Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

Travelling in South Africa: The Ultimate Bucket List Destinations

The Kruger National Park welcomes visitors. There are plenty of picnic places, rest stations, and day visitor areas. At the entry gates, a map shows all of these stops. Before your vacation, plan how much you can travel and see in a day.

South Africa Bucket List

South Africa is a spectacular vacation spot, but there’s so much to do that it’s almost impossible to choose which destinations to add to your bucket list. Its rich culture, fascinating history, thrilling wildlife, and breathtaking scenery makes it a desirable holiday destination for tourists across the globe. Several trips to this nation would merely provide a taste of the many wild and beautiful experiences the country has to offer. We’ve selected our top 3 South African  bucket list locations.

Kruger National Park

During any journey to South Africa, seeing the Big Five should be at the top of your bucket list. But did you know that in a single visit to Kruger National Park, you have a legitimate opportunity to see all five of Africa’s most famous animals?

The Kruger National Park is home to hundreds of different kinds of animals, including rhinos, leopards, elephants, lions, buffalo, and many more. At the Kruger Gate Hotel join a once-in-a-lifetime Kruger Big 5 Safari to get the best chance of seeing the Big Five. Morning, all-day, afternoon, and night safaris, as well as private or group safaris are available. Guests can even pre-order a packed breakfast to pick up the following morning to snack on during their safari.

Click here for more information on Kruger Gate Hotel’s game drive packages, and book your accommodation here.

Drakensberg

The province of KwaZulu-Natal is home to the magnificent mountain range known as the Drakensberg. The mountains span around 1000 kilometres and end at the Lesotho border. In this region, you may plan a stay at one of the picturesque hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, farm stays, campgrounds, or RV parks and experience a variety of excursions. When visiting the Drakensberg, you have the option to hike at several scenic locations.

For those who are feeling particularly adventurous, staying overnight in a cave is an even more unique experience. The Drakensberg World Heritage Tour and guided horseback rides are two other fantastic local activities. We strongly advise you to visit the Drakensberg to see the landscape for yourself since it speaks for itself.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is an experience that should be on everyone’s South African bucket list because of its iconic flat summit, amazing vistas, and exhilarating cableway. Ride the aerial cableway up to the rocky plateau, which is covered in lush Cape fynbos. Once there, you will be able to take in the breathtaking views of Cape Town’s beaches and beyond.

While you’re at it, why not add the famous hiking trail, Lion’s Head, to the list? You’ll probably work up a sweat, but when you reach the top, you’ll be treated with one of the most breathtaking views the city has to offer. We’d say it’s 100% worth the exertion.

Guest Reviews

Fantastic rooms, great food and an awesome viewing area. Great place to stay!

Posted on 23/08/2025 by Google

Amazing location, staff friendly and notning a problem to them, grounds clean and tidy as we\'re the rooms, amazing breakfast and evening meal great choice, my son loved the crazy golf and the pool. My whole experience excited my expectations and was sad to leave the place

Posted on 21/08/2025 by TripAdvisor

We had so much fun staying at Kruger Gate. the staff are friendly and super helpful. the food here is also awesome.

Posted on 19/08/2025 by TripAdvisor

I don’t even know where to begin. This hotel is perfect for anyone wanting a combination of a fun-packed safari holiday and relaxing evenings. We have just been for our honeymoon here and it far exceeded our expectations. Incredible.

Location
This is everything! Paul Kruger gate is just as you turn left out of the hotel meaning you are straight in to the park on your game drive within minutes. We also did excursions to the mountains and another gate but nothing exceeded an hour and a half travel.
Just be prepared for a long transfer of 5 - 6 hours if you are flying in to Johannesburg. It is honestly worth it though to be so close to the park.

Rooms
The rooms are spotless. Cleaned every day and the cleaners are friendly and attentive. We had a king room which was spacious and also had a seating area and a great view. We did consider upgrading but we weren’t in the hotel or room enough and the room had everything we needed including: shampoo, shower gel, tea/coffee, fridge and hair dryer. We also paid extra to have the bed made up with elephants and roses which was an extra special touch.

Food and drink
A highlight for us. Breakfast at the hotel had everything you could possibly think of from omelettes, full English, pastries, breads, fruit and more. If you’re going out in the mornings reception will do a packed lunch which includes: sandwich, yoghurt, cereal bar, fruit, juice and mini cheddars - again a nice touch. Lunch by the pool bar isn’t included but is very good value. Beautiful salads and pizzas to enjoy with a view. The evening food was the best we have had in a hotel. All freshly cooked, all delicious. We especially enjoyed the stir fry and the smores. Desserts were huge and full of flavour. All drinks are reasonably priced. For something extra special and to try the best beef you’ve ever had, book the private dining!

Staff
The staff are what make this hotel experience special. From the moment you are greeted by the reception staff, to ordering a drink at the bar, being served dinner or just walking around the hotel everyone is friendly and welcoming.
A special thank you to Tshepo for serving us during our private dining experience and making it one to remember, Rhandzu for being so approachable and chatty with us each day and Neo for looking after us most evenings at dinner. We will be forever grateful for making our stay what it was.

Facilities
The gym has a good range of equipment and is kept clean. Towels and water provided. The spa is phenomenal! The best massage we have ever had! Couples massage with bubbly and fruit platter is a special treat and worth it if you have a rest day. Pool viewing deck has incredible views - always something to see. There is also a park for children, tennis and volleyball court and mini golf. Try to find time to build in a free day to enjoy what the hotel has to offer.

Drives and excursions
We booked our holiday with tour compass who organised all of our activities with an external company known as Echo Africa who were amazing. Numerous game drives, a bush walk and a trip up to panorama in the mountains to see the sights are all a must. We were lucky to see the big 5 on our first drive and there is always something new to see and experience. Kruger is such an incredible and beautiful place.

Overall, we couldn’t be happier with this hotel. We have left with memories that will last a lifetime and we are so grateful for the hospitality we have received. We will be recommending to everyone we know! A must do, once in a lifetime experience.

Thank you to all at Kruger Gate Hotel.

Posted on 18/08/2025 by TripAdvisor

Best experience of my life! I highly commend anyone who loves animals and travelling to go here! Me and my family loved every moment

Posted on 19/08/2025 by TripAdvisor

Fantastic resort, lovely staff, excellent food and great location, kids loved the pool

Posted on 26/08/2025 by Booking.com

Pulizia e organizzazione oltre che alla posizione

Posted on 24/08/2025 by Booking.com

Location is great.
You can watch wild animals while eating at the restaurant in the afternoon.

Posted on 21/08/2025 by Booking.com

Incroyable vue sur la savane nous avons éléphants, girafe, antilope en une journée. La nourriture délicieuse.

Posted on 21/08/2025 by Booking.com

Everything was amazing! The location, the clean rooms, the friendly staff and the most scrumptious food. Especially the lamb on the spit on Friday night.

Posted on 19/08/2025 by Booking.com

Hotelgestaltung, Lage, Essen,

Posted on 18/08/2025 by Booking.com

Las habitaciones son muy cómodas y espaciosas, el resort es su conjunto es muy completo ya que cuenta con distintas zonas donde poder disfrutar del entorno, los empleados son muy atentos y amables y la comida es variada.

Posted on 26/08/2025 by Booking.com

Its deck overlooking Kruger park and the layout of hotel w all amenities

Dinner Buffet was excellent along w breakfast. Buffet. Service exceptional

Posted on 23/08/2025 by Booking.com

Absolutely impressed with everything here. The room was so big, everything new, we would wake up and see impalas in the garden.

Food was absolutely delicious. Like wow, so many options, for vegetarians as well. Would wait everyday for that dinner.

Kind staff, we had some great game drives with them.

So many options to chill, play boardgames, a gym that would compete with an actual commercial gym, so well equipped.

Terrace and pool wow, we spotted so many animals just from there.

Massage absolutely incredible, the view from the room was great as well.

Probably one of the best hotel we stayed. And it’s so close to the park.

Posted on 23/08/2025 by Booking.com

Everything! From check in, to organizing safari\'s, to preparing meals and hot water bottles for the cold morning safari\'s, to dinner shows and entertainment... everything was taken care of. The staff really go above and beyond to make you feel relaxed and welcome. I can\'t recommend the Kruger Gate enough, we will be back 🙌🏽

Posted on 20/08/2025 by Booking.com

We had an amazing stay at Kruger Gate Hotel! Perfectly located right at the park entrance, it made our game drives super easy. The views over the Sabie River are stunning, and you can even spot wildlife from the deck. Rooms are spacious and comfortable, the food was excellent, and the staff were incredibly warm and attentive. A perfect mix of comfort, nature, and convenience—we’ll definitely be back!

Posted on 19/08/2025 by Booking.com

Excellent property. Very quiet and tranquil. Exceeds expectations

Posted on 18/08/2025 by Booking.com

Ένα πακέτο που τα έχει όλα . Πολύ ευγενικό προσωπικό, εξαιρετική τοποθεσία και πάρα πολύ ωραία διακόσμηση.

Posted on 25/08/2025 by Booking.com

Vorallem die Lage mit der Nähe zum krüger gate... und die Aussicht vom Pool zum Fluss mit den wildtieren...
Das freundliche Personal und das leckere Essen..

Posted on 20/08/2025 by Booking.com

Localização excepcional, equipe muito atenciosa e prestativa, colado na entrada do Kruger Park

Posted on 19/08/2025 by Booking.com