There are several benefits to this, including the long weekend from 21 to 24 March and the Easter weekend over 29 to 1 April, which are ideal for shorter Kruger safaris. For those looking for a longer stay, this year, private school holidays are between 21 March and 9 April, and public school holidays are from 28 March to 8 April 2024.
If you have never taken your kids on a Kruger safari, this may well be the year to broaden their horizons and let them experience the many joys of exploring South Africa’s greatest wilderness refuge. March and April are the last months of the hot rainy summer season in the Park. While daytime temperature highs peaked in January, you can still expect hot days with the temperature ranging from 33°C to 20°C. Mornings and evenings will be cooler, and you’ll need lightweight jackets if you are going out on Kruger National Park game drives in our open vehicles.
The Park is particularly beautiful during this later summer-early autumn period. The rivers are flowing strongly, and the waterholes are brimming with rainwater. There are plenty of opportunities to delight at the antics of young Impalas, Elephants, Zebras, Giraffes and Kudu, as well as Baboons and Warthogs. It’s also the last chance of the season to see some of the many summer migrant bird species. Of course, there is also the famous Big 5 – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Black Rhino, and from our unique location right at the Paul Kruger Gate, you will have easy access to some of the Park’s finest Big 5 territory.
Your choice of Kruger accommodation is essential to your family safari experience. In addition to close proximity, you want to ensure that everyone is comfortable and that you relax and recharge in between your safari excursions.
Kruger Gate Hotel has a range of family-friendly features:
- Our Deluxe Family rooms are ideal for accommodating a family of four – Children under the age of 12 years staying free of charge with two paying adults. There’s a choice of two Queen beds, two King beds or four Single beds. The stylish living area includes a workstation and smart TV, and the modern bathroom includes a walk-in shower, basin, and toilet.
- There’s a choice of kid-friendly dining options – Children under the age of 12 years enjoy complementary breakfasts and dinners. Breakfast at the Kudyela Restaurant includes a US-style pancake bar, which is very popular with our young guests. Dinners are served in the spectacular Lapa Restaurant which includes a special grill station for s’mores and braai broodjies. Every evening, there are different kiddie’s dishes on offer and our chef stocks up on homemade ice-creams in the refrigerated deli room. Grab-and-go sandwiches and baked goods such as muffins are available all day at our coffee shop, and our a la carte and in-room dining menus feature a special children’s section.
- You will find fun and games at the hotel – We have a dedicated family swimming pool for cooling off after your family safari adventures, which includes a pool bar for parents. You can also enjoy tennis, volleyball, putt-putt and outdoor chess in our gorgeous garden.
- Private, guided or self-driving Kruger safaris – The highlight of the holidays will be venturing together as a family into the wilds of the Kruger Park. There is simply no substitute for getting your children out into nature to have unforgettable experiences of the animals and plants that share our world. Choosing a private or guided safari on an open vehicle will add to the thrill and give your family the benefit of being accompanied by a knowledge guide. If you prefer, it is also completely easy to self-drive from Kruger Gate Hotel, as we are less than a minute’s drive from the Paul Kruger Gate. You’ll make the most of your safari experiences if your children have binoculars, field guides and cameras.