Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Your Next Safari

Insider tips from Kruger Gate Hotel for first-timers and seasoned travellers

Whether you’re ticking off a dream safari bucket list or heading into the bush for the first time, preparing well can elevate your experience from memorable to magical. The Kruger National Park — one of the most iconic destinations for African animals and Big 5 sightings — offers something extraordinary for every visitor, and these tips from the team at Kruger Gate Hotel will help you safari smarter.

1. There’s no such thing as “just one game drive”

No two game drives are ever the same. Skip a sunrise safari and you might miss a pride of lions, a rare rhino sighting, or the soft gold light of morning on the Sabie River. Whether you’re staying near Skukuza or exploring from further out, the cost of game drives in Kruger National Park is well worth it — especially if you book multiple drives, including a guided bush walk.

Safari tip: Don’t skip a drive — especially the early ones. Book at least one walking safari to experience the bush in a whole new way. It’s where you’ll learn the fun facts about buffaloes and other creatures that rarely make the Instagram cut.

2. Your hotel Is part of the experience

Many first-timers treat their hotel as just a place to sleep between drives. But at Kruger Gate Hotel, the lodge is a destination in itself. Think spa treatments near Skukuza, riverside cocktails, private lapa dinners, and viewing decks where African animals wander by while you sip wine.

And after dark? The experience continues. The hotel embraces the rise of noctourism with fireside drinks, stargazing, and the distant roar of lions — a nightly reminder of how wild and wonderful South Africa truly is.

Safari tip: Slow down. Book a treatment, linger over lunch, and let your senses soak it all in. Your body might relax, but your soul will awaken.

3. You’ll feel like a kid again — and that’s the point

There’s a reason Kruger National Park remains one of the most popular family holiday destinations: the wonder is real. Seeing elephants, rhinos, or even a hyena vs wild dog standoff in the wild evokes awe in all ages.

Safari tip: Put the camera down now and then. Ask your guide questions. Let your inner child lead the way.

4. Switch off or stay connected — You Choose

Wondering if you can work remotely from the wild? At Kruger Gate Hotel, you can. With strong Wi-Fi and private work pods, this safari Africa hotel blends nature and productivity for remote workers, creatives, and business travellers. Whether you’re catching up on emails or journaling under a marula tree, there’s nothing quite like a boardroom view of elephants by the Sabie River.

Safari tip: Use the pods for focused work, then take a sunset drink to the deck and unwind. This is the ultimate version of work-life balance.

5. The packing lists often forget the good stuff

Sure, you’ll need breathable clothes in neutral tones and a warm jacket for those chilly mornings. But some essentials are often left off the list. A power bank, a journal, or binoculars can make the difference between simply seeing the bush and experiencing it.

Safari tip: Capture moments with your heart — not just your lens. And remember, if you’re traveling the R35 road from Kruger to Johannesburg, stock up on stories and memories to take home with you.

Final thought

A safari is never just a holiday. It’s a reset, a reminder that the wild is out there — and that you’re lucky enough to witness it. Whether you’re planning a family escape (check out the Kruger National Park child policy and minimum age for safari in Kruger National Park) or mapping the best children’s vacation spots in Mpumalanga, prepare smartly.

And prepare to be changed.

Plan your trip:

  • Discover the best hotels near Kruger National Park with unforgettable features
  • Visit charming towns close to Kruger National Park like Hazyview, and explore the road trip route between Hazyview to Kruger Gate.
  • Wondering about park logistics? Check the updated 2025 Kruger National Park opening hours.
  • Want to know the best time to see animals in Kruger National Park? Hint: The drier months offer clearer views and more action.
  • Extend your stay by adding stops along the R35 road for a slow-travel experience.

Guest Reviews

Good👍

Posted on 29/09/2025 by Google

My husband and I have never been on a safari and after doing a lot of research we settled on the Kruger Gate Hotel. The service experienced was 10/10 absolutely attentive, from the moment we arrived the stay was nothing short of incredible. Rhandzu made our stay a memorable one he was personable, and always remembered the details. It was lovely to chat with him at the end of a busy day, aside from the impeccable service - the property was absolutely stunning. The amenities were fresh, clean and inviting ! We spent lots of time at the infinity pool, where we saw buffalo as well as a mom and baby elephants. We also visited the spa where we had a couples treatment that was amazing - so amazing I fell asleep. They also had a convenience / souvenir store onsite, a coffee shop and games like chess and mini golf. I will definitely be coming back!

Posted on 26/09/2025 by TripAdvisor

We had an absolutely amazing experience at KGH!
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay. The hotel itself is top-notch, with stunning views and a fantastic ambiance, especially at night.
A huge shoutout to the ladies at the spa - they provided exceptional treatment and made us feel truly welcome. Thanks to the entire team at KGH for making our stay so special!
Thank you

Posted on 28/09/2025 by TripAdvisor

O hotel é lindo, a comida maravilhosa e o atendimento de toda a equipe foi incrível! Também amamos os safaris, principalmente pela duração mais longa do que eu via em outros lugares, porque isso proporcionou irmos para áreas mais distantes no parque. Pretendo voltar com certeza!! Esse hotel vai fazer parte das lembranças da viagem mais maravilhosa da minha vida!

Posted on 01/10/2025 by Booking.com

Super mooie omgeving. Mooi hotel met een fantastisch ontbijt en diner. Ruime kamers

Posted on 28/09/2025 by Booking.com

スタッフのサービスが抜群に良い‼︎
Safariツアーも親切にBIG5見させてもらえる。

Posted on 27/09/2025 by Booking.com

Fantastic location, great food, great staff

Posted on 27/09/2025 by Booking.com

Just loved the new pool area looking over the river !

Posted on 27/09/2025 by Booking.com

We loved Kruger Gate Hotel so much we came back again spontaneously and booked an even more expensive room! The staff were exceptional - helpful, playful (hello cheeky lady;) and efficient. The booked safari was next level as safari drivers share intel on animal locations so travelers see more and ours shared stories and information about the animals that you don’t get on a self drive. We now know how the myth of the elephant’s graveyard came about. Incredible. Loved the chalet we stayed on first night. Great design. Especially the mudroom, outdoor private showers and shared chalet pool. Mmmmmmmm

Posted on 26/09/2025 by Booking.com

De gerenoveerde kamers zijn prachtig, het ontbijt fantastisch en het diner in de boma een echt feest.
Het uitzicht over de crocodile river is geweldig en de afstand naar de gate perfect.
Het vriendelijke personeel wat ons welkom terug heette met een grote lach (waren hier zeven jaar geleden ook) en voor ons gaat dit zeker niet de laatste keer zijn in dit fijne hotel! We gaan eind half oktober weer 🥰

Posted on 28/09/2025 by Booking.com

Wir hatten einen rundum perfekten Aufenthalt im Krüger Gate Hotel. Schon die vorab gebuchte Abholung vom Flughafen verlief reibungslos.
Die Mitarbeiter waren jederzeit freundlich, zuvorkommend und aufmerksam

Unser Zimmer war komfortabel, und die gesamte Anlage ist wunderschön und lädt zum Wohlfühlen ein.

Besonders hervorzuheben ist das abendliche Buffet, das mit seiner Vielfalt und Qualität absolut überzeugt hat – auch für Vegetarier gab es eine große Auswahl. Das Frühstück war ebenso ausgezeichnet. Die abendliche Atmosphäre mit Feuerstelle und teils musikalischer Begleitung war außergewöhnlich und gleichzeitig angenehm unaufdringlich.

Ein absolutes Highlight war unser vorab gebuchtes Boma Dinner mit privatem Dining – kulinarisch hervorragend und sehr stimmungsvoll. Ein besonderer Dank an Excellent :) Ein schönes Erlebnis war das phantastische Geburtstagsständchen, das uns unvergesslich bleiben wird.

Auch die Safari-Ausflüge ( ein Highlight) ließen sich unkompliziert buchen. Wir unternahmen eine Ganztagessafari sowie eine Nachmittags-Safari. Bei der Ganztagessafari gab es morgens vor der Abfahrt einen Kaffee und zusätzlich eine Lunchbox für unterwegs.

Fazit: Wir können das Krüger Gate Hotel uneingeschränkt empfehlen und würden bei einem erneuten Besuch im Krüger Nationalpark definitiv wieder hier übernachten.

Posted on 28/09/2025 by Booking.com

Schöner Blick in den Park. 2min Fahrzeit zum Paul Kruger Gate. Geführte Safaris einfach über das Hotel buchbar (am besten vor der Reise anfragen). Super freundliches Personal. Eine unglaubliche Auswahl an Speisen zum Abendessen und Frühstück.

Posted on 28/09/2025 by Booking.com

De tudo! Este hotel é espetacular, simplesmente sensacional em tudo, da arquitetura, a hotelaria, dos atendentes e equipe até os safaris!

Posted on 23/09/2025 by Booking.com

Très bien placé à quelques mètres de la Kruger gate. Variété et qualité des plats du buffet

Posted on 29/09/2025 by Booking.com

Atendimento maravilhoso, ótimas acomodações e muito bom restaurante .

Posted on 29/09/2025 by Booking.com

Hôtel juste incroyable !
La piscine offre un panorama sublime, les chambres sont propres et vraiment agréables, et le personnel est au top, que ce soit pour le safari ou au sein de l’établissement. Le petit-déjeuner est très bon, et le buffet du soir aussi (seuls les desserts étaient un peu décevants). L’endroit est luxueux, calme et parfait pour profiter du cadre exceptionnel du Kruger.

Posted on 29/09/2025 by Booking.com