Kruger Gate Hotel at Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2026

Kruger Gate Hotel Introduces a New Sauna and Ice Bath Experience

September 16, 2026

Kruger Gate Hotel is delighted to announce the successful completion of its Deluxe Rooms refurbishment, a key milestone in the property’s ongoing dedication to exceptional guest comfort and unforgettable safari stays.

Kruger Gate Hotel has expanded its wellness offering with the installation of a new Sauna and Ice Bath, bringing a world-class contrast therapy experience to the heart of the African bush.

Available to all hotel guests, the new facilities have been designed for recovery, relaxation and rejuvenation. Combining the restorative qualities of sauna heat with the invigorating effect of cold-water immersion, the experience offers guests a distinctive way to support their wellbeing during a safari stay.

How contrast therapy works

Contrast therapy involves alternating between periods of heat and cold exposure. Moving between the warmth of the sauna and immersion in the Ice Bath stimulates the body’s natural responses, activating the cardiovascular, muscular and nervous systems.

The practice may help support circulation, post-activity recovery, energy and overall vitality. It can be particularly welcome after a day spent exploring the Kruger National Park, but guests do not need to be athletes or experienced wellness practitioners to take part.

Whether you are committed to an established wellness routine or simply curious to try something new, the experience can be adapted to your personal comfort level.

Wellness with a uniquely African backdrop

Few wellness settings are as compelling as the African bush. At Kruger Gate Hotel, moments of stillness unfold within a destination celebrated for its wildlife, natural beauty and sense of adventure.

The new Sauna and Ice Bath add another dimension to the Kruger experience. Guests can begin or end the day with an intentional pause, allowing time to restore the body, quiet the mind and reconnect with the natural surroundings.

As more travellers look for meaningful ways to incorporate wellbeing into their journeys, the Kruger has evolved into a destination not only for adventure and conservation, but also for rest and renewal. The addition of contrast therapy further positions Kruger Gate Hotel as an ideal base for a safari that balances exploration with self-care.

Available to all hotel guests

The Sauna and Ice Bath are open to all Kruger Gate Hotel guests seeking recovery, relaxation or rejuvenation.

Bookings are essential and can be made at the Spa. Guests with health concerns or medical conditions should seek appropriate professional advice before taking part in heat or cold therapy.

Guest Reviews

We had the most incredible and unforgettable stay at Kruger Gate Hotel.

The hotel is ideally positioned close to the Kruger Park gate. We did two full day shared safaris and managed to see the big five which was amazing. Both our guides were fantastic and so knowledgeable. They communicated with others from the hotel to track down lions on our second day which we really appreciated as that was the last of the big five we wanted to see. We were really lucky to see a leopard and a rhino on our very first safari day. We also saw a whole host of other animals and it’s truly an experience that completely exceeded our expectations and we’ll never forget it. We recommend the full day option!

The hotel was also lovely. We used the gym a few times and it was clean and fully equipped. The room was clean and comfortable and had everything we needed. We loved the pool bar and viewing deck and managed to spot elephants, monkeys and hippos whilst enjoying a drink here. Dinner was also fantastic, with plenty of options and provided opportunity to try traditional South African cuisine which we loved. The staff were super friendly and helpful and we would recommend a stay here to anyone visiting Kruger.

Posted on 25/09/2026 by Google

(Translated by Google) An exceptional setting in the heart of the bush, at the gateway to Kruger National Park, with breathtaking views and the opportunity to observe wildlife from the hotel. The decor is superb, blending wood and natural materials. The food is excellent, and the staff are incredibly warm and attentive. I particularly recommend the sunrise safari, especially for lion watching. A truly timeless experience in a place that respects its environment. Thank you to the entire team!

(Original)
Un cadre exceptionnel au cœur du bush, aux portes du parc Kruger, avec une vue extraordinaire et la possibilité d’observer les animaux depuis l’hôtel. Une décoration superbe, mêlant bois et matières naturelles. La restauration est excellente et le personnel tellement chaleureux et attentionné. Je recommande particulièrement le safari au lever du soleil, notamment pour observer les lions. Une véritable expérience hors du temps, dans un lieu respectueux de son environnement. Merci à toute l’équipe !

Posted on 23/09/2026 by Google

A great experience! Was pleasantly surprised by the warmth of every staff, the delicious food and the animals that we get to see (starting from our ride to the hotel) 🙂 really enjoyed the experience such as the performances that we get to witness EVERY dinner and it’s truly a lovely landscape at where Kruger hotel is situated at. A special shout out to Nomadic and Aleck for being such friendly and genuine waiters to us! Will definitely recommend others to go there especially if it’s their first time in South Africa.

Having spent three days at a couple of lodges around Kruger, I wasn’t expecting anything much, but wow, I was really impressed with Kruger Gate Hotel! It’s a modern semi-luxury full-service hotel in a gorgeous safari setting. Unfortunately I was there for probably just 12 hours and didn’t get to fully enjoy it.

HOTEL & LOCATION
The hotel is located literally right outside Paul Kruger Gate. You’ll need to pay ZAR602 for each international visitor to enter Kruger National Park each day, including just to access Skukuza Airport, though you pay just half the price if you enter two hours before your flight.

The hotel common areas are gorgeous in a rustic way, while maintaining a contemporary feel. I was told that the hotel had just undergone a major renovation over the past year. The bar looked especially nice, though it was not utilized much.

ROOMS
Most safari lodges around Kruger, including the expensive ones, tend to have a more traditional design. What I love about Kruger Gate Hotel is that the rooms are very modern and clean, exactly how I like it. It’s really nice to have a safari experience while outside, but the minute you enter your room, it’s like a completely different world, where you find familiar comfort.

FOOD
Both breakfast at Kudyela and dinner at Lapa were excellent. There was a huge variety at breakfast, from salads and fresh fruits, to hot items at live stations and even waffles and ice-cream! There’s even someone who would freshly press oranges to make juice (indeed, not with a juicer)!

Dinner was literally a spectacle! It’s a huge international buffet with various cuisines. I loved how many protein options there were. The appetizer and dessert sections were also very impressive, though I found the desserts to be rather average in taste. There’s also a live stations that served braaibroodjie and smores. I strongly recommend the braaibroodjie but make sure it’s freshly toasted! There’s also a traditional performance to round up the entire dinner experience.

FACILITIES
This is a full-service hotel with a full-size gym and a beautiful pool overlooking Sabie River. If you have time, just laze by the pool and see if you spot animals by the river.

Posted on 21/09/2026 by Google

Amazing hotel. Highly recommend staying here. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Breakfast and dinner are amazing, with a mixture of South African, European and American food. You won’t be disappointed. The biggest perk is watching animals in Kruger park right from the pool!

Posted on 24/09/2026 by Hotels.com

The hotel has a perfect location.
The service is excellent, and the staff are very friendly and welcoming.
Everything is exceptionally clean, and the food is delicious.
The view from the pool is simply breathtaking!

Posted on 23/09/2026 by TripAdvisor

We had a really lovely stay at Kruger Gate Hotel. We came as a large family group with children, and the hotel was a great choice for a family trip. There is a wonderful atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and plenty of comfortable spaces to enjoy together.

The facilities and infrastructure are excellent and very well maintained. The food was honestly one of the highlights of our stay — everything we tried was delicious, and there was plenty of variety for both adults and children.

What really made the experience special, though, was the staff. Everyone was so friendly, helpful, and genuinely welcoming. I especially want to mention Leroy from Lapa, who was incredibly kind and attentive. He always made us feel welcome.

We found the hotel very family-friendly and a great place to stay with children while enjoying the Kruger experience. It was comfortable, beautiful, and easy to enjoy as a group.

Overall, we had a fantastic stay and would definitely recommend Kruger Gate Hotel for a family trip to Kruger. We would happily come back!

Posted on 22/09/2026 by TripAdvisor

This was my first time back in the KNP area since 2005 and first time with my wife, The trip was all about her experience as she is from Mizorum, Aizawl and the KNP Gate Hotel did not dissapoint nor did the KNP.
Booking was done through Booking.com which was really easy and payment was made through the same platform too. Very happy that the property except AMEX cards which at times is a deal breaker for. Thank you Kruger Park Gate Hotel for this little luxury item.
The communication was all via WhatsApp Business and started as soon as the booking was completed. Various questions were asked and answered and a Web link was sent out to view your booking on the property Web page with add on items and experiences available.
The road from Clarens through to the hotel was truly in mint condition and that took a huge amount of stress off my shoulders. We travelled both possible routes, going via Waterval Boven and upon return Schoemanskloof. Gorgeous. Yes there are ongoing roadworks but none of them hampered our trip or experience.
Arriving at the hotel was just beautiful, entrance, parking and staff. We had a porter, Ntsako assist us with our luggage and he was just all smiles and full of conversation and great energy. This was a great start. He lead us to reception where we were assisted by Lwazi what a man. Professional and sincere and answered all my questions with a smile and I had a lot of questions. It was busy as checking in/out was happening and not once was i ushered on he took his time. Thank you. We were escorted to our room and all SMILES. Pictures on the site and various other platforms matched reality this is a big thing as many other properties lay on the editing and plump up the rooms and when you arrive it looks different. Overall this property nailed it with the look and feel vs the online presence. Well done.
The two of us unpacked and explored. By the way we had enough space in the room for 3 nights worth of luggage. Packing and hanging space was not an issue the same goes for outlets and charging points.
The pool deck by day ROCKED. Your staff assigned there are AWESOME. Patience and Thabo was the BEST. They looked after us properly. Thank you to the kitchen staff for the food. 100/100. Bar staff poured a mean drink and too damn delicious. We were never felt rushed in this space and even with the area getting busy we recieved international level service. I could sit back, relax and enjoy. Thank you.
We booked two game drives, 1 x full day and 1 x morning session. I also booked a romantic dinner and a romantic turndowm service. None of them dissapointed. Thank you. One can never plan what the KNP gives you on the day in regards to viewing of the animals. Both days did not dissapoint... Big 5 ticked off on both days before 1pm. The ugly 5 checked off on the first day and the little 5, we saw the leopard tortoise and the red billed buffalo weaver. Lastly one of my favourite and probably hardly seen from a viewing vehicle our African Rock Python... all 3 meters of her. BLESSED.
Overall the KNP is on point and one can see it is the jewel of our country. Back to the hotel.
Dinner in the River Boma was pure African bliss each night and the entertainment was much loved and enjoyed. Just pure African culture and proudly South African.
Breakfast damn... when one thinks the dinner was a highlight you offer a breakfast that takes centre stage... they say its the most important part of the day. Your breakfast just ACED it.
The breakfast packages supplied for the drives...thank you again to the kitchen staff. This was not just breakfast but lunch too. We loved the choices given and the sturdy boxes were filled with amazing treats... biltong...nice
Your staff and I mean ALL your staff look happy, greet and smile and interact there was not one that ignored or avoided a smile or a hello. African hospitality at its peak. The coffee shop team. You all saved me on those early mornings and snacks at night.
Our staff member who arranged our game viewing excursions...sorry the name eludes me now. You are so happy and friendly and the options you gave us. Thank you. Your curio shop. So much better than OR Tambo curio shop and pricing perfect.
Shout out to all the bar staff, shout out to the following lady, Charity at the Boma. Such a happy lady and full of energy and watching her interactions all her guest\'s recieved different treatment and interactions. Skilled.
The Chef who saw me dance or attempt to dance and show my African moves.. thank you for taking time out and chatting and bringing back childhood memories from Pringle Bay. You took me far back down memory lane. Thank you.
Thank you to the Banqueting Manager, Corne if im correct for arranging my special romantic dinner along with out Butler who was just on point and prefect on his delivery of our dinner experience.
Lastly, Sarah, Guest Service Relations... the time you took out for our chats was just too special. Asking me about my experience where I faced challenges and my opinions about my experiences. True professional and one can see the passion and dedication you have and the team you lead definitely follow. Thank you for everything.
Few points to look into which I experienced:
1. The web page does not reflect the add on items i chose and I was concerned it would not be confirmed which did worry me but it was addressed via WA and worked out.
2. The WA chats at times are a bit delayed and when planning times are a topic it can be frustrating.
3. Lack of actual telephone conversation which I understand is considered old skool but is still important and then the flip side what proof you have unless its recorded.
4. Emails were delayed and at times late replied too or confused with what was discussed on WA and what was asked on a previous email.

This was addressed with Sarah during our conversation and looked into.

Posted on 21/09/2026 by TripAdvisor

We had such a great time!
Great staff - so friendly and helpful.
Best massage we’ve had in a long time!
Herald Mgiba was our safari guide and he was awesome! Shared great information about birds, animals and plants while we were touring. We let him know what our hopes were as far as things to see and he went above and beyond to make our 2 days with him amazing!
Can’t recommend him highly enough!

Posted on 24/09/2026 by TripAdvisor

This is an amazing hotel. The location is less than a minutes drive to Paul Kruger gate. The staff are all super friendly and efficient.
We didn\'t use the swimming pool because the weather wasn\'t very warm however the views from the pool deck are stunning. We saw hippos, elephants and buffalo amongst others.
The rooms are spacious and the beds are so comfy.
The food in the restaurant is good but quite repetitive after a few days.
There are a lot of people on safari every morning but the hotel manages the flow really well. Special mention to Birgit.
Thoroughly recommend staying here.

Posted on 25/09/2026 by TripAdvisor

The vibe to team to location everything

Posted on 03/10/2026 by Booking.com

Kruger Gate is a brilliant place to stay for visiting Kruger National Park given it is close to the Kruger Gate and so avoids the 45 minute trip from Hazyville. The hotel is extremely comfortable with spacious rooms and a delicious buffet breakfast. The dinner buffet had plenty of choice and it was nice to be able to eat outside with a wood fire. There is a viewing area which overlooks the park and we saw a herd of elephants, buffalo and hyena. We did an afternoon game drive and the drivers keep each other informed of where the best sightings are. The transfers to KMI took around 90-120 minutes.

Posted on 02/10/2026 by Booking.com

The hotel is beautiful. Rooms are decorated thoughtfully and are spotless. The territory is amazing and the views from deck are just mesmerizing. Staff is very kind and welcoming

Loved the property and the perks that comes with the property viz the breakfast & dinner buffet which is included in the rate and their pool deck overviewing the Kruger National Park. They have a lavish buffet which will definitely spoil you while you are there and you’ll spot animals from their pool deck area. We spotted Hyena, Hippos and Elephants from the pool deck. Also, the Kruger National Park is literally 2-3 minutes away from the property. Loved everything property as they have almost everything from gym to tennis/ golf court etc. Last but not the least, their staff is really good and ensure your requests are taken care of while at the property and also while you are enquiring and understanding things related to the Safari. Special thanks to Bongcheka from Safari desk and Athenkosi for being such a sport and assisting in all my queries wrt game drives and reservations. Also, Nomadic was really kind to us during our breakfast time and ensured we are well taken care.

Posted on 26/09/2026 by Booking.com

Les chalets sont top pour une famille ! Piscine commune aux chalet casiment privative juste en face ! L’hôtel est grands, très bien décorée et de ultimes activités pour les enfants et adolescents Nous devions y rester deux nuits nous avons prolonger de deux nuits de plus !

Everything!
Staff are so friendly all around.

Posted on 24/09/2026 by Booking.com

The cleanliness, very kind staff especially Pearl by the reception. She was so helpful when we had to change rooms. The dinner buffet - delicious food with variety on each day.
The infinity pool is breathtaking, chilling there with binoculars, viewing animals by the bush was outstanding for my family.

Hotel maravilhoso. A acomodação era muito confortável, espaçosa e muito limpa. Acredito que deve ter havido alguma reforma, pois parecia que nada havia sido usado. O café da manhã e o jantar eram muito fartos, estilo self-service, com muitas opções de alimentos da cozinha internacional, inclusive opções vegetarianas. O restaurante onde era servido o jantar é ao ar livre, muito bonito e sempre com uma apresentação cultural cada noite. Há piscinas com bar e vários locais onde você pode observar a selva e animais Realmente ótimo hotel. Recomendo e pretendo voltar.

Posted on 22/09/2026 by Booking.com

O local é um sonho!

Posted on 01/10/2026 by Booking.com

Best location for Kruger national park.
Safaris they offered were great, guide knew his animals and were keen to show the best of the park.
Breakfast and evening meals were varied and delicious.
We will definitely come back to stay again

Posted on 27/09/2026 by Booking.com

O hotel é muito bom. A localização não tem como estar mais próxima do Kruger, só ficando lá dentro. O staff é muito simpático e prestativo. O quarto que ficamos era grande e bem decorado, limpo e confortavel. A qualidade e variedade das refeições é boa.

Perfect spot just outside Kruger Park. Staff was very friendly. Food was incredible and plentiful. Rooms were clean and spacious.

Posted on 23/09/2026 by Booking.com

Hôtel incroyable! La nourriture est excellente bien que ça soit un buffet, j’ai souvent été déçue mais celui là est très bon avec du choix et de vrai produits de qualité. Le personnel est adorable. L’hôtel est sublime, la chambre très agréable et avec un lit immense.
Depuis la piscine nous avions vu des singes, des éléphants, des hippopotames …
Proximité direct avec le Park kruger.
Merci pour ce séjour de rêve.

Außergewöhnliches Hotel und Lage. Exzellente Alternative wenn man nicht 1000 Euro pro Nacht und mehr zahlen will nur um IM Kruger Park zu schlafen. Das Hotel liegt ja wie beschrieben direkt davor. Das Hotel hat ein exzellentes Preis/Leistungsverhältnis, da Frühstück und Abendessen im Preis inkludiert sind. Sollte man dennoch Lust auf Roomservice haben, sind die Preise ebenfalls sehr moderat. Waren zu zweit unterwegs und haben mehrmals am Pool oder am Zimmer bestellt und während einer Woche ca. 100 Euro dafür ausgegeben wobei 40 Prozent davon sicher Trinkgeld war. Die Freundlichkeit des Personals sollte ebenfalls erwähnt werden, alle waren durchwegs hilfsbereit und zuvorkommend. Alles in allem äußerst empfehlenswert.

Tudo muito lindo e arrumado! Parece que tudo é feito com muito carinho

Das Hotel ist super, der Pool hat Blick über den nahen Fluss, wo wir Nilpferde und Elefanten gesehen haben. Die Lage direkt am Gate ist sehr gut. Unsere Ganztages-Safari war sehr gut organisiert mit lecker Frühstücks Paket.
Das Essen allgemein war sehr lecker und mit großer Auswahl.

We really enjoyed our stay at this hotel, although the price was a little steep. The design blends beautifully with the surrounding nature - monkeys and antelopes roam around the property, and you can even watch elephants from the pool.
Breakfast and dinner were simply excellent, with a great variety of food and everything tasting delicious. The service was also very good.

Die Lage, Personal,Game war super. Viele verschiedene Tiere und Vögel gesehen.

Posted on 25/09/2026 by Booking.com

tudo perfeito