OLIFANTSRIVER BOAT CRUISE

                                                                              Olifants River Lodge and Safaris is situated on the northern side of the Olifants River, approximately 17 km south of the town of Phalaborwa. The river flows from west to east, through the KNP into Mozambique.

The boat cruise on the Olifantsriver are a different experience of game and not to be missed out.

Cruising on the waters of the magnificent Olifants River can bring you close encounters with crocodile, hippo, buffalo, elephant, water buck, a wide variety of other wildlife and waterbirds and the occasional adrenaline rush of lion on leopard when least expected!

Enjoy a sundowner or a breakfast on the morning cruise with unspoiled views of the Greater Kruger National Park. 

Also ideal for wildlife and bird photographers.

MOHOLOHOLO ANIMAL REHABILITATION CENTRE

Moholoholo is situated in the shadow of the majestic “ Mariepskop” which forms part of the mighty Drakensberg mountains, our unique Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a home to many of South Africa’s abandoned, injured and poisoned wildlife.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is extremely proud of its efforts in wildlife education in South Africa. At Moholoholo we are often faced with the difficult decision of what to do with an injured or poisoned animal which will not be able to be released back into the wild. As a result, we have a number of “permanent residents” at the centre and at our own cost we use them as “ambassadors” for their respective species.

Members of the public are therefore able to get an up close and personal experience of these incredible creatures and with our hands on approach we have the ability to demonstrate to the public the threats and problems our wildlife is facing today. 

JESSICA THE HIPPO

                                                                                Jessica is a hippo with a phenomenal story of touching people’s hearts. She was found very young in an emaciated state along the banks of the Blyde River in South Africa, and taken in and rehabilitated by the Tonie and Shirley Joubert. Since her rescue in 2000, Jessica grew from strength to strength, and today interacts with wild hippos in the river, as well as the Joubert family and their dogs, never wanting to miss her treat time.

Treat time involves a snack with two bottles of tea and a back rub. Visitors are welcome to join for a small fee and be part of Jessica’s treat time – an experience which has amazed many of our volunteers who have completed placements in the Hoedspruit area.

Jessica essentially serves as an ambassador for her species. Due to her unique story and love of people, visitors can form a connection when they interact with her, learning about her kind, and then spreading positivity about hippos and their importance to others.

BLYDE RIVER CANYON

Did you know?

The Blyde River Canyon (now officially known as the Motlatse Canyon) is considered one of the largest canyons on Earth and may be the largest ‘green canyon’ - it has a particularly lush subtropical covering.

The fresh mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment are quite spectacular and give the area its name of 'Panorama Route'. Viewpoints are named for the spectacle they offer, and God's Window and Wonder View hint at the magnitude of the scenery.

The 'Pinnacle' is a single quartzite column rising out of the deep wooded canyon and the ‘Three Rondavels' (also called 'Three Sisters’) are three huge spirals of dolomite rock rising out of the far wall of the Blyde River canyon. Their domed heads are iced in green and their sides are stained with fiery orange lichen. From the 'Three Rondavels' you can see the extensive Swadini Dam in the far distance, which marks the end of the reserve.

GIN TASTING

Qualito Craft Distillery is a proud product of Phalaborwa and confirms that local is lekker. Qualito, established in 2005 is of export quality and has a range of gin, whisky, brandy, flavored liqueurs and non-alcoholic drinks to name but a few.

a Bit of background:

Twenty years ago, Pierre and Loumarie Raubenheimer began pouring their time and passion into crafting infused vodkas, whiskey, gin and boutique cocktails of uncompromising character and quality. Born in 1973, Master Distiller Pierre Raubenheimer graduated from “Tuks,” the University of Pretoria. In his role as a systems specialist at Vodacom he travelled widely and was able to indulge his growing passion by sampling the best examples of craft distilling wherever he found them. In 2005 he started his own business in Phalabowra and his dedication to the art of fine distilling was rewarded a few years later with the release to the public of the Distillery’s first fine crafted offerings.

Let's take you on a one hour tasting tour with to taste the best!

CULTURE TOUR

Join as on a culture tour where we will visit the Shangaan people learning about the different facets of the Shangaan way of life, including their history and customs.

Different types of traditional cuisine will be served over lunch hour to be tasted .

Enthusiastic traditional Shangaan dancers with local instruments will be entertain the guests with there passionate dance moves.

Afterwards we will visit Matimba day care to spend some time with the little ones in the rural area and experience there daily living and struggles for a fight for a better future for our kids.

Any donations like books, pens etc is also welcome to be given to the kids at the daycare

Visit Matimba Day Care at

Help Matimba

if you want to donate!