Guests returning in 2024 will enjoy new dining enhancements, upgraded services, expansions, and refurbishments.

Exciting developments at the Pool Bar & Viewing Deck

With its spectacular views over the Sabie River into the Kruger, it’s not surprising that the Pool Bar & Viewing Deck has become the most popular place to be at Kruger Gate Hotel. Set under the canopy of the riverine woodland, surrounding the sparkling infinity pool, this quiet zone has outdoor lounge and dining areas, as well as a modern work counter with laptop and mobile device charging stations. It offers you a unique vantage point that is ideal for relaxing, remote working and enjoying an alfresco meal while watching for game that comes down to the river. We have expanded our dining options at the hotel by launching a wood-fired pizza oven at the Pool Bar offering a selection of freshly made gourmet pizza and calzone.

Modernising Kudyela Restaurant

Set on the hotel’s wooden walkway, Kudyela Restaurant, famous for its sumptuous breakfasts, has had a lovely makeover, as well as an expansion. The refurbished interior includes a contemporary layout of redesigned food stations which feature a popular US-style pancake bar. The fresh décor highlights modern African art stylings evoking patterns found in nature. The extensive outdoor seating overlooks the hotel’s lush gardens so that you can enjoy your morning coffee surrounded by birdsong.

Innovating at the Lapa Restaurant

With its dramatic central firepit and seating out under the stars, the Lapa Restaurant has always offered guests a unique dining experience. Our new updates to this African feast include a grill station where cheesy braai broodjies and gooey s’mores are toasted over the coals. The refrigerated deli room displays fresh, crisp salads, cheese platters, desserts, the freshly baked cake of the day and a selection of home-made ice cream. Five days a week, there are new choices including South African braai meat, casserole, potjiekos, curry, roast meat, pescatarian, vegetarian, and kiddie’s dishes, as well as vegetable sides, sauces, and condiments.

Amplifying the old-world charm of Shilovo Bar

For those who want to soak up our tree-top ambiance, Shilovo Bar offers new indoor-outdoor spaces to relax and socialise. The bar area, built around the colossal trunk of a Jackalberry tree, has a social zone extending out to new, secluded lamp-lit seating on the hotel’s wooden walkway. The lodge-style library lounge with its rich wood, old leather finishes and plush armchairs evokes the elegance of a by-gone era. There are new extended opening hours so that you can round off your dinner with a nightcap of Amarula, an exclusive South African liqueur made from the fruits of the Marula Tree.

Other nice new touches at Kruger Gate Hotel include:

• Looking after parents and caregivers at the family pool with a new on-onsite bar providing a dedicated drinks and food service.
• Expanding the Out of Africa gift shop to offer a wider range of quality safari essentials, curios and other mementos of your trip.
• Introducing a dedicated butler service at the Nkanyi Suite where you can enjoy poolside dining in the private entertainment area.

Choosing from a range of guided safari options or self-drive

Your daily excursions on Kruger safaris will be the highlight of your stay. You can select morning, afternoon and full-day game drives with our professional guides on open safaris vehicles or self-drives. Car hire is available at our Safari desk.

Packing breakfasts for your morning safari

Getting into the Park at the break of dawn doesn’t mean you have to forego your morning pleasures. You’ll find complementary tea and coffee in reception and Kudyela Restaurant will have a breakfast packed for you. Alternatively, you can grab freshly made sandwiches and baked goods, to-go gourmet coffees and teas from our Coffee Shop.

Coming together at the River Boma

This stunning venue situated in the Kruger Park is available to book for special occasions, taking private dining in the Kruger to a new level. It is situated right in the Sabie riverbed and accessed via our Viewing Deck with a SANParks ranger to accompany your group. The River Boma offers an immersive Kruger dining experience with a crackling firepit, starlit skies and the intriguing sounds of the bushveld all around you.