Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Calm, calmer, calmcation - here’s how to take it the easiest on a Big Five safari holiday

Life can be pretty busy. And noisy. To say nothing of the incessant virtual distractions and notifications.

So it’s easy to understand why more and more people are seeking silence, solace and calm on their holiday, or rather their calmcation, be it on an African safari in Kruger National Park that includes the whole family, or a luxury safari experience for two.

Taken from “calm” and “vacation”, a calmcation is simply a holiday that prioritises slowing down, relaxing and unwinding, and engaging in activities that rejuvenate the body and mind. It’s about simplicity, connection and, well, calm. And can be one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel.

And it’s a travel trend that’s showing no signs of slowing down (!!). Take the calmcation to the next level by selecting those experiences known to promote and elevate calm.

“Any kind of time out in nature is good for you, and a safari holiday in Kruger National Park even more so as it really brings you up close and personal with Mother Nature, in a setting that is inherently tranquil,” says Miguel Farinha, Hotel Manager of Kruger Gate Hotel, located mere metres from the Paul Kruger Gate entrance to the Park.

Experience a guided game drive

A guided safari tour is a unique way to experience a different kind of serenity. It’s an opportunity to really sit back and soak in the wonder of the bush and Kruger National Park’s flora and fauna in all its glory.

A guided safari, in particular, serves as a kind of connection between the visitor and the wonders of Kruger National Park. Professional safari guides are there to bring the magnificence of the landscape, the animals, the birds and the flora to life for you, while you simply sit back, relax and soak it all in, and put all those wildlife photography tips you’ve been researching to good use. Navigating Kruger National Park is what they do best, so you can simply focus on embracing it all.

Treat yourself to a spa experience

Is there anything more calming than a full-body massage? Yes, it’s a full-body massage in a tree house treatment room overlooking the Sabie River – the ultimate wilderness spa experience!

Dee’s African Spa at Kruger Gate Hotel offers exactly that – and more. The spa’s approach to wellbeing is one that combines ancient wisdom with modern technologies to offer an authentically tranquil experience.

Opt for silent mode

They say silence is golden and nowhere is this more true than in the Kruger National Park where silence and serenity is all-encompassing. “We love to recommend to guests that they simply sit on the Pool Deck overlooking the Sabie River 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,” says Farinha.

Embrace the wonder of water

Whether that’s the water from a summer thunderstorm, or immersing yourself in the infinity pool that overlooks the Sabie River at Kruger Gate Hotel, people close to water can do wonders for enhancing that feeling of calm.

Every traveller’s idea of a calmcation will be different – and rightly so – but one thing is for sure. Kruger National Park – the jewel in South Africa’s tourism crown – is the ideal destination for a calmcation that will rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

Guest Reviews

Nice place

Posted on 20/04/2026 by Google

Amazing place to visit ❤️ ✨️

Posted on 20/04/2026 by Google

What an experience! Best time of my life. Made irreplaceable memories thanks to a wonderful facility.

Posted on 19/04/2026 by Google

Beautiful hotel situated along the Kruger park

Posted on 20/04/2026 by Google

We returned to Kruger Gate Hotel as a family (two adults, two children) for seven nights to celebrate two birthdays. Our second visit.

This is still our family favourite holiday location, even more so after a second visit.

I cannot imagine a much better place for a family holiday, couples getaway, or a solo traveller who wants to experience the highest quality and stress-free safari.

Some hopefully helpful details:

Location - directly on the edge of one of the best safari locations on earth, southern Kruger. You will see many of the \'big five\' from the hotel\'s pool area.

Staff/Atmosphere - everyone here is incredibly kind, helpful, and genuinely wants to make your stay as special as possible.

Safari - you MUST book game drives whilst you are here. We had four early morning private safaris, booked through the hotel, and one night safari booked directly with Kruger Park (they collect you from the Hotel).

Rooms - the rooms have recently been renovated and are very clean and comfortable. We had a family room which worked perfectly for four of us.

Food and drink - buffet breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate, both are excellent with lots of variety - South African themed with international alternatives too. Lunch and drinks are a la carte and are also excellent.

Value for money - just right. Everything here is high quality, but you can also enjoy yourself properly without having to worry too much about your bill at check out!

Cleanliness - perfect.

Noise level - you\'re surrounded by wildlife, so it\'s never silent (you wouldn\'t want it to be!), but it is definitely a very relaxing place to stay.

Some special mentions for some staff members:
 
EDGAR - we have been on safari many times, Edgar is the best guide we have ever experienced. We\'ve now had seven game drives with Edgar and every one has been spectacular. Ask for him when booking your safari.

MISHECK and ZENDA - nothing is too much trouble and they are lovely company if you want to learn more about life in this beautiful part of the world whilst enjoying some delicious poolside lunch or post-safari cocktails.

ALICK and NEO - wonderful dinner hosts in the open-air restaurant.

Overall, an amazing holiday destination.

Posted on 18/04/2026 by TripAdvisor

Todo menos el frío del agua de la alberca

Posted on 16/04/2026 by Booking.com

the location - the vibe - friendly helpful staff

Posted on 21/04/2026 by Booking.com

Hotel is perfect to visit Kruger park. It is located very close to the gate, the staff is amazing, food is very good and swimming pool area is prefect for kids and adults.

Posted on 17/04/2026 by Booking.com

クルーガー公園まで近く、またサファリツアーへの申し込みも簡単で良かったです。

Posted on 20/04/2026 by Booking.com

Amazing property and staff! Thanks so much Neo!

Posted on 18/04/2026 by Booking.com

Dit hotel is fantastisch qua ligging net aan de rand van het Krugerpark. De olifanten, buffels, zwijnen,.. komen tot aan de rand van het zwembad. Qua sfeer en gezelligheid is dit top! Vriendelijke mensen, uitstekende bediening. Een aanrader!

Posted on 18/04/2026 by Booking.com

Great location with the pool at the edge of the river.
Game viewing with a cocktail. LP

Posted on 16/04/2026 by Booking.com