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HOYO HOYO SAFARI LODGE

MLUWATI CONCESSION ǀ GREATER KRUGER

ABOUT HOYO HOYO

Amid lush leadwood trees in the heart of the African wilderness, the thatched tips of a number of burnt-orange rondawels are just visible above the treeline. Welcome to Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge on the banks of the Mluwati River, in the heart of the world-famous Kruger National Park in South Africa. The lodge is located on the 10 000-hectare Imbali concession in the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Hoyo Hoyo is designed in the style of a traditional Tsonga village. Staff dressed in traditional clothes, gives this lodge its signature atmosphere of a bygone era.

The luxurious suites of Hoyo Hoyo have been designed in traditional African style. These rondawels – round huts with thatched roofs – depict the rich history of the indigenous Tsonga people of southern Africa. These cylindrical-shaped suites ooze luxury and have been meticulously designed and decorated in rich fabrics, creating an ambience of opulence and relaxation. The earthy tones of the interiors and the bright decor exude a spirit of warmth, which the weary traveller is powerless to resist.

Hoyo Hoyo Tsonga Safari Lodge offers the discerning nature lover an authentic African Kruger luxury safari experience in extraordinary bush surroundings within the Kruger National Park, which is home to the majestic Big Five – elephant, rhino, leopard, lion, and buffalo.

Here each new day heralds a unique feast of the senses. From the gorgeous hues of an African sunrise, the quivering mirages in the distance at the heat of the day, to the cheerful chirping of a wide array of bird species just before dusk, one cannot help but to be mesmerized by this natural beauty which is wild Africa.

Spend relaxing afternoons in the infinity pool, or siesta on the deck while observing the wildlife going about their daily business – from the majestic elephant herds, to select members of the cat family such as lion, cheetah and leopard, or zebra quenching their thirst at the waterhole – they are all here.

Guests can indulge in a tasty Tsonga feast, or enjoy a soothing massage to revive body and mind. At Hoyo Hoyo authentic Shangaan hospitality will rejuvenate the spirit and ease away the stress of urban life.

Here you will experience the magic of local tradition, and the tranquil essence of your natural surrounds will enthuse and inspire you. Passionate staff will cater to your every need, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime African safari experience. Here the age-old rhythm of Africa still dictates life. Let the magic of Shangaan hospitality soothe and entertain, inspire and teach you. Sit on the deck around the fire and delight yourself in the magic of the vast expanse of African sky.

ACCOMMODATION AT HOYO HOYO

Guests are accommodated in six circular luxurious and air-conditioned suites, tastefully decorated in traditional style. The vibrant colours of the walls, tapered thatched roofs and folding glass doors with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness will appeal to the senses of the discerning nature lover in search of seclusion and relaxation.

From the warmth of the brightly coloured walls and traditional ornaments, to the intricate embellishments on the lamps, the tasteful decor of each suite merges effortlessly with the natural surroundings to bring the traditional Tsonga culture to life.

Savour a tasty Tsonga feast, treat yourself to a lazy afternoon siesta, or indulge in a rejuvenating massage on your private deck whilst soaking up the stillness of the bush landscape, your stay here is designed with ultimate relaxation in mind.

Relax on your private deck with breathtaking views of the bush, take a long, leisurely shower in the open air, or melt in to your comfortable king-size bed for an afternoon siesta. It’s your relaxing, informal bush experience on you dictate the terms.

Room facilities and amenities include:

FACILITIES AT HOYO HOYO GAME LODGE

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge offers indulgent spa treatments and soothing massages in the seclusion of your private deck with the scents of ylang-ylang, vanilla and cedarwood to sooth body, mind and soul.

There is no Wi-Fi or cellphone signal at this exclusive and remote safari lodge in the Kruger National Park, allowing for complete relaxation and seclusion from the outside world. The suites do, however, have a radio link to the manager at the main lodge.

The sparkling swimming pool promises a refreshing dip while providing the opportunity to enjoy the rich and varied wildlife that comes to the river for a cooling drink.

Please click here to download the Fact Sheet

ACTIVITIES AT HOYO HOYO

Bird Watching

Our guides are more than happy to share their unrivalled knowledge of our feathered friends with our guests. There is so much to learn about birds on our concession. From the fierce marshall eagle to the smallest and most delicate blue waxbill. With the more than 400 recorded bird species in the Kruger National Park, Hoyo Hoyo  is a true birder’s delight.

Bush Dinners

Join us for a lovely braai on the deck under the African sky. This is a privilege that is reserved for our guests only. Nowhere else in the Kruger will you be able to dine so up close with the Big Five!

Dining and Cuisine

Your reward for a hard day’s safari are the delicious dishes created by Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge’s talented chef, who is an expert at preparing delicious cuisine to tantalise the taste buds.

Home-made delicacies, including an impressive array of light salads and local speciality dishes such as beetroot salad and ostrich steak, are served in a relaxed environment. The authentic sounds of the African bush complement each meal to perfection and make dining at Hoyo Hoyo a truly memorable experience.

A hearty buffet breakfast with a variety of fruits, nuts, yoghurt, breads, pastries and cheese – or a full English breakfast with bacon, sausage and eggs; freshly squeezed orange juice and strong coffee – will await you after your morning game drive.

Lunch is a light, informal affair with a buffet of tasty salads and a wide variety of meats.  High Tea in the afternoon is a festive gathering where a delicious selection of cakes and pastries, baked freshly at the lodge, can be enjoyed in the company of good friends.

After the thrill of the evening’s safari, Hoyo Hoyo’s open-air firepit is the perfect place to share the experiences of the day while indulging in a scrumptious three-course dinner under the stars. Good conversation, accompanied by the finest vintages and the enchanting sounds of the bush at night, will round off the evening’s magic to perfection.

Wellness Treatments

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge offers indulgent spa treatments and a soothing massage in the seclusion of your private deck with the scents of ylang-ylang, vanilla and cedarwood soothing body, mind and soul. There is no Wi-Fi or cellphone signal at this exclusive and remote safari lodge, allowing complete relaxation for our guests. The suites do, however, have a radio link to the manager at the lodge.

Enjoy a relaxing & soothing massage with blended aromatherapy oils of ylang ylang, cedarwood & vanilla to sooth your soul while overlooking the African bush from the comfort of your deck!

Spa Rates

Please book your treatment with the wellness therapist or – alternatively – ask the camp manager to arrange an appropriate appointment time for you!

Our therapist at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge therapist is a local community member who has been professionally trained as part of a programme to empower local women.

HOYO HOYO KRUGER SAFARI EXPERIENCES

A private concession within the Kruger National Park comprising three lodges – Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, Imbali Safari Lodge and Hamilton’s Tented Camp, the Mluwati Concession was born from a shared vision to ensure the future sustainability of the national park and preserve this heritage for future generations.

As one of the first private concessions in the Kruger National Park, the management of Mluwati has worked tirelessly to ensure the protection and sustainability of this pristine wilderness that, for more than a century, has been a sanctuary for over 114 reptiles- 34 amphibians-, 336 tree- and 147 mammal species, including Africa’s Big Five.

Avid birders will delight in the hundreds of bird species that call the Kruger National Park home. More than 500 species have been recorded here, many of which occur in the Mluwati Concession including the southern yellow-billed hornbill, crested barbet and Burchell’s glossy starling.

Guests will have the opportunity to traverse some of Kruger’s most spectacular landscapes and view an extraordinary variety of wildlife, birdlife and plantlife in this natural wilderness Here, each safari experience is unique.

A Hoyo Hoyo safari will reveal some of the many secrets of the African bush.  A wide variety of new scents and sounds will enthral and delight the senses. Experiencing the bush and all its inhabitants so up close and personal will leave lasting memories and is guaranteed to thrill and inspire!

Winter Safari Times: 01 May – 31 August

05h30                  Wake up time and morning tea

06h00                  Morning safari departs

09h00                  Return for breakfast

13h30                  Lunch

15h00                  High Tea

15h30                  Afternoon safari departs

19h30                  Return from safari & dinner is served

Summer Safari Times: 01 September – 30 April

05h00                  Wake up time and morning tea

05h30                  Morning safari departs

08h30                  Return for breakfast

13h30                  Lunch

15h30                  High Tea

16h00                  Afternoon safari departs

19h30                  Return from safari & dinner is served

* Please note that guided walking safaris need to be requested in advance and are subject to the discretion of management.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…

Your thrilling day in the bush will commence with an early-morning wake-up call.  After enjoying a steamy cup of coffee and some rusks, you will depart on your morning game drive with your assigned ranger.

Watch as the bush awakens around you; the dew glistens on the webs of the golden orb spider and lilac breasted rollers flash their startling sky-blue bellies as they flit past your game vehicle.

View the shy African wild dogs under the acacia trees and the elephants chomping through the lush vegetation at a leisurely pace. Steal a glance at the leopard eating its prey high up in an old tamboti tree, zebra foraging alongside large herds of wildebeest and impala flashing their characteristic “M” as they disappear in to the thick brush.

Upon your return a hearty breakfast will await you, after which you can retire to your suite to while the day away at your own pace. Whether by immersing yourself in a good book, or lazing in the pool, the choice is entirely yours. The more energetic can request a bush walk to explore the wonders of Africa from a whole different perspective.

Lunch is always a relaxed and informal affair. Served on the deck with majestic views of the surrounding bushveld, guests can indulge in light salads and tasty desserts before retiring for a brief afternoon siesta.

A soothing massage in the privacy and comfort of your private deck will sooth body, mind and soul. Our trained therapists all hail from the local community and provide a range of massages, including full-body aromatherapy, foot massages and Swedish back and neck massages with scents of ylang-ylang, vanilla and cedarwood, among others.

Afternoon tea, served on the deck, heralds your imminent departure on a special late afternoon/ early evening safari through the Mluwati Concession. Spotting a pride of lazy lions in the tall grass at dusk with the associated warning call of nature’s own tattletale, the grey loerie, is a thrilling experience in the extreme.

Sip a sundowner at a scenic spot en-route as you watch the sky’s transformation, from the rich colours of sunset into the wide expanse of stars. Nocturnal creatures waking up to the bush at dark, get ready for the hunt. The glare of a pair of eyes, caught in the spotlight will keep you upright in your seat. The persistent call of frogs, owls and nightjars alert you to a new kind of magic – that of the bush at night. Once-in-a-lifetime sightings on this unique bush safari will be edged into your memory forever.

Back at the lodge a traditional Tsonga dinner feast will round off the day’s excitement to perfection. Dishes to suit all palates served around the blazing fire will set the stage for the evening’s Shangaan entertainment. The magic of authentic African beats will thrill and excite and leave you in awe of this land’s rich history.

After sharing your experiences of the bush in an exchange of pleasant banter, while sipping on a glass of wine, all that’s left is to retire to the comfort of your traditional Tsonga homestead with nothing but the reassuring sound of the bush to lull you to sleep.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Authentic African tradition and culture

• Big Five Kruger National Park experience

• Set upon an ancient elephant route

• Located on the banks of the dry Mluwati riverbed

• Six traditional rondavel-style suites, each with private deck.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK GATE ENTRANCE TIMES

Please be aware of gate entrance times into the Kruger National Park as they vary throughout the year, depending on the season. Entrance into the park via Orpen Gate should be no less than two hours prior to gate closure time and via Kruger Gate should be no later than three hours prior to gate-closure times.

Kruger National Park gate opening times: October – March               05h30

April – September    06h00

Kruger National Park gate closing times: November – February 18h30

March – April               18h00

May – July                  17h30

August – October         18h00

12 Month Gate Times:

Gate Times

Entrance Gates Open

Jan         Feb        Mar        April       May       June      Jul           Aug        Sept       Oct         Nov        Dec

05:30     05:30     05:30     06:00     06:00     06:00     06:00     06:00     06:00     05:30     05:30     05:30

Camp Gates Open

Jan         Feb        Mar        April       May       June      Jul           Aug        Sept       Oct         Nov        Dec

04:30     05:30     05:30     06:00     06:00     06:00     06:00     06:00     06:00     05:30     04:30     04:30

All Gates Close

Jan         Feb        Mar        April       May       June      Jul           Aug        Sept       Oct         Nov        Dec

18:30     18:30     18:00     18:00     17:30     17:30     17:30     18:00     18:00     18:00     18:30     18:30

GETTING TO HOYO HOYO

BY AIR

SA Express to Hoedspruit:

SA Airlink offers flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Skukuza Airport in the Kruger National Park. Transfers from Hoedspruit or Skukuza can be booked at the time of reservation, at an additional charge.

Federal Air from Johannesburg or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Mbombela (KMIA Nelspruit).

Guests will fly to the Manyeleti airstrip where they will be collected by the lodge. Transfer time from the lodge is approximately an hour and a half.

Airlink to Skukuza or KMIA:

Airlink offers flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town direct to Skukuza Airport.

Airlink also offers direct flights from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town direct to Nelspruit KMIA.

NOTE: (THE DISTANCE FROM NELSPRUIT KMIA AIRPORT IS CONSIDERABLE AND TIMINGS SHOULD BE CHECKED WITH RESERVATIONS BEFORE BOOKING)

Transfers from Skukuza can be booked at the time of reservation, at an additional charge.

BY ROAD

Connecting times

We recommend the following connecting times to ensure that passengers do not miss any connecting flights:

ORPEN GATE ENTRY

(Estimated driving time: 1.5 – 2 hours)

Directions:

• Take the H7 towards Satara

• Drive for approximately 6.7km

• Turn right onto the S106 (dirt road)

• After 1.6km, turn right onto the S140 towards Talamati

• After 19.5km, turn right onto the S145

• After 10km on the, you will see a no entry sign, turn right to Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge

• After 3.5km you will reach a T-junction, turn right to Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge.

KRUGER GATE ENTRY

(Estimated driving time: 2.5 – 3 hours)

Directions:

• Take the H1-2 towards Skukuza

• Pass Skukuza and take the H11 towards Satara

• After approximately 20km turn left onto the S36 (dirt road), it is signposted. Carry on along the S36 for approximately 39km.

• For Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge, keep right at the Hamilton’s Tented Camp no entry sign, continue on the S36/S125

• After 2km you will reach a T-junction, turn left onto the S36/S125

• After 4.5km you will reach a T-junction, turn right onto the S36

• After 6.5km, turn left onto the S145

• After 2.3km, turn left at the no entry sign for Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge

• After 3.5km you will reach a T-junction which is signposted, turn right for Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge.

HOEDSPRUIT – ORPEN

(Estimated driving time: 1½ hours)

Directions:

• Take the R40 from Hoedspruit towards Klaserie

• After approximately 23km turn left, stay on the R40 towards Acornhoek

• After approximately 3km, turn left onto the Orpen Gate Road (R531)

• After 40km you will reach the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park.

SKUKUZA AIRPORT TO HOYO HOYO SAFARI LODGE

(Estimated driving time: 2 ½ hours)

Directions:

• Follow the exit road from the airport

• At the T-junction turn left towards Satara, H1-2 (tar road)

• After approximately 20kms turn left onto the S36 (dirt road) – it is signposted. Carry on along the S36 for approximately 39km

• For Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge, keep right at the Hamilton’s Tented Camp no entry sign, continue on the S36/S125

• After 2km you will reach a T-junction, turn left onto the S36/S125

• After 4.5km you will reach a T-junction, turn right onto the S36

• After 6.5km, turn left onto the S145

• After 2.3km, turn left at the sign for Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge

• After 3.5km you will reach a T-junction which is signposted, turn right for Hoyo-Hoyo Safari Lodge.

KRUGER MPUMALANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – PAUL KRUGER GATE

(Estimated driving time: 3 hours)

Directions

• After exiting the airport follow the R538 north towards White River

• From White River follow the R40 towards Hazyview

• In Hazyview turn right at the second traffic light onto the R536

• Follow the R536 straight to Paul Kruger Gate of the Kruger National Park.

KRUGER MPUMALANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – ORPEN

(Estimated driving time: 3- 4 hours)

Directions:

• After exiting the airport follow the R538 north towards White River

• From White River follow the R538 towards Hazyview

• From Hazyview follow R40 towards Bushbuckridge

• Drive through Bushbuckridge and Acornhoek, remaining on the R40

• Turn right onto the R531 Orpen Gate road

• After 40km you will reach the Orpen Gate of the Kruger National Park.

GOOD TO KNOW

LOCATION

Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge is located within the private 10 000-hectare concession of Mluwati in the western region of the Kruger National Park, bordering the northern Sabi Sands and Manyeleti Game Reserves.

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

The vision of Paul Kruger, former president of the Transvaal Republic, the Kruger National Park was proclaimed as early as 1898 as the Sabie Game Reserve. At the time, president Kruger believed that the animals of South Africa’s Lowveld needed to be protected, but it took another 12 years for the area between the Sabie and Crocodile rivers to be declared an area of restricted hunting, with James Stevenson-Hamilton appointed the park’s first warden in 1902.

The first tour, which included an overnight stop at the Sabie Bridge (now Skukuza), was organised by the South African Railways in 1923. Tourists visiting the park slept on the train and a game ranger would spend an evening with them around a campfire sharing interesting anecdotes about the bush.

The popularity of this tour gave rise to a variety of tourist facilities in the park, including rest huts at Satara, Pretoriuskop, Letaba, Malelane and Skukuza, among other camps.  Roads were built in the 1930s to allow self-drive tourists to enjoy the park at their leisure, and by 1934 about 1 200km off-road were completed.

For almost a century, local and international visitors have had access to the park to enjoy one of the world’s premier game-viewing destinations. Kruger is home to an estimated 1 500 lion, 12 000 elephant, 2 500 buffalo, 1 00 leopard and white and black rhino. Apart from the Big Five, the park boasts a myriad of other wildlife species, with some 145-mammal species, including hippo, giraffe, zebra, cheetah and African wild dog, among others.

Keen birders will delight in a visit to the Kruger National Park, as it is a haven for keen birders with almost 500 recorded bird species. From the brilliantly colourful displays of the kingfisher and the distinct call of the fish eagle, to the giant eagle owl perched in a bare leadwood tree, you can spend endless days admiring our feathered friends.

But there’s more to the Kruger than just its wildlife, with almost 254 known cultural heritage sites, which comprises 130 recorded rock art sites, 300 archaeological sites of Stone Age man and San rock art. Imbali Safari Lodge was, in fact, built on the site of an ancient African settlement.

Speed limit

Motorists in the Kruger National Park are requested to adhere to the legal speed limit of 50km per hour on tar roads, and 40km per hour on dirt roads.

Safety precautions

Please adhere to the Kruger National Park safety precautions, and do not alight from your vehicle unless you are in a designated area.

Cellphone reception

Reception is only available at the entrance gates and in the vicinity off  Skukuza, it is therefore recommended that guests make any necessary calls at the gate upon entry.

Water

The water at the lodge is safe to drink, however, we also provide complimentary bottled water in the suites, for your convenience.

Fences

As the lodge does not have fences, it is not advisable to walk around alone after dark.  Our guides will escort you to and from dinner.

Young children

Children 12 years and older are permitted at the lodge and occupy their own room at full rate.

Please note that we allow a maximum of 2 children per suite. No THIRD adult or child can share the suites at Hoyo Hoyo Safari Lodge.

Take note of our sister camps – Imbali Safari Lodge and Hamiltons Tented Camp – based on the same concession. Wi-fi and telephone connections are only available at Imbali Safari Lodge. Therefore, all outside contact is via this property. Should you require to contact the lodge directly, you can do so using the Lodge details below.