Discover Hazyview, South Africa: Your Gateway to Kruger and Adventure

Nov 06, 2025 0

Hazyview, a charming town in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is your ideal base for exploring the region's spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. During the hot summer months, a shimmering haze hovers above the town, giving it its name.

Panorama Route, near Hazyview

Top Reasons to Visit Hazyview

Kruger National Park: As one of the largest game reserves on the continent, Kruger boasts lush tropical forests, bush plains, and mountains teeming with diverse animal life.
Outdoor Adventure: From hot air ballooning to elephant rides and helicopter tours, Hazyview offers many thrilling outdoor activities.
Blyde River Canyon: Witness breathtaking vistas at Blyde River Canyon, the third-largest canyon in the world.
Local Culture: Immerse yourself in the Shangana Cultural Village to learn about the traditions of the indigenous Shangana people.
Great Food: Enjoy gourmet fare at Hazyview's restaurants, fueled by the region's rich agricultural land.

Wildlife Experiences

Hazyview lies close to the western flank of Kruger National Park. This area is a mixture of many private reserves, unlike the central and eastern side that fall under SANParks’ remit. After all, Kruger can get a little crowded.

The closest reserves to Hazyview are Sabi Sands, Manyeleti or Timbavati. The guides will take you to areas where elephants, lions, leopards, African buffalo and black rhinos tend to graze. The teams at these reserves are dedicated to helping you see the big five animals in their natural habitat. These reserves offer a much more exclusive and private experience.

You can either walk or take a game drive. It may be busy, but you’re almost guaranteed to see some of the indigenous wildlife here. You can also access the central section of Kruger National Park (Orpen Gate) from here. Here you might spot giraffes, hippos, zebra antelopes and more. Kruger is also a hotspot for wild birds, so keep an eye out for any unusual species during your stay.

Kruger National Park

Hazyview is dedicated to conservation and eco-tourism, so it’s a great spot for environmentally-minded travellers. You could even decide to volunteer at research or conservation projects in neighbouring reserves such as Makalali.

Things to Do in Hazyview

As the name suggests, Hazyview is a relaxed and chilled-out destination. The main focus here is wildlife spotting, but you’ll also have a few opportunities to indulge in local culture and learn about the work the reserve is doing.

Here are some popular activities and attractions in Hazyview:

Quad & ATV tours
Safaris & wildlife activities
Day trips
River rafting
Guided tours
Jungle tours
Jeep & 4WD tours

Hazyview is also a stop on the Panorama Route, a scenic road.

Where to Eat

Hazyview boasts a variety of dining options. Try Pioneer's Grill for classic steakhouse favorites in an elegant dining room, with main dishes starting at R17. Tanks Bush Pub offers bar favorites like burgers and chicken wings in a casual ambiance, with mains starting at R5.

Accommodation Options

Hazyview is probably the hotel capital of the Lowveld. Here are some recommended places to stay:

Read also: Hazyview Hotels

Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa: Indulge in luxury with a local and contemporary flavor, featuring a pool, spa, and gorgeous rose garden.
Casa do Sol: Offers a taste of Mediterranean flair with a convenient location near the elephant sanctuary.
Cuckoo Ridge Country Retreat: Excellent (9.4, 195 reviews)
Bambuu Lakeside Lodge: Excellent (9.3, 1048 reviews)
Chestnut Country Lodge: Excellent (9.2, 122 reviews)
Hippo Hollow Country Estate: Excellent (8.7, 1431 reviews)
Hazyview Cabanas: Excellent (8.5, 1783 reviews)
Sanbonani Hotel: Excellent (8.3, 487 reviews)

Getting To and Around Hazyview

Hazyview is most often visited as a base for exploring the Mpumalanga Escarpment's attractions as well as an entry point into the Kruger.

By Plane

The O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (JNB) is located about 242 miles southwest of Hazyview.

By Car

Hazyview is accessible via route R40 from Witrivier, with connections from there to Johannesburg and Mozambique.

By Bus

There are bus connections from Johannesburg to nearby Nelspruit, along with private shuttles daily between Johannesburg and Hazyview. Bus shuttle service is the most inexpensive option to Hazyview, starting at about R1,400.

Public Transportation

There is no public transit system per se in Hazyview, but a number of private shuttle companies, including Bushveld Link and Thula Seats, offer trips between Hazyview, Kruger Park, Nelspruit, and other towns in the area.

Taxi

There are a number of taxi companies offering service in and around Hazyview.

Car Rental

A car rental is a good way to explore the region, with compact rentals starting at R385 per day, although an SUV or other 4X4 may be a more practical choice for adventuring, with rentals that start at R285 per day.

Essential Information

Check-in: 2PM
Check-out: 10AM (some locations may vary, e.g., 10:30AM)

Plan Your Trip

With its tropical climate, Hazyview is a true year-round destination. Many visitors from outside the region choose the cooler, drier season from April to October. Plan your trip to Hazyview today.