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.