The Island - Hoedspruit

The Island is a unique location in Big 5 country, being a 6 hectare island in the middle of the Blyde River, with the Klein Drakensberg mountains 3 km away. The Island is well known locally for its diversity of bird and plant life, that is rare in the area, and has attracted locals and foreign visitors alike.

The Island has never been developed or farmed previously so has become a haven to indigenous flora and fauna, with migrant birds visiting on a regular annual basis.

Other visitors or residents to the Island are Hippos, Civets, Crocodiles, Caped Claw Otters, as well as the diverse birdlife including Pels Fishing Owl, African Scops Owl, Trumpeter Hornbill, Verreaux's Eagle Owl, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird.

It is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also for visitors who are looking for a tranquil, peaceful location that allows them to easily visit local attractions like Kruger National Park (Orpen Gate - 40 mins), Grasskop, Pilgrims Rest, Bourke's Luck, Mac Mac Falls to name but a few.

Currently under construction are 4 luxury unique tents, with private braai area and outside seating area, facing the mountains, that offers the space for longer term stays or weekend breaks, with indoor wet room and separate toilet, plus 2 units offering outdoor showers and one with wheel chair access (though not fully disabled friendly).

2 adjoining (via outside decking) chalets that overlook a pooled area of the Blyde River, where you can watch Kingfishers and Cormorants fishing. Private Braai area to the side of each chalet.

A Boma offering both indoor and outdoor dining area plus food preparation kitchen - all open planned.

The whole property is also being changed totally to solar power, solar heated water systems (topped up with gas boilers) and water reclaimation systems to water the trees and shrubs from the guests grey water usage.