Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre

Stay at Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre near Hoedspruit, Limpopo in the Kapama Private Game Reserve offering chalet and rondavel cottage accommodation.

The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) is concerned with the conservation of rare, vulnerable or endangered animals. Located on the Kapama Private Game Reserve, in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa, it has been operating since 1990. HESC facilitates the release and establishment of captive-bred and rehabilitated animals to the wild.

The centre takes an active role in the breeding of cheetah to prevent the further decrease in species population, and has overseen the birth of over 270 new cheetah (including 20 rare king cheetah).

HESC has a medical treatment facility for injured animals. Many rescued animals are treated and cared for at the veterinary clinic.

Rescued rhinos @ HESC is a sanctuary for orphaned rhinos, as well as surviving victims of poaching. HESC is currently home to 4 orphaned babies whose mothers were the victim of poaching, and 3 surviving rhinos, each of which had their horns hacked off by poachers.

Daily tours of the centre are available. Each lasting 2 hours. Game drives on the neighbouring Big Five Kapama Game Reserve are available at an additional rate.

HESC is also able to accommodate overnight visitors at Khula’s Cottage, located within its perimeter.

HESC is actively involved in the education of learners, students and the general public about the necessity of conservation. This includes a community outreach programme, and the Rhino youth-art conservation initiative.

The Wildlife Conservation Experience (WCE) is a hands-on (one to three week) intensive programme which allows participants to learn about conservation, by working closely with HESC’s staff. This includes working with the many animal species at HESC, and the possibility of working with the wildlife vet.

The Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) is a non-profit organisation which is dependent on donations and sponsorships in order to care and facilitate the animals in HESC’s care.