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

Nice place

Posted on 20/04/2026 by Google

Amazing place to visit ❤️ ✨️

Posted on 20/04/2026 by Google

What an experience! Best time of my life. Made irreplaceable memories thanks to a wonderful facility.

Posted on 19/04/2026 by Google

Beautiful hotel situated along the Kruger park

Posted on 20/04/2026 by Google

We returned to Kruger Gate Hotel as a family (two adults, two children) for seven nights to celebrate two birthdays. Our second visit.

This is still our family favourite holiday location, even more so after a second visit.

I cannot imagine a much better place for a family holiday, couples getaway, or a solo traveller who wants to experience the highest quality and stress-free safari.

Some hopefully helpful details:

Location - directly on the edge of one of the best safari locations on earth, southern Kruger. You will see many of the \'big five\' from the hotel\'s pool area.

Staff/Atmosphere - everyone here is incredibly kind, helpful, and genuinely wants to make your stay as special as possible.

Safari - you MUST book game drives whilst you are here. We had four early morning private safaris, booked through the hotel, and one night safari booked directly with Kruger Park (they collect you from the Hotel).

Rooms - the rooms have recently been renovated and are very clean and comfortable. We had a family room which worked perfectly for four of us.

Food and drink - buffet breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate, both are excellent with lots of variety - South African themed with international alternatives too. Lunch and drinks are a la carte and are also excellent.

Value for money - just right. Everything here is high quality, but you can also enjoy yourself properly without having to worry too much about your bill at check out!

Cleanliness - perfect.

Noise level - you\'re surrounded by wildlife, so it\'s never silent (you wouldn\'t want it to be!), but it is definitely a very relaxing place to stay.

Some special mentions for some staff members:
 
EDGAR - we have been on safari many times, Edgar is the best guide we have ever experienced. We\'ve now had seven game drives with Edgar and every one has been spectacular. Ask for him when booking your safari.

MISHECK and ZENDA - nothing is too much trouble and they are lovely company if you want to learn more about life in this beautiful part of the world whilst enjoying some delicious poolside lunch or post-safari cocktails.

ALICK and NEO - wonderful dinner hosts in the open-air restaurant.

Overall, an amazing holiday destination.

Posted on 18/04/2026 by TripAdvisor

Todo menos el frío del agua de la alberca

Posted on 16/04/2026 by Booking.com

the location - the vibe - friendly helpful staff

Posted on 21/04/2026 by Booking.com

Hotel is perfect to visit Kruger park. It is located very close to the gate, the staff is amazing, food is very good and swimming pool area is prefect for kids and adults.

Posted on 17/04/2026 by Booking.com

クルーガー公園まで近く、またサファリツアーへの申し込みも簡単で良かったです。

Posted on 20/04/2026 by Booking.com

Amazing property and staff! Thanks so much Neo!

Posted on 18/04/2026 by Booking.com

Dit hotel is fantastisch qua ligging net aan de rand van het Krugerpark. De olifanten, buffels, zwijnen,.. komen tot aan de rand van het zwembad. Qua sfeer en gezelligheid is dit top! Vriendelijke mensen, uitstekende bediening. Een aanrader!

Posted on 18/04/2026 by Booking.com

Great location with the pool at the edge of the river.
Game viewing with a cocktail. LP

Posted on 16/04/2026 by Booking.com