The base is teeming with wildlife, being surrounded by the 25 km² AFB Hoedspruit Game Reserve.

This led the base to introduce three cheetahs on the airfield, with the end result that animal incursions onto the runway have decreased by 90%.

The base gained international media attention in 2000, when it hosted the United States Air Force's rescue contingent as part of Operation Atlas Response, the mission to provide rescue and humanitarian support to areas of Mozambique devastated by the severe flooding caused by Cyclone Eline.

The base motto is Pro Nostrorum Pace (Peace for our People).

The terminal's main business is serving tourists visiting private game reserves in the area as well as access to the Kruger National Park via the nearby Orpen Gate.