Ludejo Limelight on Hoedspruit Reptile Centre

Every month Ludejo will support an organisation by shining a Limelight on them (and making a donation). For the month of June 2021 we have selected Hoedspruit Reptile Centre. 

Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is situated in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. It is 15km outside of the nearest town “Hoedspruit” and is located in one of the most pristine parts of the country in terms of natural heritage. This area has a particularly high concentration of snakes. For this reason there is a high frequency of interaction between snakes and people, making this a prime destination for reptile-related research and public education.

Hoedspruit is situated in unspoiled “Big 5” country ( with lodges and accommodation that suit all budgets and comfort preferences. Hoedspruit is well known for its nature trails and adventure activities. These activities include river rafting, mountain climbing,  hot air ballooning, cycling, camping and more. The lifestyle is clean and looked after by the friendly people who welcome tourists with a smile.

Local need for the centre

Lodges, farmers and local communities within the region often call upon Kinyonga Reptile Centre to help with reptile, amphibian and arachnid related problems. We will always come out to relocate animals back into the wild.

Hoedspruit Reptile Centre (HRC) is one of the oldest and most well-known reptile centres in Africa, having been in operation since 1984. It has grown from humble beginnings into a hub of innovative learning. It is a well-respected conservation, training and education facility. HRC is an accredited facility that is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of African reptiles and amphibians.

Chris Cooke

In January 2020, the reptile park was taken over by Chris Cooke. Chris had previously been a curator at the Centre between 2007-2011. Before that he worked at other renowned institutions such as the National Zoological Gardens, Johannesburg Zoo and Montecasino Brid Gardens. With the new ownership, the Centre, which has previously been known as Swadini Reptile Park, Khamai Reptile Centre and Kinyonga Reptile Centre, is shedding its old skin for the last time and starting fresh as Hoedspruit Reptile Centre. Chris and the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre team are looking forward to building on the Centre’s reputation and upholding and maintaining the Centre’s strict ethos of “conservation through education and research”. 

The money will be going to research projects and their Quarantine Facility/Capture and Release Program. A lot of people are afraid of reptiles like snakes, but Hoedspruit Reptile Centre really shows you how to respect them in their habitat.

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