FlySafair launches direct Cape Town–Hoedspruit route, enhancing Kruger tourism access

SOUTH AFRICA – FlySafair has launched a direct flight between Cape Town and Hoedspruit, significantly improving access to the central Kruger region and supporting tourism-driven economic growth in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

The service operates three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using Boeing 737 aircraft with fares starting at ZAR 1,570 (US$90).

Kirby Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer at FlySafair, stated: “Hoedspruit is a gateway to iconic wildlife experiences, including Kruger National Park and surrounding private reserves.”

He emphasized that the route creates opportunities for local communities, supports conservation tourism, and enables travelers to experience South Africa’s natural richness.

A ceremonial launch was held at Eastgate Airport on October 2, 2025, attended by Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, MEC for Transport Violet Mathye, and Maruleng Mayor Councillor Tsheko Musolwa.

The event featured a water cannon salute and ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the airline’s commitment to regional development.

Bernard Roode, Managing Director of Kapama Private Game Reserve, highlighted the route’s broader impact: “Improved access means more guests, more jobs, and greater collaboration between tourism operators, conservationists, and local businesses.”

He noted the ripple effect across the regional economy.

Tourism contributes 6.4% to South Africa’s GDP and supports over 1.5 million jobs.

By connecting Cape Town directly to Hoedspruit, FlySafair helps rebalance visitor distribution from Gauteng and the Western Cape to the Kruger corridor, promoting inclusive growth.

Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel, called the launch a “game-changer,” noting that reduced travel time makes Kruger viable for short stays like long weekends.

Convenience and accessibility are key drivers for domestic tourism, and this route addresses both.

In Q1 2025, domestic overnight trips reached 8.5 million, with KwaZulu-Natal leading at 1.9 million trips and ZAR 6.1 billion (US$349.8 million) in spend.

Limpopo ranked second with 1.5 million trips and ZAR 3.0 billion (US$172.0 million) in tourism revenue, up 75.4% year-on-year.

Domestic tourism remains resilient, with 2025 spending forecast at ZAR 445 billion (US$25.5 billion), exceeding 2019 levels by 3.8%.

The Western Cape and Gauteng dominate air travel, but FlySafair’s expansion supports regional equity.

The airline’s daily Cape Town–Mbombela service complements this route, enhancing connectivity across the tourism-rich eastern corridor. With 8.9 million total arrivals in 2024, South Africa’s tourism sector is recovering strongly.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.