THE 138-room Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit – the global group’s first safari hotel in South Africa – is set to open within the next quarter.

This is part of Radisson reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing hotel companies in Africa, aiming to open more than 50 new hotels on the continent over the next five years.

In this time frame, the group is aiming to expand its African portfolio from nearly 100 hotels and 16 000 rooms in operation and under development, to 150 hotels and 25 000 rooms.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Radisson’s Africa Vice President of Development, said: “As a Group, we’ve made it a priority to consolidate our market share in key focus markets but also expand into new territories, further cementing our leadership as the most geographically diverse hotel company across Africa.”

Located in the Limpopo province, the hotel is situated in the Kruger to Canyon biosphere, two kilometres from the town of Hoedspruit – one of South Africa’s most attractive safari destinations.

The Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world, is right on the hotel’s doorstep. Surrounded by the Drakensberg Mountains, with Mariepskop as the highest peak, the canyon extends its reach through the Blyde River, which forms the stage for several adventure sports, including kayaking, river rafting and tubing. Guests can also enjoy quad biking, abseiling, hiking, bird watching and horse riding.

Wildlife enthusiasts are offered a choice of public and private game reserves where the Big Five roam freely. The Kruger National Park is 60km from the hotel.

Notable environmental projects such as the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre are also worth a visit.

Golf enthusiasts can choose from a number of top golf courses nearby, including the Drakensig golf course, the Sabie River golf course or the Skukuza golf course within the Kruger National Park.

Other activities include game drives and sunset dinners. The 5-star hotel is aimed at business and leisure guests and offers three hotel room sizes – standard, luxury and executive suite.

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