Low-cost carrier FlySafair has launched a new service connecting Cape Town and Hoedspruit, opening up more affordable travel options for visitors heading to the Kruger National Park region.
The route, which will officially take off today, 2 October, operates three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Flights depart Cape Town International Airport at 12:15, arriving at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport at 14:45. The return leg leaves Hoedspruit at 15:20 and lands in Cape Town at 18:05.
FlySafair expands Kruger access with new Cape Town-Hoedspruit route
FlySafair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kirby Gordon, said the move was driven by strong demand on the airline’s Cape Town–Nelspruit route, which launched in 2022.
“We’re hoping to see the same uplift in Hoedspruit that we saw out of Nelspruit. Both airports serve very different parts of the Kruger region, so this route broadens accessibility for travellers,” he told Tourism Update.
Hoedspruit is a key gateway to some of the most sought-after safari destinations, including private game reserves such as Timbavati and Klaserie, and lodges along the western edge of the Kruger National Park. Until now, most scheduled flights into the area have been operated by premium carriers, often at higher ticket prices.
By stepping into this market, FlySafair is aiming at a new segment.
“We cater to price-sensitive travellers who may be more flexible with their itineraries. Premium carriers focus on seamless international connections while we offer a lower-cost alternative that still gets people into the region,” Gordon explained.
The move is expected to benefit both domestic tourists and international travellers seeking more budget-friendly options for safari holidays.
For South Africa’s tourism sector, it also marks another step in making the country’s wildlife destinations more accessible at a time when demand for nature-based travel continues to grow.
