Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Wild about wellness: Why a safari holiday is the ultimate wellness retreat

Wellness means different things to different people, but there is generally agreement – and evidence – that going on holiday and spending time in nature is good for our physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

An escape to the bush, think the magnificent Kruger National Park and a Big Five safari, is in many ways one of the most holistic wellness experiences travellers can plan for.

At Kruger Gate Hotel you can almost see people relax and recharge when they’re here enjoying the tranquillity of nature and the magnificence of the flora and fauna that surrounds the property.

A safari holiday can be the ultimate wellness experience as it has so many facets to it, all while giving the travellers and guests dynamic options for things to do, or not to do. Remember, there is nothing wrong with doing ‘nothing’ on a safari holiday – being on holiday is the doing!

The ultimate serenity

They say silence is golden and nowhere is this more true than in the Kruger National Park where silence and serenity is all-encompassing. The Pool Deck overlooking the Sabie River is the perfect spot to relax and soak up the silence. Sure, there’s the sounds of birds and animals but it’s a serene sound that is unique to the area and generally brings on a great sense of calm and connection to nature, just knowing you’re near the animals in Kruger National Park.

A guided safari tour is another way to experience a different kind of serenity. A safari guide is a connection between the visitor and the wonders of Kruger National Park. They’re there to bring the magnificence of the landscape, the animals, the birds and the flora to life, and experiencing that close-up is one of the ultimate bucket list experiences, and form a key part of an integrated wildlife tourism experience.

Sights, sounds, scents

Wellness is also holistic and engaging our various senses in new ways can positively contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing. The sights, sounds, and smells of the bush engage our senses in ways that are vastly different from their usual environments, making the experience more vivid and memorable.

It could be the smell of the earth after a summer thunderstorm, or the sound of a fish eagle or the sight of a leopard attacking its prey. These are sensory experiences beyond the everyday that stir different emotions and contribute to an overall sense of serenity.

Solo, or not

For many travellers, doing so on their own is its own form of wellness. At Kruger Gate Hotel we regularly welcome solo travellers l and what we love seeing is how they embrace a ‘hybrid’ solo travel approach. This could be joining a group on a guided morning safari, or opting to become friendly with other guests. The great thing is that guests can be solo but not necessarily alone.

The hotel is large enough to never feel isolated even if you are alone. Similarly, it is easy to also be ‘anonymous’ and just do your thing if that’s what you want.

Active wellness

Kruger Gate Hotel, specifically, has plenty of options for those travellers who prefer a more ‘active kind’’ of wellness. The Fitness Centre is a key amenity, available to all guests, while those who prefer a more serene form of wellness can head to Dee’s African Spa on the property. The spa, magnificently situated on the Sabie riverbank, offers a menu of signature spa treatments, all with a uniquely African flair.

In the Fitness Centre new state-of-the-art equipment sits in a thoughtfully designed space with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on the property’s lush garden, ensuring an experience that engages all the senses.

Ultimately, wellness is a highly personal experience and endeavour but there is little doubt that Kruger National Park – one of the world’s top safari destinations – is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.

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