Hoedspruit to Satara

[u/sobie7]

Getting conflicting info when I search for the status of roads traveling from Hoedspruit to Satara. Looking for recommendations for the best route to drive tomorrow. Thanks so much.

[u/TheAfricaBug]

Local here (literally on the R531 aka Orpen Rd).

From Hoedspruit to Orpen requires a detour via Acornhoek, as the R531 washed away, a short distance from the R40 turnoff. This detour takes about 20 mins extra.

Still, even including that detour, you may end up in the park faster than going via Phalaborwa. Moreover, you also have to consider the park itself; the first hour of your drive via Phalaborwa can be rather boring, as (with the exception of Sable dam) it's very monotonous Moping vegetation.

There were some protests on Acornhoek, just one day, but I don't think that should influence your decision. It's "election season" so such protests can happen anywhere. My experience is that it happens way more often in or around Phalaborwa (as there you also get the mine workers outing their grievances regularly).

And most important; by the end of this week, the short detour should be finished (just through the dry riverbed, next to there washed away road). They are currently finishing the "G5" top layer. So then Orpen certainly will be the better choice again.

Greetings from Kruger Cliffs Lodge!

[u/sobie7 → u/TheAfricaBug]

Thanks so much. Spoke to orpen gate this morning and they said it's all good to get through now - on our way now

[u/SubstantialSelf312]

I stand to be corrected, but I would suggest entering at Phalaborwa.

[u/sobie7 → u/SubstantialSelf312]

Thanks. Google maps says you can go via Orpen but I had heard otherwise so unless I get confirmation from someone who has actually done hoedspruit to satara via orpen recently, we will probably go Phalaborwa to be safe.

[u/sobie7 → u/[deleted]]

We'd prefer orpen but was not sure about road from hoedies to orpen being open. Got hold off someone at orpen camp today and she said we can drive with detour via acornhoek but that we must phone the gate tomorrow to check if it's open but she thinks it should be fine (concern seems to be about protests, really bad line so couldn't quite make it out).

[u/paddlesworth → u/sobie7]

That detour through Acornhoek is not ideal. The roads are horrific.

[u/sobie7 → u/paddlesworth]

Thank you. Thought that might the case, helped us make up our mind. Will do the Palaborwa route.

[u/mma_ramotswe_252 → u/[deleted]]

And a portion of the Open road was washed away due to the flooding in the beginning of the year...

[u/LoneLyLioneSSes → u/mma_ramotswe_252]

I know there is a short cut from Hoedspruit to Orpen but can't remember exactly what its called. We use this to access the lodges quickly from Hoedspruit.

[u/paddlesworth → u/LoneLyLioneSSes]

This is such an unhelpful comment. What is the point of suggesting a route that is not accessible to the general public and you don't even remember the name of it? I'm assuming you used private access roads through the Timbavati.

Have you even been to Hoedspruit since the flooding?

[u/paddlesworth → u/[deleted]]

Incorrect. It's about 25kms on the R40.

[u/Even-Offer-401]

I drove the Orpen Road from Hoedspruit on Friday.

When you turn into the road there is a sign saying it’s closed, I drove in behind some safari cars. There is a little section that goes around where the road washed away, but if you have a small car it might not be ideal.

Other than that road was a pleasure to drive and the Orpen gate is open.

Edit, small car as in low to the ground, Jimny will be sharp. 👍🏻