater Kruger region and Kommetjie in the beautiful Western Cape, a short drive from Cape Town. This is where you'll find eKhaya Bush Villa and Fin Whale Beach House, both wonderful private villas in their own right and even more amazing when combined together. 


Let's find out more about these two interesting hometowns.

Hoedspruit is a popular tourist destination with plenty of things to see and do. Indeed, from wildlife safaris to fine dining experiences, Hoedspruit has it all. It's renowned as South Africa's safari capital so a safari is absolutely the thing to do while staying in and around town. 

Top of the list of safari destinations is the Kruger National Park which is a short, 40-minute drive away via the Orpen Gate. Together with local private game reserves where guests can enjoy morning and afternoon/evening guided game drives, these reserves offer a chance to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and many other species in their natural habitat.

Apart from safaris, there are many other things to do in Hoedspruit. Visitors can explore the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, which is dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered species such as cheetahs. Another popular attraction is the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, where visitors can find out about the work being done to help injured or orphaned animals.

Whether it's exploring a range of galleries, gift and curio shots, sampling some of the amazing craft gins and beers made locally, or getting out and about in the amazing scenery that surrounds the town, a stay in Hoedspruit means there's lots of things to keep you occupied. 

The Panorama Route is a short, one-hour drive away, accessed via the Abel Erasmus pass - a breathtakingly beautiful winding route up through the Northern Drakensberg escarpment that takes you to the very edge of the Blyde River Canyon with views of forever. 

You can stop at a selection of viewpoints along the way before taking in the geological wonder that is Bourke's Luck Potholes, where the confluence of the Treur and Blyde Rivers has carved incredible formations out of the underlying sandstone over countless millennia.

Driving further along the edge of the escarpment brings you to the town of Graskop and the thoroughly recommended Graskop Gorge Lift where you take a glass lift to the bottom of the Graskop Gorge where you can explore a network of pathways, taking in waterfalls and the beautiful rainforest that lines the gorge. Here, you can also take part in adrenalin-pumping activities like zip-lining and enjoy great food at the on-site restaurant, as well as shopping for curios at a custom-made curio market.


Back in Hoedspruit why not try quad-biking in a local nature reserve? Or a cruise on the Blyde Dam? Or a guided walk on Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate's gorgeous greenbelt, learning more about the wildlife that call this place home? Or maybe go horseriding or mountainbiking, or just hiking along one of a myriad fabulous trails in the area.

When it comes to dining, Hoedspruit has a range of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. From traditional South African cuisine to international dishes, visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary delights. Some of the most popular Hoedspruit restaurants include the Hat & Creek, Hogfathers, Thirsty Giraffe, Sleepers Railway Restaurant, and The Brewery.


There's also a fabulous food truck called the Yum Factory that makes wood-fired thin-crust pizzas as well as fantastic ribs, burgers and, on Friday nights, curries. Add to this some wonderful cafés like Hoedspruit Café, The Fig & Bean, Stoned Olive and Keystone Café and you're not short of great places to go for coffee and a bite to eat too.

Hoedspruit's climate is wonderful all year round and is generally warm and sunny, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. The spring and summer months (September to March) can be quite hot, with temperatures reaching up to 38°C. The autumn and winter months (April to August) are cooler, with temperatures ranging from 25°C during the day to 10°C at night.

It's important to note that Hoedspruit can experience occasional rainfall throughout the year but that the annual heavy rains usually fall from late October to the end of March.


Overall, Hoedspruit is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to South Africa. With its wide range of activities and attractions, as well as its pleasant weather and excellent dining options, it's sure to delight visitors of all ages and interests.

Hoedspruit history



The town has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century. The town's name means "hat creek" in Afrikaans and is believed to have been derived from the hats worn by settlers who farmed in the area and the creek that runs through the town.

The very first official landowner of the farm Hoedspruit was Dawid Johannes Joubert. He arrived in the lowveld in 1844 and in 1848 he registered the farm with the Land Office in Ohrighstad. In those days the farm was huge and extended from the Blyde to the Klaserie River and towards what is now the town centre.

In the early 20th century, the railway arrived and Hoedspruit became a hub for the citrus industry. The town's ideal climate and fertile soil made it an ideal location for growing oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. The citrus industry was a major contributor to the town's economy for many years.

During World War II, the South African Air Force established a training base in Hoedspruit. The base was used to train pilots for the war effort and also served as a stopover point for aircraft flying between Europe and South Africa. Today, the Air Force Base is still an important part of the town and its community.

In the early 1950’s the town of Hoedspruit was registered as an official town and development got under way. In 1952 the first general dealers and an accompanying motor repair shop alongside the railway line opened. The town began to grow from there on either side of the railway line.

In the years following the end of apartheid in 1994, Hoedspruit growth took on a new boom as a tourist destination. The town's proximity to the Kruger National Park and other game reserves, as well as its natural beauty and rich cultural history, make it a popular destination for travellers from around the world. 

Today, Hoedspruit is a vibrant and growing community that continues to attract visitors with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty

Located on the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, Kommetjie is a picturesque seaside town that offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors. With its pristine beaches, rugged coastline, and natural beauty, Kommetjie is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of South Africa.

Kommetjie has a rich history that dates back to the early 1700s when Dutch settlers first arrived in the area. The town's name is derived from the Afrikaans word "kom," which means "bowl," and "metjie," which means "little sea." This is a reference to the natural bowl-like shape of the bay that surrounds the town.

During the 19th century, Kommetjie became an important centre for the fishing industry and was renowned for its lobsters and abalone. Today, the town has retained much of its traditional fishing village charm, with many of the local residents still earning their livelihoods from the sea.

One of the most popular attractions in Kommetjie is Long Beach, a pristine, sandy stretch of coastline that offers excellent surfing and swimming opportunities (although the water is a cool 12 degrees C!). 


Another must-see attraction in Kommetjie is the Slangkop Lighthouse, which stands at a height of 33 meters above sea level. The lighthouse was built in 1919 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in the town. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside

Kommetjie activities



Kommetjie is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of activities to suit all interests and skill levels. Some of the most popular activities in the town include:

For those looking to explore the natural landscapes of Kommetjie, there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from. The Silvermine Nature Reserve is a popular spot for hiking, with trails that lead through fynbos-covered mountains and past stunning waterfalls. 

Other popular hiking trails in the area include the Cape Point Nature Reserve, which offers stunning views of the Cape of Good Hope, and the Noordhoek Beach Hiking Trail, which takes visitors through the picturesque Noordhoek wetlands.

Its consistent waves make Kommetjie a top surfing destination. Long Beach is one of the best spots for surfing in the area, with waves that are ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers. Surf lessons and equipment rentals are available from a number of local surf shops.

For a unique way to experience the beauty of Long Beach and the surrounding coastline, consider horseriding on the beach. Several local companies offer guided rides along Long Beach, giving visitors the chance to take in the stunning views from a different perspective.

Kayaking is another popular activity in Kommetjie, with several local companies offering guided tours along the coast. These tours typically take visitors past some of the area's most stunning natural landmarks, including the Slangkop Lighthouse and the Kommetjie tidal pool.

As a traditional fishing village, Kommetjie is a great place to try your hand at fishing. Whether you're an experienced angler or a beginner, there are plenty of opportunities to cast a line and try to catch your own dinner. Local fishing charters and equipment rentals are available.

Kommetjie is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a great destination for bird watching enthusiasts. The Cape Peninsula is particularly known for its abundance of seabirds, including African penguins, cormorants, and gulls. Some of the best spots for bird watching in Kommetjie include the nearby Rondevlei Nature Reserve and the Kommetjie tidal pool.

With its scenic coastal roads and stunning mountain views, Kommetjie is a great place to explore on two wheels. The area is home to several cycling routes of varying difficulty levels, ranging from leisurely rides along the coast to challenging mountain climbs.


For thrill-seekers, there are several opportunities for rock climbing in the area. The Silvermine Nature Reserve is a popular spot for climbers, with routes that range from beginner-friendly to expert-level.

Kommetjie restaurants



Kommetjie is home to a number of excellent restaurants that offer a wide range of cuisine options, from seafood to traditional South African dishes. The Green Room, Blue Water Café, Fisherman's Restaurant, Umami and The Foodbarn Café and Tappas are a few of the favourites, along with Southern Grind at Imhoff's Farm. 

Of course, seafood comes top of the menu in Kommetjie with freshly caught crayfish, lobster, calamari and a variety of local fish served in a myriad ways at most of the local eateries. You can also expect great burgers, pizzas and a range of traditional, local and international dishes. 


Further afield, if you want to explore the cullinary delights of the Cape Peninsula, start in Cape Town on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and work your way out to the Cape Winelands, where most of the top vineyards also have exceptional restaurants to match their wines!

Kommetjie boasts a Mediterranean climate that showcases nature's diversity throughout the year. However, this picturesque coastal town at the southwestern tip of the Cape Peninsula has a reputation for its unpredictable weather patterns and robust winds, so visitors should always be prepared for swift changes in conditions.

Regardless of the season, it's advisable to pack layers of clothing and rain gear when embarking on a journey to Kommetjie!

Winter in Kommetjie (June-August): During the winter months, which span from June to August, temperatures in Kommetjie typically range from 9-18°C. This period marks the rainy season in the Western Cape, and it's not uncommon to experience unexpected heavy downpours and brisk winds. However, amid the rainy spells, clear, sunny days can surprise you, offering a unique chance to explore the town's charm against a backdrop of glistening raindrops.

Summer in Kommetjie (December-February): In contrast, the summer months in Kommetjie, running from December to February, are characterised by temperatures that can soar to highs of 30°C. The summer weather is predominantly dry and sunny, although occasional strong winds may grace the coastal landscape. This period is the busiest for tourism in Kommetjie, as visitors flock to the area to bask in the warm weather, partake in beach activities, and immerse themselves in the coastal allure.

Spring (September-November) and Autumn (March-May): Spring and autumn are gentle seasons in Kommetjie, with temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. These transitional periods offer a pleasant climate for those who prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. It's a wonderful time to explore the town's natural beauty and enjoy its cultural offerings without the bustling summer crowds.

Kommetjie's ever-changing weather adds to its allure, making it a destination that embraces nature's diversity. Regardless of when you visit, this seaside town offers something for everyone, from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to South Africa.