Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

School Holidays: Why you should get your kids into the bush

As adults, many of our best memories ever go back to family holidays when we were children. As parents, we have to ask ourselves: Are our children getting the same opportunities to make the kind memories they will cherish for a lifetime?

Leaving home, work and school routines behind and setting off to enjoy new places and new experiences brings families together in a completely different way. Exploring together and trying out new things is not just about having fun, it brings us closer and deepens family bonds.

When it comes to family holiday destinations, there’s a widespread belief that every South African child should get the chance to experience our iconic Kruger National Park. The thrill and awe of seeing your first lion or elephant in the beauty of the untamed wilderness is one of those memories that you will never forget. It’s a world away from rigid schedules, information overload and too much screen-time.

Taking your children on a Kruger Park safari holiday offers a unique and transformative experience that goes beyond a mere holiday. From fostering a deep connection to nature to instilling a lifelong appreciation for the environment, a safari provides a myriad of benefits for the entire family.

Igniting curiosity and learning

The educational value of a safari is immeasurable. Children have the chance to learn about an array of animals and plants in their pristine habitats, gaining real-world insights that no textbook or TV documentary can match. The thrill of spotting a Red-billed Oxpecker on the long neck of a graceful giraffe becomes a living lesson in biology, ecology, and conservation.

Fostering care for the environment

Experiencing a Kruger safari holiday contributes to children’s development of a lifelong care for nature and the planet. Children who experience the wonders of the wild first-hand are more likely to grow into responsible stewards of the environment, understanding the importance of conservation and sustainable living.

Focusing on being outdoors

The health benefits of spending time outdoors are well-documented, and a Kruger Park safari holiday offers the ideal escape from sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time. Fresh air, physical activity, and immersion in nature contribute to improved mental well-being, fostering a sense of calm and reducing stress.

Experiencing shared joys

The thrill of an open-vehicle game drive, the excitement of spotting wildlife, marvelling together at the raw beauty of the natural world and the awe-inspiring intricacies of the web of life are all part of a treasure trove of shared safari experiences that bind families together.

To make the most of your Kruger Park safari with children, consider the following ideas:

  • Equip your children with field guides and binoculars to enhance their wildlife observation and bird-watching skills and deepen their understanding of the environment.
  • Bring along disposable cameras to allow your children to capture their safari moments, fostering creativity and creating a tangible record of their experiences.
  • Choose Kruger Gate’s morning, afternoon and all-day guided safaris in open vehicles with experienced rangers who can share valuable insights and enhance the educational aspect of your safari.
  • Wildlife encounters are unpredictable, so approach the safari with patience and flexibility, allowing your children to appreciate the spontaneity of nature. You can opt for a private guided safari for more flexibility for your family.
  • Take the opportunity of being immersed in the bush to educate your children about the importance of conservation, emphasizing the role we can all play in the efforts to preserve the beauty of our planet for future generations.

Guest Reviews

Great experience ever

Posted on 29/07/2025 by Google

Kruger Gate Hotel is a magical place for a safari adventure! Let me start by saying that because of all the services Kruger Gate Hotel offers, we were able to plan a perfect safari experience for our family. In fact, once I found Kruger Gate Hotel, the trip almost planned itself. Its airport transport service made getting to and from Skukuza Airport so simple. From there, our adventure began. We booked three private guided safaris through the hotel – a full day, a morning, and an afternoon safari –and each was amazing. Justice (of Kurt Safari) was our guide each day and had an amazing ability to spot animals, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, impalas, nyalas, waterbucks, wildebeests, warthogs, and hyenas, as well as the elusive big cats and rhinos. Just as amazing was the hotel itself – the perfect place for relaxing in between safaris. From its infinity pool one afternoon, we saw a herd of elephants, including baby elephants. Another day, there was a giraffe, and on our final day hippos in the distance. The hotel architecture was charming – a safari resort with all the modern amenities, and the staff was so welcoming. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. And the food was delicious – the best breakfast and dinner buffets I’ve ever experienced. Don’t miss the omelet station for breakfast, and the dinner selections (appetizer, main course, and dessert) were outstanding, all in a lovely outdoor setting. Remember to bring ear plugs because the baboons in the distance can make a sound that wakes you up. The trip of a lifetime!

Posted on 27/07/2025 by Google

I stayed at this hotel via nhlalala travel to join a two-days safari in Kruger National Park. It really faces Kruger National Park. It's a really wonderful hotel with a view of the Kruger grounds from the pool and terrace restaurant.
I was surprised that the hotel was cleaner and better equipped than I expected.
It took about 5.5 hours by car from Johannesburg airport.
The hotel room was spacious, had a bathtub, and was literally comfortable. Dinner was buffet style, and I was satisfied with the variety of dishes. There was also a show-like thing going on, which was very exciting. There was a barbecue? bonfire? so be careful after a shower as it smelled.
The next morning we left at 5:30, so they prepared a breakfast pack for us, which we were able to eat during the safari break.
It was a really wonderful hotel, and next time I would like to stay longer and enjoy the safari. I highly recommended it.

Posted on 25/07/2025 by Google

Hotel incrível, ao lado da entrada do parque, ótimo café da manhã, jantar, equipe super atenciosa, fomos muito bem tratados por todos funcionários. O passeio contratado foi ótimo. Recomendo e indico. Parabéns ao Hotel.

Posted on 23/07/2025 by Hotels.com

I would like to recommend the service of Mr. Excellent at the Pool bar.
He was so nice and helpful. We enjoyed every meal.

Posted on 27/07/2025 by TripAdvisor

My experience at this hotel was very good it was a nice hotel i stayed for 2 weeks at the hotel with my parents. There were some very nice people like Gibson, Karabo, Enoch, Enzo, Aleck, Freedom, Lucia, Dzunisani and Dion! Dion was verry good at driving and spotting he realy deserves it to be a ranger thats also he ‘s dream. The massage was also very good I had a Nice treatment with a manicure! So the hotel deserves 5 stars⭐️!

Posted on 27/07/2025 by TripAdvisor

Visited Kruger Gate Hotel for a big birthday, along with many family and friends. Firstly the resort is amazing in every aspect - watching a leopard, elephants and hyenas from the infinity pool blew us away. The rooms were all spacious and clean, we stayed in the Nkanyi suite which was beyond our wildest expectations- it comes with a private butler (Lawrence) who went out of his way to ensure the whole group had the most magical time. I can’t put into words how impressed we all were with him, he even helped arrange our activities in Cape Town (our next stop on the trip) and was always on hand to make everything smooth and enjoyable.
This visit exceeded all expectations, safari guide Dan was part comedian part animal guru and helped us find a leopard on 3 out of 3 trips as well as the rest of the big 5 and much more (including 12 lions feasting on a rhino)
All in all I can’t rate this hotel and team highly enough, but special mention to Lawrence who made this trip so memorable

Posted on 24/07/2025 by TripAdvisor

Kruger Gate Hotel is a magical place for a safari adventure! Let me start by saying that because of all the services Kruger Gate Hotel offers, we were able to plan a perfect safari experience for our family. In fact, once I found Kruger Gate Hotel, the trip almost planned itself. Its airport transport service made getting to and from Skukuza Airport so simple. From there, our adventure began. We booked three private guided safaris through the hotel – a full day, a morning, and an afternoon safari –and each was amazing. Justice (of Kurt Safari) was our guide each day and had an amazing ability to spot animals, including elephants, giraffes, buffalo, impalas, nyalas, waterbucks, wildebeests, warthogs, and hyenas, as well as the elusive big cats and rhinos. Just as amazing was the hotel itself – the perfect place for relaxing in between safaris. From its infinity pool one afternoon, we saw a herd of elephants, including baby elephants. Another day, there was a giraffe, and on our final day hippos in the distance. The hotel architecture was charming – a safari resort with all the modern amenities, and the staff was so welcoming. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. And the food was delicious – the best breakfast and dinner buffets I’ve ever experienced. Don’t miss the omelet station for breakfast, and the dinner selections (appetizer, main course, and dessert) were outstanding, all in a lovely outdoor setting. Remember to bring ear plugs because the baboons in the distance can make a sound that wakes you up. The trip of a lifetime!

Posted on 27/07/2025 by TripAdvisor

Nydelig hotell med god service og frokost. Flott utsikt over elven, der kom en flokk med 8 giraffer oppover. Vakkert spa der elefantene kan ligge utenfor vinduet. Aper løper i trærne på hotellet. Fin safaritur fra hotellet. Anbefales.

Posted on 23/07/2025 by TripAdvisor

We really enjoyed our stay at the Kruger Gate Hotel. From the moment we arrived till the moment we left everything was perfect. The whole staff is very friendly and always helpful. Especially the atmosphere during dinner was magical.

Posted on 23/07/2025 by TripAdvisor

High level structure but something DA improve given the price paid there is... The led lights above the bed that do not go out and it seems day even at night, I had asked for support but no one arrived. The staff who veiledly help you with everything to get tips is annoying, especially on a hotel of this level.
Finally the internal safari decidedly lower than that with the park guides. However the overall experience is excellent.

Posted on 26/07/2025 by TripAdvisor

El hotel es una excelente opción para visitar el Parque Kruger. Ubicado a pocos metros de la Puerta Paul Kruger, es ideal para quienes visitan por primera vez el Parque. Sus instalaciones son impecables y tienen todas las comodidades. Mención aparte para los Safaris que se pueden agendar en el propio hotel.

Posted on 29/07/2025 by Booking.com

Jantar único.

Posted on 24/07/2025 by Booking.com

The location is really nice - bordering Kruger National Park on the river near the Kruger gate entrance where you get nice views of animals during the day especially. Good range of facilities, very nice breakfast and great supper\'s. The staff were really helpful and good. The rooms are not very special, but they are more than adequate. Overall we had a fantastic stay.

Posted on 28/07/2025 by Booking.com

Equipe muito atenciosa, principalmente os funcionarios do Guest Relations, Sarah e Simpewhee.
Hotel muito bem localizado, quarto limpo e bem espaçoso. De frente para o Kruger Park e de facil acesso vindo de Joanesburgo de carro. Estrada tambem muito boa.

Posted on 28/07/2025 by Booking.com

Food excellent, lovely hotel well located

Posted on 25/07/2025 by Booking.com

Great location with views of the river and the wandering animals

Posted on 25/07/2025 by Booking.com

La ubicación justo en la entrada del Kruger, la habitación deluxe era increíble y el desayuno y las cenas muy buenos.

Posted on 24/07/2025 by Booking.com

Tolle Lage und wunderschöne Umgebung samt tollen Ausblick

Posted on 23/07/2025 by Booking.com