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Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Is Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre worth a visit: yes or no?

Posted by Landia Davies on in OLD African Wildlife Conservation Enquire Now!

Is Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa worth a visit? Yes, or no?

The majority of visitors say yes. A few, say definitely not.

But, why? And, should you visit Moholoholo on your safari in South Africa, or not?

Before you decide, take a look at what Moholoholo is and is not.

What is Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre?

Moholoholo is an animal rescue center in South Africa. This wildlife rehabilitation center near Kruger Park rescues and rehabilitates injured and poisoned wildlife. They also facilitate breeding programs and monitor endangered species.

Moholoholo Wildlife Centre is a non-profit organization. It is similar to an animal shelter but for wild animals, not domestic animals and pets. It serves as a safe haven for rescued animals that cannot be released back into the wild.

Moholoholo Animal Rescue CenterMoholoholo Animal Rescue Center by Regina Hart

What Moholoholo Animal Rescue Center is NOT

Moholoholo is NOT a game reserve or a national park. It is not a vast expanse of pristine wilderness. It is not a place where wildlife roams free.

Moholoholo Wildlife Centre, South AfricaMoholoholo Wildlife Centre, South Africa by Rene C. Nielsen

It is not the place to see African wildlife in the wild. 

Moholoholo rehab center, honey badgersMoholoholo rehab center, honey badgers by Regina Hart

Moholoholo is also not a scam. 

Moholoholo in South Africa is not worth a visit, if...

You are totally against animal interactions. If touching wild animals is against your principles under all circumstances then a visit to Moholoholo is not for you.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab CentreMoholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre by Rene C. Nielsen

The sight of caged animals and birds upsets you.

African fish eagle, African harrier-hawk & crowned eagleAfrican fish eagle, African harrier-hawk & crowned eagle by Regina Hart

Moholoholo is worth a visit, if...

You want to see African animals up close. 

Moholoholo leopard, South AfricaMoholoholo leopard, South Africa by Regina Hart

The chance to come into contact with African animals appeals to you.

Feeding white-backed vulture at MoholoholoFeeding white-backed vulture at Moholoholo by Regina Hart

You want to support the work that the wildlife rehabilitation center does. Your visit will help fund the rescue and rehabilitation work Moholoholo does, as well as their breeding and monitoring programs. 

Where is Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre?

Located at the foot of the Drakensberg escarpment in the Lowveld of the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

  • 60 km from the Orpen Gate to Kruger National Park.
  • Short drive to Panoramic Route's Blyde River Canyon, Bourkes Luck Potholes and Pilgrims Rest.
  • 30 minutes from Hoedspruit Airport.
  • 16 km from the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
  • About 45km's from Echo Caves.
  • 15 km from the Khamai Reptile Park.

What animals are at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre?

  • Lion, leopard, and cheetah
  • Caracal, serval and lynx
  • Honey Badger
  • African Wild Dog

African wild dog at Moholoholo in South AfricaAfrican wild dog at Moholoholo in South Africa

Birds at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

  • Crowned eagle, Marshall eagle, and African eagle
  • Vulture
  • African harrier-hawk
  • Stork
  • Southern ground hornbill

"Aurora" Southern ground-hornbill at Moholoholo "Aurora" Southern ground-hornbill at Moholoholo by Regina Hart

Along with the above list of wild animals found at the wildlife rehabilitation center, you will also see any other adult and baby animals that may have been rescued at the time of your visit.

Where do the animals at Moholoholo Center come from?

Animals are brought to the wildlife center from all over South Africa.

Once the animals are healthy enough they are re-introduced to natural environments. The animals that cannot be rehabilitated sufficiently to be returned to their wild habitats are cared for at the wildlife center. These resident animals are then used to help educate local and international visitors to the center.

What animals are they breeding at Moholoholo Wildlife Center?

Many wild animals and birds have been successfully bred and released into the wild, including:

  • Crowned Eagles: endangered eagle species. The only breeding program in Southern Africa to have successfully bred the Crowned Eagle species.
  • Serval Cats: a very rare feline species. Bred and released around 150 serval cats back into areas where they were no longer found. A very successful breeding program, with serval filling their niche and breeding.
  • The Taita Falcon: one of the rarest Falcon species in Africa. Will be bred at the animal rescue center. 

Moholoholo Animal Centre Serval Breeding Programme

How does the Moholoholo non-profit organization sustain itself?

This Wildlife Centre relies on public support for survival, with donations and entry fees funding their work.

How to help

https://www.conservationafrica.net/projects/moholoholo-wildlife-rehabilitation-centre/

https://www.moholoholo.co.za/facility/wildlife-rehabilitation-centre/

Who owns and runs Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre?

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is on a privately-owned farm belonging to Johan Strijdom.

The center itself was established in 1991 by wildlife conservationist, Brian Jones, at Strijdom's request. 

Given Brian's passion for wild animals and his lifelong experience working with them, and the need for help, the center grew quickly. Various rescued and orphaned wild animals were soon brought to Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, which Brian still runs today.

The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre website says, 

Brian Jones has been helping and caring for injured and orphaned animals from the age of four and thus he brought a great deal of knowledge and experience to the establishment of this rehabilitation centre.

The Ethos of Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre 

https://www.safarinow.com/destinations/hoedspruit/animalparks/moholoholo-wildlife-rehabilitation-centre.aspx

The plight of Africa’s animals and our natural system has always been the main concern at Moholoholo and the philosophy is that awareness must be spread if we are to save our wildlife.

Find out more about the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre on their website.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Reviews

The Moholoholo animal rescue center has 4,5 stars on Tripadvisor based on 1085 reviews and is rated #2 of 10 things to do in Hoedspruit. 

To date, they have received 999 Excellent and Very Good reviews. So the consensus is that Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is worth a visit.

See reviews for Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre on Tripadvisor. 

Moholoholo Cheetah, South AfricaMoholoholo Cheetah, South Africa by Regina Hart

What does Moholoholo mean?

"The Very Great One"

Where did the name Moholoholo come from?

The final battle, the battle of Moholoholo meaning the great battle, was fought in 1864 around the mountain of Mariepskop. Mariepskop, also known as Moholoholo - "The Very Great One".

Here are some of our affordable South Africa Safaris that visit Moholoholo Wildlife Centre.

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About the Author

Landia Davies
Content Manager & Sculptor

Landia Davies Landia is a nature and animal lover. This South African woman avoids crowds seeking out quiet places. She has worked in the African safari industry for over 16 years!

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