Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Going guided on safari - it’s the best way

There are arguably few better places on the African continent to experience the magnificence of an untamed wilderness as in Kruger National Park.

Home to the Big 5, diverse ecosystems and an abundance of bird life – among its many treasures – a visit to Kruger National Park is a bucket list destination for both local and international visitors, and rightly so. Covering an expanse of some 20 000 square kilometres, it’s a space best navigated with the assistance of a safari guide.

Interestingly, Euromonitor International, a leading provider of global business intelligence, market research data and analysis, lists guided tours as one of the fastest growing travel categories in the world. Guided tours are one of the best ways to learn about places and things from experts who are committed to sharing their intimate knowledge of a topic. As such, it’s a fast and cost-effective way to embrace a new experience.

Going on safari with a knowledgeable guide guarantees an enhanced, more intimate experience and is likely to bring you closer to the animals found in Kruger National Guide. “Safari guides are passionate, they’re informed, they understand Kruger and all its glorious nuances, and they have great stories to share that make the tours so much more intimate, interesting and memorable,” says Anton Gillis, Kruger Gate Hotel CEO.

In fact, Gillis says there are a number of reasons why a guided safari tour in Kruger National Park is a must-do for visitors.

In on the secrets

A safari guide is a connection between the visitor and the finest Kruger Park sightings. They’re there to bring the magnificence of the landscape, the animals, the birds and the flora to life.
“Most safari guides are very eager to share their knowledge and insights, and enhance the visitor experience in that way. Don’t shy away from asking them questions – the more you ask the more Kruger comes to life,” Gillis shares.
Interesting questions to ask a safari guide are around the daily routines of the animals, what one is likely to see on a night safari versus a day safari, and in what way seasonal changes impact the movement of the animals. Many safari guides know exactly where to find the best
Kruger Park sightings and will also have insightful views on topics like conservation and changing weather patterns, and almost all of them have fascinating stories about (close) encounters with the animals.

The greater good

The safari industry in South Africa is an important economic enabler that creates employment opportunities for hundreds of people from the local communities surrounding Kruger National Park. As with any economic opportunity, employment in the safari industry has a knock-on effect, supporting not only those directly engaged but also sustaining the livelihoods of their families.
What’s more, many safari guides are skilled professionals with dynamic skill sets and in-depth knowledge of the bush. They also understand Kruger National Park weather patterns and will make recommendations that account for the guest’s comfort in that regard too.
“A guided safari is about so much more than driving tourists and pointing to the odd giraffe or buck. They understand the park’s ecosystem and the nuances within. They have a wealth of knowledge that ensures that our guests not only witness extraordinary wildlife sightings but also gain insights into the intricate web of life that makes Kruger National Park such a captivating destination,” says Gillis.
Opting to experience Kruger National Park with a safari guide is a way of showing an appreciation for the passion, experience and expertise of not just an individual guide but indeed an industry of safari guides who, beyond sharing their knowledge of paradise with visitors, also contribute to conservation efforts and research undertakings that are crucial to maintaining the status of Kruger as a world-class wildlife destination.
Elvis Gazide is one of Kruger Gate Hotel’s most experienced guides, with a keen understanding of what makes for a great safari experience. “Guiding is my passion. Bringing the bush to life for people is what I love doing and it is what allows me to support my family. It’s also great to witness somebody seeing wildlife up close for the first time.”

Personalised experiences

Personalisation is all the rage, and definitely also possible on a guided safari tour. A seasoned safari guide can curate an experience to match the client’s interests and preferences.
Whether it’s nature photography you’re into or keen to learn more about the birds of Kruger National Park, or if it’s the rees that interest you, a safari guide can help ensure a more intimate encounter with these interests.
In fact, Enock Mkansi says curating a personalised experience for guests around their interest is one of his favourite things about working as a guide at Kruger Gate Hotel. “I love it when I can make the guest’s experience more special by showing them more of what they are personally interested in. My job also allows me to share my knowledge and understanding of Kruger National Park with others. It’s such a special place and it’s great when guests get to see that too,” he says.
What’s more, for those keen to do a self-drive safari, a guided safari is a great way to “acclimate” to Kruger National Park before taking on the thrill of doing it yourself, at your own pace. “One could view a guided safari as a ‘short course’ on how to best go about your safari, taking the lead from those who do it every day,” Gillis says.

Guest Reviews

Good👍

Posted on 29/09/2025 by Google

My husband and I have never been on a safari and after doing a lot of research we settled on the Kruger Gate Hotel. The service experienced was 10/10 absolutely attentive, from the moment we arrived the stay was nothing short of incredible. Rhandzu made our stay a memorable one he was personable, and always remembered the details. It was lovely to chat with him at the end of a busy day, aside from the impeccable service - the property was absolutely stunning. The amenities were fresh, clean and inviting ! We spent lots of time at the infinity pool, where we saw buffalo as well as a mom and baby elephants. We also visited the spa where we had a couples treatment that was amazing - so amazing I fell asleep. They also had a convenience / souvenir store onsite, a coffee shop and games like chess and mini golf. I will definitely be coming back!

Posted on 26/09/2025 by TripAdvisor

We had an absolutely amazing experience at KGH!
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout our stay. The hotel itself is top-notch, with stunning views and a fantastic ambiance, especially at night.
A huge shoutout to the ladies at the spa - they provided exceptional treatment and made us feel truly welcome. Thanks to the entire team at KGH for making our stay so special!
Thank you

Posted on 28/09/2025 by TripAdvisor

O hotel é lindo, a comida maravilhosa e o atendimento de toda a equipe foi incrível! Também amamos os safaris, principalmente pela duração mais longa do que eu via em outros lugares, porque isso proporcionou irmos para áreas mais distantes no parque. Pretendo voltar com certeza!! Esse hotel vai fazer parte das lembranças da viagem mais maravilhosa da minha vida!

Posted on 01/10/2025 by Booking.com

Super mooie omgeving. Mooi hotel met een fantastisch ontbijt en diner. Ruime kamers

Posted on 28/09/2025 by Booking.com

スタッフのサービスが抜群に良い‼︎
Safariツアーも親切にBIG5見させてもらえる。

Posted on 27/09/2025 by Booking.com

Fantastic location, great food, great staff

Posted on 27/09/2025 by Booking.com

Just loved the new pool area looking over the river !

Posted on 27/09/2025 by Booking.com

We loved Kruger Gate Hotel so much we came back again spontaneously and booked an even more expensive room! The staff were exceptional - helpful, playful (hello cheeky lady;) and efficient. The booked safari was next level as safari drivers share intel on animal locations so travelers see more and ours shared stories and information about the animals that you don’t get on a self drive. We now know how the myth of the elephant’s graveyard came about. Incredible. Loved the chalet we stayed on first night. Great design. Especially the mudroom, outdoor private showers and shared chalet pool. Mmmmmmmm

Posted on 26/09/2025 by Booking.com

De gerenoveerde kamers zijn prachtig, het ontbijt fantastisch en het diner in de boma een echt feest.
Het uitzicht over de crocodile river is geweldig en de afstand naar de gate perfect.
Het vriendelijke personeel wat ons welkom terug heette met een grote lach (waren hier zeven jaar geleden ook) en voor ons gaat dit zeker niet de laatste keer zijn in dit fijne hotel! We gaan eind half oktober weer 🥰

Posted on 28/09/2025 by Booking.com

Wir hatten einen rundum perfekten Aufenthalt im Krüger Gate Hotel. Schon die vorab gebuchte Abholung vom Flughafen verlief reibungslos.
Die Mitarbeiter waren jederzeit freundlich, zuvorkommend und aufmerksam

Unser Zimmer war komfortabel, und die gesamte Anlage ist wunderschön und lädt zum Wohlfühlen ein.

Besonders hervorzuheben ist das abendliche Buffet, das mit seiner Vielfalt und Qualität absolut überzeugt hat – auch für Vegetarier gab es eine große Auswahl. Das Frühstück war ebenso ausgezeichnet. Die abendliche Atmosphäre mit Feuerstelle und teils musikalischer Begleitung war außergewöhnlich und gleichzeitig angenehm unaufdringlich.

Ein absolutes Highlight war unser vorab gebuchtes Boma Dinner mit privatem Dining – kulinarisch hervorragend und sehr stimmungsvoll. Ein besonderer Dank an Excellent :) Ein schönes Erlebnis war das phantastische Geburtstagsständchen, das uns unvergesslich bleiben wird.

Auch die Safari-Ausflüge ( ein Highlight) ließen sich unkompliziert buchen. Wir unternahmen eine Ganztagessafari sowie eine Nachmittags-Safari. Bei der Ganztagessafari gab es morgens vor der Abfahrt einen Kaffee und zusätzlich eine Lunchbox für unterwegs.

Fazit: Wir können das Krüger Gate Hotel uneingeschränkt empfehlen und würden bei einem erneuten Besuch im Krüger Nationalpark definitiv wieder hier übernachten.

Posted on 28/09/2025 by Booking.com

Schöner Blick in den Park. 2min Fahrzeit zum Paul Kruger Gate. Geführte Safaris einfach über das Hotel buchbar (am besten vor der Reise anfragen). Super freundliches Personal. Eine unglaubliche Auswahl an Speisen zum Abendessen und Frühstück.

Posted on 28/09/2025 by Booking.com

De tudo! Este hotel é espetacular, simplesmente sensacional em tudo, da arquitetura, a hotelaria, dos atendentes e equipe até os safaris!

Posted on 23/09/2025 by Booking.com

Très bien placé à quelques mètres de la Kruger gate. Variété et qualité des plats du buffet

Posted on 29/09/2025 by Booking.com

Atendimento maravilhoso, ótimas acomodações e muito bom restaurante .

Posted on 29/09/2025 by Booking.com

Hôtel juste incroyable !
La piscine offre un panorama sublime, les chambres sont propres et vraiment agréables, et le personnel est au top, que ce soit pour le safari ou au sein de l’établissement. Le petit-déjeuner est très bon, et le buffet du soir aussi (seuls les desserts étaient un peu décevants). L’endroit est luxueux, calme et parfait pour profiter du cadre exceptionnel du Kruger.

Posted on 29/09/2025 by Booking.com