Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

How Kruger Gate Hotel Is Bringing Clean Water to Thousands Through Solar Innovation

Kruger Gate Hotel is more than just a luxury safari lodge — our partnership with Innovation:

Africa is delivering clean water to over 6,000 people in Mpumalanga’s rural villages through groundbreaking solar technology.

Kruger Gate Hotel has become known for offering premier safari experiences for families, tourists, solo travellers and anyone looking to experience the African bush; but behind the scenes, the hotel is playing a powerful role in transforming lives in surrounding communities.

Through an innovative partnership with the non-profit Innovation: Africa, and with the support of the Cork Trust, Kruger Gate Hotel is helping to bring clean, safe water to thousands of residents in drought-stricken Mpumalanga. Using solar technology, the hotel and its partners are funding and facilitating a sustainable solution that’s already making a lasting impact — and setting a new benchmark for conscious tourism in South Africa.

In 2023, two rural villages – Belfast Borhana and Belfast Borhana 1 – became the site of a major solar-powered water project, with over 6,000 residents now benefiting from fresh, reliable water. A high-yield borehole, delivering 1.6 litres of water per second, was drilled and fitted with a solar pump and storage system. From there, nearly 3km of piping and 20 communal taps now distribute water across a 4km radius. This isn’t just about access: it’s about empowerment, education, and dignity.

What makes this initiative particularly impactful is its focus on long-term impact. Remote monitoring technology tracks water and energy usage in real-time, ensuring transparency and system performance. A community-elected water committee has been trained and equipped to manage the system, collect maintenance contributions, and hire local operators. Ten local workers were trained and employed during construction, gaining certified skills in bricklaying, trenching, scaffolding, and pipe installation. These projects help ensure that tourism in and around the Kruger National Park supports not only the environment, but also the people who call the region home.

Building on the success in Belfast Borhana, Saringwa Village (home to 2,000 residents) is now entering the drilling phase. Located on the banks of the Sabie River, this community has long relied on untreated river water. With plans for two towers and 10 communal taps, clean water is expected to flow by August 2025. This is more than a hotel project. It’s a replicable model for sustainable development – a rare example of a safari lodge with community impact that extends far beyond its gates.

Guests at Kruger Gate Hotel aren’t just experiencing world-class safaris and luxury riverfront accommodation. They’re directly supporting a model of tourism that uplifts communities, supports women and children, and promotes long-term change. “Our guests often ask how they can give back,” says Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel. “By simply choosing to stay with us, they’re already making a difference. These water projects are a privilege to support—they change lives.”

Whether you’re planning a bucket-list trip to the Big 5 or looking for accommodation near Kruger National Park with a deeper purpose, Kruger Gate Hotel offers the rare opportunity to enjoy the beauty of South Africa while contributing to meaningful impact.

Book your stay and be part of a journey that goes beyond the safari – where meaningful tourism meets innovation, and every drop of water tells a story of resilience.

Guest Reviews

Our experience was phenomenal..the stay was amazing from the security at the gate to the help desk and the management team were very friendly and helpful…ohh I can not forget Refiloe and Miguel and the team at large…they were exceptional…

Posted on 20/10/2025 by Google

(Translated by Google) Really friendly staff.

(Original)
Todella ystävällinen henkilökunta.

Posted on 13/10/2025 by Google

Sim

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Hotels.com

The room was amazing..food was great from breakfast and dinner and lunch..the staff was friendly ohhh Refiloe who has made our stay extraordinary and the team at large

Posted on 20/10/2025 by TripAdvisor

From the moment we stepped into Kruger Gate Hotel it was like stepping into paradise.
I cannot praise the staff enough, thoughtful cheerful very friendly, the catering staff presented a variety of beautiful dishes every day.
The facilities were brilliant, rooms were spacious with extremely comfortable beds. And the view from the pool area onto the safari park were amazing.
I would highly recommend Kruger Gate Hotel to anyone visiting South Africa, especially first time visitors wanting to experience the Safari Park.

Posted on 16/10/2025 by TripAdvisor

We had a great experience at Kruger Gate Hotel. Since we made the reservation we felt that they were very kind and welcoming answering all our questions and support us. When we got here, Dion, the driver who took us from the airport was very nice and helped us to find the animals in our way to the hotel. The hotel has an excellent location and the Safari was perfect! Prince was our tour guide for the Safari and we also loved it. Staff are very friendly and kind. Cleaning is very good . It is a beautiful and big hotel. For sure I will come back!

Posted on 14/10/2025 by TripAdvisor

Wonderful hotel with an excellent viewing terrace to watch the comings and goings of the local wildlife...1st day, we spotted an a bush elephant and nile crocodile, with so many different species of antelopes at the waters edge. Food excellent and rooms very spacious. The staff were so helpful.

Posted on 17/10/2025 by TripAdvisor

Breakfast buffet was excellent
Location of the facilities was excellent
Tea/coffee/water facilities at reception was a great touch
Staff all fantastic
Lunch menu was great

Posted on 21/10/2025 by Booking.com

The entire experience was dreamy, we had a wonderful time. Between game drives that were amazing, we enjoyed all the hotel’s amenities, and they all contributed to our amazing Safari experience. The room was great, and so was the spa and the gym. The food selection is very big and the pool has amazing view (we even had some elephants who visited!). The staff is amazing and very welcoming! Highly recommended.

Posted on 14/10/2025 by Booking.com

Wir haben das Hotel als Start in SA gewählt und es war absolut die richtige Entscheidung.
Für uns perfekt!!!

Posted on 22/10/2025 by Booking.com

Na porta do Paul Kruger Gate, staff cordial, quarto confortável, comida deliciosa, e vista para a savana que permite ver bem pertinho a vida selvagem do viewing deck do hotel (vimos girafas, elefantes, hipopótamos, impalas, macaquinhos, sem precisar sair do hotel).

Posted on 21/10/2025 by Booking.com

Staff were excellent, dinner in the Lapa was amazing with so many options. The pool overlooking the Sabi riverbed was especially great. We spotted a number of different wildlife including hippos and elephants whilst enjoying our morning coffee.

Posted on 19/10/2025 by Booking.com

Fantástico. A cordialidade da equipe, especialmente do gerente Miguel, é impressionante. A qualidade e variedade da alimentação, tanto no café como no jantar, é espetacular. A localização, a limpeza, a estrutura, tudo nota 10.

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Booking.com

Fantástico. A cordialidade da equipe, especialmente do gerente Miguel, é impressionante. A qualidade e variedade da alimentação, tanto no café como no jantar, é espetacular. A localização, a limpeza, a estrutura, tudo nota 10.

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Booking.com

I can\'t fault this place. Everything was amazing, from the rooms and facilities to the location, views and food. Seeing animals wander by whilst swimming in the infinity pool is just incredible.

Posted on 15/10/2025 by Booking.com

Everything was GREAT ❤️

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Booking.com

O lugar é perfeito não encontrei nenhum defeito

Posted on 16/10/2025 by Booking.com