Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Travelling in South Africa: The Ultimate Bucket List Destinations

The Kruger National Park welcomes visitors. There are plenty of picnic places, rest stations, and day visitor areas. At the entry gates, a map shows all of these stops. Before your vacation, plan how much you can travel and see in a day.

South Africa Bucket List

South Africa is a spectacular vacation spot, but there’s so much to do that it’s almost impossible to choose which destinations to add to your bucket list. Its rich culture, fascinating history, thrilling wildlife, and breathtaking scenery makes it a desirable holiday destination for tourists across the globe. Several trips to this nation would merely provide a taste of the many wild and beautiful experiences the country has to offer. We’ve selected our top 3 South African  bucket list locations.

Kruger National Park

During any journey to South Africa, seeing the Big Five should be at the top of your bucket list. But did you know that in a single visit to Kruger National Park, you have a legitimate opportunity to see all five of Africa’s most famous animals?

The Kruger National Park is home to hundreds of different kinds of animals, including rhinos, leopards, elephants, lions, buffalo, and many more. At the Kruger Gate Hotel join a once-in-a-lifetime Kruger Big 5 Safari to get the best chance of seeing the Big Five. Morning, all-day, afternoon, and night safaris, as well as private or group safaris are available. Guests can even pre-order a packed breakfast to pick up the following morning to snack on during their safari.

Click here for more information on Kruger Gate Hotel’s game drive packages, and book your accommodation here.

Drakensberg

The province of KwaZulu-Natal is home to the magnificent mountain range known as the Drakensberg. The mountains span around 1000 kilometres and end at the Lesotho border. In this region, you may plan a stay at one of the picturesque hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, farm stays, campgrounds, or RV parks and experience a variety of excursions. When visiting the Drakensberg, you have the option to hike at several scenic locations.

For those who are feeling particularly adventurous, staying overnight in a cave is an even more unique experience. The Drakensberg World Heritage Tour and guided horseback rides are two other fantastic local activities. We strongly advise you to visit the Drakensberg to see the landscape for yourself since it speaks for itself.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is an experience that should be on everyone’s South African bucket list because of its iconic flat summit, amazing vistas, and exhilarating cableway. Ride the aerial cableway up to the rocky plateau, which is covered in lush Cape fynbos. Once there, you will be able to take in the breathtaking views of Cape Town’s beaches and beyond.

While you’re at it, why not add the famous hiking trail, Lion’s Head, to the list? You’ll probably work up a sweat, but when you reach the top, you’ll be treated with one of the most breathtaking views the city has to offer. We’d say it’s 100% worth the exertion.

Guest Reviews

Kruger Gate Hotel was one of the best resort experiences I have ever had. Not only are you on the doorstep of kruger, the wildlife permeates through the place by walking through it contantly (the non dangerous ones!). The hotel itself is well kept/looks good and is filled with leafy trees. The infinity pool looking out over the river is fantastic and you are bound to see many Animals from there alone.

The staff are all great people. Lawrence and so many countless others always went out of their way to help me whenever they could, even setting us up with things for other parts of our trip at no benefit to them.

A bank of memories with good people!

Posted on 31/01/2026 by Google

Perfectly located on the Sabie river surrounded by game reserves, right next to 1 of the main entrance gates to the Kruger National Park. Beautiful outlay on wooden decks / walkways surrounded by lush vegetation and trees. 1 indoor restaurant and 1 outdoor restaurant shape in a boma. Rated 4 star hotel but the food variety and quality is close to 5 star. 2 outdoor swimming pools with one overlooking the river and big game that may wonder upclose. Game drives can be booked any time of day and a gym is also available Romantic, peaceful and good value

Posted on 27/01/2026 by Google

Everything great. Highly professional staff everywhere. Especially great experience in Safari car no 5 helping us see the male lion. Great guy!

Posted on 28/01/2026 by TripAdvisor

What a truly beautiful hotel. We loved watching the hippos in the river from the infinity pool, and every dinner around the open fire was absolutely wonderful.
We spent three unforgettable days on safari with Enock, who completely made the experience for us. His knowledge is exceptional, he answered every question with ease and enthusiasm. He went above and beyond to ensure our safari was everything we hoped for and more.

Posted on 29/01/2026 by TripAdvisor

Thanks to Enock for amazing 3 day Safari with my family. He was so much fun and his knowledge was incredible teaching us a lot while making us feel very safe.
His experience showed with him been able to spot out the smallest signs of animals, allowing us to see 4 of the big 5, among many other animals.
Thanks Enock.

Posted on 29/01/2026 by TripAdvisor

From great service, an amazing safari and a great hotel in general, this place is definitely worth it.

Would love to come back in the next few years.

Posted on 29/01/2026 by TripAdvisor

Enoch was an incredible safari guide. He was so knowledgable and made us feel very safe. He could spot animals without a camera or binoculars that we hadn’t been able to see! He knew lots of information about the animals and local area. He was also extremely respectful to the animals.

Posted on 29/01/2026 by TripAdvisor

Personals vänlighet

Posted on 31/01/2026 by Booking.com

The hotel is magnificent! It has a lovely feel about it, and the buffet breakfast and dinner is the best.

Posted on 29/01/2026 by Booking.com

Equipe atenciosa, quarto amplo, confortável e bem decorado. Recepção e áreas comuns aconchegantes e bem decoradas. Excelente café da manhã e jantar. Um lanche para quem está indo para o Safari antes das 6 da manhã fez toda diferença.

Posted on 26/01/2026 by Booking.com

There was the paradox of it being very African but very chic! Lovely facility

Posted on 26/01/2026 by Booking.com

Everything

Posted on 26/01/2026 by Booking.com

Lugar lindo, funcionário ótimos e ótima assistência

Posted on 27/01/2026 by Booking.com

L’emplacement est superbe à la frontière du parc Kruger, face a la rivière où nous avons pu observer hippopotames, antilopes et même un éléphant traverser, tout en étant au bord de la très belle piscine. Chambre bien décorée et très propre et nombreux services pour rendre l’expérience très agréable. Un plaisir de revenir de safari dans l’établissement !

Posted on 28/01/2026 by Booking.com