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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

Our experience was phenomenal..the stay was amazing from the security at the gate to the help desk and the management team were very friendly and helpful…ohh I can not forget Refiloe and Miguel and the team at large…they were exceptional…

Posted on 20/10/2025 by Google

(Translated by Google) Really friendly staff.

(Original)
Todella ystävällinen henkilökunta.

Posted on 13/10/2025 by Google

Sim

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Hotels.com

The room was amazing..food was great from breakfast and dinner and lunch..the staff was friendly ohhh Refiloe who has made our stay extraordinary and the team at large

Posted on 20/10/2025 by TripAdvisor

From the moment we stepped into Kruger Gate Hotel it was like stepping into paradise.
I cannot praise the staff enough, thoughtful cheerful very friendly, the catering staff presented a variety of beautiful dishes every day.
The facilities were brilliant, rooms were spacious with extremely comfortable beds. And the view from the pool area onto the safari park were amazing.
I would highly recommend Kruger Gate Hotel to anyone visiting South Africa, especially first time visitors wanting to experience the Safari Park.

Posted on 16/10/2025 by TripAdvisor

We had a great experience at Kruger Gate Hotel. Since we made the reservation we felt that they were very kind and welcoming answering all our questions and support us. When we got here, Dion, the driver who took us from the airport was very nice and helped us to find the animals in our way to the hotel. The hotel has an excellent location and the Safari was perfect! Prince was our tour guide for the Safari and we also loved it. Staff are very friendly and kind. Cleaning is very good . It is a beautiful and big hotel. For sure I will come back!

Posted on 14/10/2025 by TripAdvisor

Wonderful hotel with an excellent viewing terrace to watch the comings and goings of the local wildlife...1st day, we spotted an a bush elephant and nile crocodile, with so many different species of antelopes at the waters edge. Food excellent and rooms very spacious. The staff were so helpful.

Posted on 17/10/2025 by TripAdvisor

Breakfast buffet was excellent
Location of the facilities was excellent
Tea/coffee/water facilities at reception was a great touch
Staff all fantastic
Lunch menu was great

Posted on 21/10/2025 by Booking.com

The entire experience was dreamy, we had a wonderful time. Between game drives that were amazing, we enjoyed all the hotel’s amenities, and they all contributed to our amazing Safari experience. The room was great, and so was the spa and the gym. The food selection is very big and the pool has amazing view (we even had some elephants who visited!). The staff is amazing and very welcoming! Highly recommended.

Posted on 14/10/2025 by Booking.com

Wir haben das Hotel als Start in SA gewählt und es war absolut die richtige Entscheidung.
Für uns perfekt!!!

Posted on 22/10/2025 by Booking.com

Na porta do Paul Kruger Gate, staff cordial, quarto confortável, comida deliciosa, e vista para a savana que permite ver bem pertinho a vida selvagem do viewing deck do hotel (vimos girafas, elefantes, hipopótamos, impalas, macaquinhos, sem precisar sair do hotel).

Posted on 21/10/2025 by Booking.com

Staff were excellent, dinner in the Lapa was amazing with so many options. The pool overlooking the Sabi riverbed was especially great. We spotted a number of different wildlife including hippos and elephants whilst enjoying our morning coffee.

Posted on 19/10/2025 by Booking.com

Fantástico. A cordialidade da equipe, especialmente do gerente Miguel, é impressionante. A qualidade e variedade da alimentação, tanto no café como no jantar, é espetacular. A localização, a limpeza, a estrutura, tudo nota 10.

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Booking.com

Fantástico. A cordialidade da equipe, especialmente do gerente Miguel, é impressionante. A qualidade e variedade da alimentação, tanto no café como no jantar, é espetacular. A localização, a limpeza, a estrutura, tudo nota 10.

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Booking.com

I can\'t fault this place. Everything was amazing, from the rooms and facilities to the location, views and food. Seeing animals wander by whilst swimming in the infinity pool is just incredible.

Posted on 15/10/2025 by Booking.com

Everything was GREAT ❤️

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Booking.com

O lugar é perfeito não encontrei nenhum defeito

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Booking.com