Hoedspruit Reptile Centre
OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR 8AM – 5PM
For snake emergencies please call:
We offer a free service to rescue reptiles in undesired locations.
Who We Are
Our mission is to conserve all reptile and amphibian life. To achieve this, we follow and uphold our ethos of “conservation through education and research”. We aim to educate and inspire people towards a deeper understanding and appreciation of reptiles and amphibians, and to instill in them a desire to preserve all of South Africa’s and the world’s wildlife and natural heritage.
Mission Statement
- To conserve all reptile & amphibian species through education and research.
- To rescue and relocate vulnerable and endangered reptiles.
- To establish viable captive populations of vulnerable and endangered reptiles.
About Us
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.
Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is situated in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, 15km outside the renowned wildlife haven of Hoedspruit.
This region is one of the most pristine parts of the country in terms of its rich natural heritage including areas such as the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon.
This area has a particularly high abundance of reptiles and amphibians therefore making this a prime location for reptile-related public education and research.
Lodges, farmers and local communities within the region often call upon Hoedspruit Reptile Centre to help with reptile, amphibian and arachnid related concerns.
History of Hoedspruit Reptile Centre
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.
Hoedspruit Reptile Centre is situated in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, 15km outside the renowned wildlife haven of Hoedspruit. This region is one of the most pristine parts of the country in terms of its rich natural heritage including areas such as the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon. This area has a particularly high abundance of reptiles and amphibians therefore making this a prime location for reptile-related public education and research. Lodges, farmers and local communities within the region often call upon Hoedspruit Reptile Centre to help with reptile, amphibian and arachnid related concerns.
New Beginnings
In January 2020, the reptile park was taken over by Chris Cooke. Chris had previously been curator at the Centre between 2007-2011 before working at other renowned institutions such as the National Zoological Gardens, Johannesburg Zoo and Montecasino Bird Gardens. Chris has extensive experience in the field of herpetology, reptile-husbandry, reptile conservation and education. Chris and the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre team are looking forward to building on the Centre’s reputation by modernising and upgrading many of the facilities and our service-offerings while maintaining the Centre’s strict ethos of “conservation through education and research”.