Our rates are inclusive of Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.

What Species of Birds Can You Expect To See On Your Next Kruger Trip

Kruger National Park is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 500 species of birds recorded within its boundaries.

From colourful kingfishers to majestic eagles, Kruger has something for everyone. You can expect to see many of the common species as well as some endemic species which are found nowhere else in the world. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely bird-watching Kruger trip or a safari experience filled with rare sightings, Kruger National Park has it all!

Common Birds in Kruger National Park

Some of the most common birds that visitors are likely to see include the lilac-breasted roller, southern yellow-billed hornbill, and the brown-hooded kingfisher. Other frequent sightings include the Burchell’s coucal, red-billed oxpecker, and the African grey hornbill. These birds are found throughout the park and can often be spotted perched on trees or flying overhead.

Rare Birds in Kruger National Park

For more experienced birders looking to add to their life list, Kruger National Park is home to a number of rare and elusive species. The park is one of the few places in South Africa where you can see the Pel’s fishing owl, which is one of the largest owl species in the world. Other rare birds include the lappet-faced vulture, which has a wingspan of over two metres, and the saddle-billed stork, with its distinctive yellow and red bill.

Endemic Species of Birds in South Africa

Kruger National Park is also home to several endemic species of birds, which means they are only found in South Africa. These include the Southern ground hornbill, the Cape vulture, and the Taita falcon. These birds are an important part of South Africa’s biodiversity and are protected by the park’s conservation efforts. Refer to the Kruger National Park’s bird guide to enhance your next bird-watching adventure!

The Kruger Gate Hotel and Tour

Staying at the Kruger Gate Hotel is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the park’s incredible wildlife. The hotel offers luxurious accommodation and amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and outdoor pool. From the hotel, visitors can embark on guided tours of the park or explore on their own.

Kruger Experience

Visitors can arrange unique experiences at the safari concierge desk, including game drives led by expert guides. These tours offer a chance to see some of the park’s most elusive and rare birds, as well as to learn about the park’s conservation efforts.

In conclusion, Kruger National Park is a bird-lover’s dream destination, with an incredible array of species to be seen. From the common to the rare and endemic, visitors to the park will have a chance to experience South Africa’s rich bird life in a striking natural setting. Staying at the Kruger Gate Hotel only adds to the experience, with its luxurious accommodation and access to expert-guided tours. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, a trip to Kruger National Park is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

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

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

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