About Us
African Affair Bush Retreat
Embark on a tranquil escape to the idyllic African Affair Bush Retreat, nestled within the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate in the charming town of Hoedspruit. Our intimate Safari Lodge boasts four comfortable en-suite bedrooms, a revitalizing plunge pool, alfresco shower, inviting braai/BBQ area, mouthwatering home-cooked cuisine, and complimentary WiFi. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you observe giraffes, zebras, warthogs, antelopes, and other wildlife roaming freely on the Estate. For those seeking added excitement, optional excursions to Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal are available to enhance your adventure.

With over 25 years of experience in the safari and tourism industry, we welcome you into our lodge for a truly unforgettable stay.
Helmo and Yvonne, Your Hosts
Discover
African Affair Bush Retreat
Escape to an idyllic bushveld sanctuary at African Affair Bush Retreat. Nestled in the heart of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate in the charming town of Hoedspruit, our intimate Safari Lodge offers a peaceful oasis close to the world-famous Kruger National Park.
Bedrooms
Baths
Guests

Luxury Suite
Immerse in bushveld birdlife at African Affair Bush Retreat. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a sundowner at our peaceful lodge.
Featuring 4 fully furnished and beautifully decorated bedrooms, that include:
- En-Suite Private Bathroom
- Double Bed
- Daily in-House Breakfast included
Please note: we require a minimum 3 night accommodation booking.
Information
Amenities
Free WiFi
You can stay connected with a secure internet connection (WiFi), as the lodge is equipped throughout to keep you in touch with business or loved ones while you are away.
Free Parking
There is an abundance of convenient parking available for all our valued guests. You can rest assured that your vehicle will be safely parked while you enjoy your stay with us.
Bedroom Comforts
Each beautifully appointed room is adorned with luxurious details and high-quality linen, creating a haven of comfort and enhancing your stay with a touch of luxury and tranquility.
Pool
During the hot summers in Hoedspruit, our guests can unwind by our picturesque, swimming pool, basking in the serene ambiance or taking a cool, invigorating plunge to beat the heat.
Library
Explore the collection of books in our library. Dive into a world of imagination by enjoying a novel or two during your stay with us. Remember to kindly return all books before checking out.
Viewing Deck
Look out over the vast bushveld from our viewing deck overlooking the majestic Drakensberg Mountains. You might even be able to see some wildlife grazing nearby our lodge.
House Rules
Please click on the button below to view a list of our house rules as well as the estate rules, at African Affair Bush Retreat.
Cancellation Policy
Please click on the button below to view our cancellation policy, at African Affair Bush Retreat.
General
Discover the beauty of Hoedspruit and its surroundings at African Affair Bush Retreat. Click the link below for stunning images.
Full-time artist, specializing in “plein air” outdoors (painting and sketching outdoors), travel sketching, and journaling. She has hosted Art Retreats and workshops for many years, for beginners and accomplished artists alike
Information
Art Retreat
Over the past ten years, Yvonne has been the “Artist in Resident ” and “Arts and Culture Lecturer aboard Expedition passenger ships, traveling to the Polar regions, and around the world. While onboard, she offers Art workshops to an international clientele, witnessing and capturing this fragile environment, on paper.
Yvonne Ankerman currently lives in Hoedspruit, the Greater Kruger Area of South Africa, as co-owner of a small Bush Lodge called African Affair Bush Retreat.
Instagram: @yvonneankerart
Website: https://yvonne-ankerman.pixels.com/
For more information, please contact us.
ACTIVITIES
Hoedspruit & Surroundings
Information
Location & Nearby Attractions
Explore the array of attractions and activities awaiting you in our beautiful Hoedspruit area. Browse through our list below, and if any catch your eye, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to make a booking.
Restaurants
Discover a plethora of dining options in the Hoedspruit region. From a wide range of restaurants to diverse cuisines, there is something to satisfy every palate. Explore the culinary delights of our area and prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of choices available.
Kruger National Park
Just a short distance from Hoedspruit, guests can easily explore the wonders of Kruger National Park for a day trip or longer. Witness incredible wildlife in their natural habitat amidst the beauty of the African bush.
Hot Air Balloon Trips
Experience an unforgettable adventure at as you float gracefully above the treetops in a hot air balloon at the break of dawn. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the surrounding landscape, capturing stunning views that will leave you breathless.
Blyde Boat Trip
Visit the Blyde dam within a protected conservation area in the canyon of the Drakensberg mountain. Experience the beauty of the three rondavels and gain insightful details during your guided tour of the dam.
Panoramic Tour
Explore the beauty of Hoedspruit’s surrounding areas on a day trip with African Affair Bush Retreat. Discover iconic landmarks like God’s Window, Three Rondavels, and enchanting waterfalls.
Game Drives
For an unforgettable guided game-viewing experience. Immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife by visiting one of the private game reserves in Hoedspruit. Join us on our game drives and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Other Activities
Explore the diverse range of activities available in our area. We can organize “renting e-bicycles”, cycling, and horse riding. As well as morning walks in the bush veld.
Information
Photography Tour

Description
Explore Join a wildlife Photography workshop lead by professional photographer Mike Dexter. Choose between 1-2 hour session in the lodge, where you’ll learn essential techniques, or extend you experience by having Mike join you on an excursion into the Kruger National Park or the Blyde River Canyon. Perfect for all levels, the workshops are entirely catered to your needs and ensure you capture stunning images of your African adventure. Please contact us for further enquiries.

BIOGRAPHY
Mike Dexter is a professional wildlife photographer with over 15 years experience and a degree in photojournalism. He leads photographic safaris and workshops across Africa where he shares his passion and expertise with aspiring photographers. His work captures the beauty and diversity of African wildlife, earning him a reputation as a skilled and dedicated photographer. His ability to connect with people and nature alike makes his safaris an enriching experience, showcasing his commitment to wildlife conservation and education through the lens of his camera.
Instagram: @mikedexterphotography
Website: www.mikedexter.com
Reviews
Guest Reviews
Our unforgettable stay at African Affair Bush Retreat in Hoedspruit, exceeded all expectations. Nestled in natures embrace, this small lodge emanates a captivating and intimate atmosphere, immersing us in a truly enchanting experience. The casual setting effortlessly blends with the surrounding wilderness, inviting a sense of tranquility and relaxation. The abundance of wildlife truly astounded us. Merely gazing out our window, revealed a parade of natures wonders. Warthog, Impala, zebra and kudu roamed through the bush. Every moment, was a wildlife encounter. A game drive with Helmo is an unforgettable experience. His Knowledge and expertise is second to none. Yet what truly set our stay apart, was the warm hospitality and genuine care of our hosts, Helmo and Yvonne. Their dedication to ensuring our comfort and happiness, made our time at the bush retreat, a truly unforgettable one. Definitely a 5 star experience.
Wir waren eine Woche auf Safari bei Yvonne und Helmo. Wir wurden am Flughafen abgeholt und herzlich in der Lodge empfangen. Die Zimmer sind sehr schön und freundlich eingerichtet. Helmo fuhr jeden Tag mit uns auf Pirsch, früh, abends oder sogar beides. Wir haben so viele Tierre gesehen, es war traumhaft schöne. Das wetter spielte auch meist mit.
Yvonne kochte abens für uns typisch afrikanisches Essen, was wirklich sehr lecker war. Auch das Frühstüch war sehr abwechslungsreich. Wir können alles nur weiterempfehlen und verteilen 6 von 5 Sternen. Lieben Dank an Helmo und Yvonne.
We stayed at African Affair Bush Retreat for a long weekend and almost immediately wished we were staying longer! The room was gorgeous and the amenities are perfect. Yvonne and Helmo are such wonderful hosts, we almost felt like we were staying with family. The “wildlife estate” feels entirely secluded were one can walk and drive and even a dedicated cycle route. One evening, we saw a leopard, while taking a short drive to one of the nearby restaurants (best ostrich I’ve ever had). The Bush Retreat is close to the Kruger National Park, were we spent a day exploring. We would go back in a heartbeat! Thank you Yvonne and Helmo.
African Affair Bush Retreat was a wonderful experience. Early morning walks, spotting warthogs, antelope and other game, was great. We were privileged to see a genet and a week previously, the guests spotted a leopard at Heron Dam! Game drives also did not disappoint. Sundowners on the viewing deck with a snack was followed by an awesome bush braai. This is a wonderful small lodge, in a peaceful setting, with home-cooked meals. We would highly recommend this exclusive lodge.
A beautiful guest lodge in the middle of the African bush. Peaceful, with lovely spacious rooms and delicious meals prepared by Yvonne. We enjoyed an awesome “game drive” with Helmo, in the adjacent Big 5 reserve. Thank you!
AFRICAN AFFAIR BUSH RETREAT
Contact Us
To reserve your upcoming stay with us, please kindly complete the form below.