Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Seven ways to do a digital detox when you stay in the Kruger National Park

When you plan a safari or bush holiday and you book your Kruger National Park accommodation, it’s unlikely that you are picturing yourself scrolling through social media or watching Netflix. You are more likely imagining what it will be like to unplug and disconnect for a while.

For many, however, this is often easier said than done. Picking up our phones or logging on to our laptops has become something of a habit. When you plan a safari or bush holiday and you book your Kruger National Park accommodation, it’s unlikely that you are picturing yourself scrolling through social media or watching Netflix. You are more likely imagining what it will be like to unplug and disconnect for a while. For many, however, this is often easier said than done. Picking up our phones or logging on to our laptops has become something of a habit.

“While we love seeing the photos that our guests post of our hotel and location, we do love it more when we see them enjoying the moment without technology,” says Sarah Watson, Guest Relations Manager at Kruger Gate Hotel. “Our hotel is luxury accommodation just outside the Kruger National Park. It is something truly special as we have a watering hole right outside and animals often come right up to the hotel to use it and the birds of Kruger National Park love our trees and surroundings. Moments like this don’t come around often and it’s best enjoyed by observing with your eyes rather than through your phone.”

In fact, various reports show that capturing a memory in a photograph can impact the brain’s ability to accurately retain that memory. A study by Linda Henkel of  Fairfield University in Connecticut revealed that students on a walking tour who took photos were unable to recall details about the things they took photos of. On the other hand, the students who were tasked with observing without a camera were able to better recall what they saw on the walking tour.

“When we rely on our cameras to memorise things for us, we don’t let our brains enjoy the moment and take everything in,” Watson explains.

With this in mind, we have a few suggestions on how to have a digital detox in the bush in order to truly enjoy the memories you make

Leave your laptop at home

With the ability to work from anywhere these days, it’s far too tempting to work from everywhere. When you take time off work to go on holiday and you find a unique place to stay in the Kruger National Park or anywhere else, leave the laptop at home. If you have done an adequate handover and all your bases at work are covered, then it should be absolutely fine to step away from your emails and work for a bit. The time off could actually benefit you when you get back, as your brain would have been given the break it needs to be creative and productive once again.

Delete social media apps from your phone

If you are someone who perhaps spends too much time on social media, then this one’s for you. For the duration of your holiday, delete your social media apps from your phone and other mobile devices. While we’re sure that your friends, family and followers would love to know about your Big 5 Kruger Park sightings, you don’t need to do a daily roundup of your activities on Instagram. You can “#latergram” once the trip is done and you reinstall your apps. Far too often we spend too much time mindlessly scrolling through our social feeds. Take a break.

Put your phone on airplane mode

To avoid receiving calls, messages or notifications, simply put your phone in airplane mode. Be sure to keep the wifi off, too, otherwise some messages may sneak through. This way, no one will be able to bother you while you are on holiday, enjoying sundowners from the deck of your Kruger National Park lodge or on a game drive. You can still use your phone as a camera if you wish to, but then it’s just that and nothing else.

Set your messenger status to OOO

Some messenger services allow users to update their status to well, whatever they feel like. You could change yours to say “do not disturb” or “currently counting how many lions we’ve seen in the Kruger National Park, chat when I get back”. If your messenger service doesn’t offer this, there is always the option of updating your profile picture to clearly illustrate that you are out of office and that you do not wish to be disturbed. This will minimise the number of people reaching out to you when all you want to do is enjoy your holiday.

Get hard copies of your travel guides

There’s an app for everything these days including travel guides. But before apps there were guide books and printed maps. Kruger National Park maps and maps of the surrounding areas are still readily available at your accommodation venue or local travel agent. You could also print one ahead of your holiday and keep it with you. This way, you won’t need to log into an app every time you try to figure out what to do for the day or where to do it.

Use the safari vehicle services

Lodges such as Kruger Gate Hotel have safari vehicles for guided game drives in the Kruger National Park. Yes, you could always do a self-drive and use the popular Paul Kruger Gate nearby, but then you would most likely need Google Maps and you would keep your phone on you to ensure you can contact someone in case of an emergency. If you do a guided game drive, the experienced game rangers will be able to take care of you and ensure that you have the best time possible. The game rangers are also pros at Kruger Park sightings, so you’re bound to see more with them than on a self-drive. Watson suggests leaving your phone at the lodge and, at least once, taking everything in visually rather than experiencing it via a screen.

Schedule a set time to check in with loved ones

Of course, loved ones will want to know where you are and what you are doing – and vice versa. Instead of being available 24/7, schedule a time to check in with them. Let your family and friends know ahead of time that, for example, you will call them or message them at 5pm every day to catch up. This way, they know exactly when to hear from you and they are less likely to disturb you outside of those hours.

“Time in nature and away from the stressors of life is good for both your mental and physical health. Instead of using it to do an even deeper dive of social media, use it to truly relax and unwind. You will be grateful that you did,” Watson concludes.

Guest Reviews

(Translated by Google) I had a wonderful stay at the Kruger Gate Hotel.
It's ideally located for enjoying a safari.
The animals roam freely—I was greeted by a family of warthogs outside my room door. Monkeys roam the trees, and buffalo, elephants, and other species roam freely around the pool.
The staff is lovely and welcoming (special mention to Debrah :) ).
The room is pleasant and comfortable.
The food is delicious.
In short, a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature's bounty.

(Original)
J'ai passé un excellent séjour au Kruger Gate Hotel.
Il est idéalement situé pour profiter d'un safari.
Les animaux viennent librement - j'ai été accueilli par une famille de phacochères devant ma porte de chambre, les singes font leurs vies dans les arbres et de la piscine, buffles, éléphants et autres espèces viennent naturellement.
Le personnel est adorable et accueillant (mention spéciale à Debrah :) )
Chambre agréable et confortable.
La nourriture est délicieuse.
bref un endroit parfait pour se reposer et profiter des cadeaux de la nature.

Posted on 19/05/2025 by Google

highly commendable. simply the best.

Posted on 18/05/2025 by Google

rooms a bit dated rest are good

Posted on 13/05/2025 by Agoda

Kruger Gate Hotel was very nice with an amazing spa. Breakfast & dinner was included in our rate. They were very accomodating for me with Gluten Free requirements. They went thru the whole buffet with me and confirmed what was gluten free & what was not. Surprisingly most of the buffet was good for me. The food was amazing. I did a facial & a 90 min massage. Both were very good & highly recommend them. I did one safari with the lodge, which was extra, but so worth it. We go so close to so many animals. I would definitely stay here again.

Posted on 19/05/2025 by TripAdvisor

Stayed at the hotel for 4 nights with my partner, our room was spacious and cleanliness was very good. Good variety of food for the buffet dinner and all of the top shelf liquors available. Water supplied and topped up daily. The Safari trips were brilliant and I really recommend them. Enoch was our driver for the tour (we did an all day one which started at 5.30am with breakfast available to collect and take with you) and he was fantastic. Really knowledgeable about the area and he knows his animals. Nothing was too much for him and was happy to stop at any animal siting. Enoch is friendly, chatty and I swear he has a sixth sense on where to head out in the vast amount of land on the national park. If you get Enoch as your guide you\'re on to a winner already and have a superb chance of seeing the Big 5 which we did. Definitely going back to Kruger National Park and would stay here again.

Posted on 20/05/2025 by TripAdvisor

Hotel with enormous charm located 2 minutes from the Kruger gate. It is a faultless one! Beautiful place good meals a magical safari.

Posted on 13/05/2025 by TripAdvisor

Excellent location for the price! Courteous staff. Excellent breakfast and dinner( especially for me many vegetarian choices were offered). Staff at dinner and breakfast went out of their way to get what we wanted. Amazing safari offered by the hotel with a great guide. Couldn’t fault a thing! Can think of only superlatives to describe anything. Thanks to all staff!

Posted on 18/05/2025 by TripAdvisor

Everything was great. The staff were amazing, could not do enough for you. There was a great selection of food (I’m vegetarian). We did three safari drives and the guides would endeavour to help guests see as many animals as possible (we saw the big 5 over the three excursions). Great location right next to Kruger Gate. We also used the spa which had a lovely range of treatments. The room and bed were very comfortable. I hope to return and would recommend to anyone wanting to visit this area.

Posted on 20/05/2025 by Booking.com

Breakfast was good,all assorted,spoled for choice

Posted on 19/05/2025 by Booking.com

何から何まで、かなり洗練されていて、とても満足している。

Posted on 19/05/2025 by Booking.com

Das Hotel direkt am Kruger Gate ist wirklich beeindruckend – eine große Anlage, aber mit sehr viel Liebe zum Detail und einem tollen afrikanischen Flair gestaltet. Alles ist geschmackvoll und atmosphärisch. Besonders das Abendessen war ein Highlight: Der Bereich mit Feuerstellen, in dem gegessen wird, ist wunderschön gestaltet und schafft eine ganz besondere Stimmung.

Ein absolutes Highlight ist der beheizte Infinity Pool mit Blick auf ein Wasserloch – das dazugehörige „Viewing -Deck“ ist traumhaft zum Entspannen, Cocktails genießen und einfach die Natur auf sich wirken zu lassen.
Leider wurde unser Erlebnis dort etwas getrübt: Trotz klarer Hinweisschilder zum Ruhebereich hielten sich einige Gäste nicht daran und verhielten sich sehr laut. Schade war, dass das Personal in dieser Situation nicht eingeschritten ist – gerade in einem Bereich, der zur Entspannung gedacht ist, wäre mehr Rücksicht wünschenswert gewesen.
Abgesehen davon ist die Anlage für ihre Größe wirklich hervorragend gestaltet – mit viel Atmosphäre und Komfort. Wir würden wiederkommen, hoffen aber auf etwas mehr Achtsamkeit im Ruhebereich.

Posted on 13/05/2025 by Booking.com

Location to gate of Kruger national park
Staff were polite and helpful
Rooms were good sized and comfortable
Good diverse food options

Posted on 21/05/2025 by Booking.com

Absolutely perfect location for access to the Kruger Park, setting and atmosphere created the African experience.

Posted on 20/05/2025 by Booking.com

Very good breakfast, I enjoyed it. Would like to have better variety of fruits, though

Posted on 20/05/2025 by Booking.com

Perfect location and suitable for the family

Posted on 15/05/2025 by Booking.com

Very friendly and helpful staff! Beautiful pool deck with the best pizza’s. Lovely buffet, both at brekkie and dinner. Handy location right by Paul Kruger Gate.

Posted on 13/05/2025 by Booking.com

Kruger Gate Hotel exceeded my expectations! Lovely staff, great ambiance, excellent breakfast and dinner! Our server, Given, was excellent the first night and recommended some good African Wine. Our first game drive ever was a great experience as our driver tried his best to find the Cats. Thepo|Thope was our server for my wife's birthday dinner, and he was phenomenal, along with the Chef and the crew. We experienced African hospitality! Will recommend Kruger Gate Hotel to friends and family and I hope to come back!

Posted on 13/05/2025 by Booking.com

Extreme hospitality in a beautiful setting. Everyone was kind and smiling. Great food. Clean spacious rooms. Adjacent to Kruger Gate

Posted on 20/05/2025 by Booking.com

De tudo. Desdo café da manhã, a piscina, o mini golf, os funcionários, até o jantar.

Posted on 20/05/2025 by Booking.com

Ein traumhaftes Hotel mit freundlichem und jederzeit hilfsbereitem Personal, top ausgestatteten Ferienhäusern und einem Abend- und Frühstücksbuffet mit einer großen Auswahl. Der Ausblick vom Pool auf den Krüger Nationalpark ist einzigartig und lässt einen täglich was Neues entdecken.
Wir haben 2 Privatsafaris mitgemacht und unsere Guides sind dabei stets auf unsere Wünsche eingegangen und haben es uns ermöglicht, die Big 5 zu sehen.
Es hätte für uns keinen besseren Abschluss unserer Südafrika-Reise geben können.

Posted on 18/05/2025 by Booking.com

We enjoyed the staff, the food, the amenities and the location.

Posted on 14/05/2025 by Booking.com

Sehr schöne, grüne und gepflegte Anlage, mit Blick auf den Sabie River und Krüger. Die Lage ist top, da man in weniger als 5Min im Park ist. Super freundliches und aufgestelltes Personal! Leckeres Essen! Gut geeignet auch für mit Kindern!

Posted on 18/05/2025 by Booking.com

Uitstekend

Posted on 17/05/2025 by Booking.com

Safari
Vue panoramique
Proximité porte

Posted on 17/05/2025 by Booking.com