About the lodge and the Wildlife Estate
What are the checkin / checkout times?
Check-In hours are from 2 to 6pm. If you should arrive after 7 pm, please contact us.
Check-Out time is at 10:00 am.
Do you need to bring your own bathroom amenities?
Switsongo offers you some products, including shampoo, body wash and body lotion. There is also a hair dryer and a mirror in each room.
What do you assume responsibility for at the lodge?
Switsongo B&B is not responsible for any loss of property, injury, medical costs, loss of life, delayed or cancelled planes, transfers or lost luggage. The client must take full, sole and absolute responsibility for seeing to the proper supervision and safety of person and property.
Is smoking alowed at Switsongo?
Smoking at Switsongo is not allowed indoors. Smoking is allowed outdoors.
Are there dangerous animals on the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate?
Although some of the animals on the estate may seem habituated to humans, they are still wild! As such, they should always be treated with respect. You should never try to touch, chase or corner any wild animal. There are occasionally predators like leopard, hyenas and wild dogs on the estate, as well as snakes and scorpions.
Can you walk around at night?
You can walk around the grounds of the lodge at night at your own risk.You shouldn’t walk around the estate or the wilderness area at night, as leopards, hyenas and other predators may pose a threat.
Do we arrange transfers?
We offer transfers to/from the following destinations. Please note all prices are one-way and per person. Additionally, we can arrange a transfer to your next destination. Please contact us directly.
Transfers
1-2 persons
Town trips from Switsongo
R200 pp
Eastgate Hoedspruit Airport
R300 pp
About Hoedspruit and surroundings
Is it safe in Hoedspruit?
Hoedspruit is generally considered safe for tourists, but usual travel precautions should be observed.
How far to the Kruger National Park?
The Orpen and Phalaborwa gates of the Kruger National Park are the closest. Orpen is just a 45 minute drive from the villa and Phalaborwa is about 55 minutes from the villa. Pay attention to gate opening times by checking www.sanparks.org.
Can I rent a car?
You can book a rental car via the usual booking websites. Or you can choose to book a rental car online via the available car rental offices in South Africa, like Avis, Budget, Hertz, Bidvest and Europcar. Please note to look for the browser extension .co.za , to be sure you’re dealing directly with the South African office.
When you book your rental car from Johannesburg – Hoedspruit and back, you can choose any rental car office and if there are sufficient cars available. Avis operates an exclusive car rental operation at Hoedspruit airport, Eastgate. Please note that there’s limited availability if you didn’t book your rental car in advance.
Be aware, in South Africa people drive on the left hand site of the road.
Is there a doctor in Hoedspruit?
Yes there a number of doctors in Hoedspruit. Since 2024 we have a brand new hospital with 24/7 emergency. If you get sick, please contact your host and we will help you with arranging an appointment.
About your trip
When is the best time to visit Hoedspruit?
Hoedspruit is a year round destination. Daytime temperatures in summer are generally in the mid 30s, while in winter, they’re in the mid 20s. Night time temperatures in summer are in the high teens and low 20s, while in winter they rarely drop below 10°C.
What do you take with you in your luggage?
Clothes:
- Light-weight cotton garments in neutral colours work well for day wear in the bush (khaki, beige, olive green – avoid white or red on game drives),
- Swimwear,
- A light jacket or sweater may be necessary for the summer evenings, and a heavy jacket and sweater are recommended during the winter months of May – August,
- A hat,
- Hiking shoes if you plan to walk a lot,
- Restaurants are quite relaxed, but ‘smart casual’ is generally the required dress code.
Essentials:
- A camera,
- A good pair of binoculars, for game drives,
- A high factor sunscreen,
- A small personal medical kit
- Lip balm,
- Sunglasses.
Which Travel documents do you need?
Please note that this information is subject to change, so check with the relevant authorities before you travel.
What money do you need?
The official South African currency is the Rand (R). There are several ATMs at the bank offices in the town centre, near Pick ‘n Pay & Spar supermarkets and at the gas station. All well known credit cards like Mastercard, Visa and American Express are widely accepted.
Is there a risk of malaria?
Hoedspruit is a low-risk malaria area. Take care during sunrise and sunset as mosquitos are more likely to sting during these times. At the lodge, keep the doors closed to avoid mosquitoes getting into the room.
For trips to Kruger Park, please inform with your doctor for medication and use anti mosquito spray. Low risk periode during winter, higher risk during wet season.