Getting here
Flights to Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS) is the closest airport to the central Kruger and the private reserves on its border: an hour's flight from Johannesburg, with direct flights from Cape Town and George.
Who flies to Hoedspruit
Scheduled flights into Eastgate Airport, as of October 2026. Check the airline for today's times and fares.
| Airline | Flying from | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Airlink | Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo, JNB) | Daily, about an hour |
| Airlink | Cape Town (CPT) | Daily, direct |
| FlySafair | Cape Town (CPT) | Three a week |
| CemAir | George (GRJ) | Three a week |
Charter companies also fly into Eastgate and to the lodge airstrips in the reserves; your lodge can tell you whether it has one.
Flying to Hoedspruit: common questions
- Which airport is closest to Hoedspruit?
- Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport (HDS), just outside town. It is a small civil terminal at the southern end of Air Force Base Hoedspruit, and the nearest airport with scheduled flights to the Timbavati, Klaserie, Balule and Thornybush reserves.
- Which airlines fly to Hoedspruit?
- Airlink flies from Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo) and from Cape Town, FlySafair from Cape Town, and CemAir from George (as of October 2026). Schedules change, so check the airline for today's times and fares.
- How long is the flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit?
- About an hour from O.R. Tambo on Airlink. Driving instead is about 480 km, roughly five hours.
- Can I fly direct from Cape Town to Hoedspruit?
- Yes. Airlink flies Cape Town to Hoedspruit daily and FlySafair three times a week, so you do not need to change in Johannesburg.
- Is there car hire at Hoedspruit airport?
- Yes. Avis and Europcar have desks at Eastgate Airport, and more car hire companies are in town. Book ahead in the busy months; the airport is small.
- How do I get from Eastgate Airport to my lodge?
- Most lodges arrange the transfer for you, so ask yours first. Otherwise a local shuttle or private transfer company will meet your flight, or hire a car at the airport. Send us the flight and where you are staying and we will arrange it.
- How far is the Kruger from Hoedspruit airport?
- Orpen Gate is about 67 km from Hoedspruit, around 50 minutes by road, and Phalaborwa Gate about 75 km. A Kruger day trip from your lodge is easy once you have landed.
Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport
Eastgate (IATA code HDS) is a civil terminal at the southern end of Air Force Base Hoedspruit, a short drive from the town centre. It is one of the easiest safari arrivals in the country: a small terminal, a short walk from the plane and quick bags, with lodge drivers and transfer companies waiting outside.
Avis and Europcar have car hire desks at the airport. Hire a car if you plan to self-drive the Kruger or the Panorama Route; for a lodge stay with game drives included you will rarely need one.
From the airport to your lodge or the Kruger
Most lodges collect their guests. If yours does not, tell us your flight and where you are staying and the local team will arrange a transfer.
| To | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Orpen Gate (Kruger) | 67 km | about 50 min |
| Phalaborwa Gate (Kruger) | 75 km | about 55 min |
Request a shuttle
Airport, Kruger gate or your lodge. Tell us where and when and we'll find you a ride.
Where to and from?
Step 1 of 3Transfers, shuttles and car hire
Local companies that meet flights at Eastgate.
Once you have landed
Driving times from Johannesburg, getting around Hoedspruit and when you need a car are in our getting here guide. Still choosing where to stay? The reserves on the Kruger's border are all within reach of the airport.