Roaming Media recently visited the marvellous Kruger Gate Hotel, located on the bank of the Sabie River – just a few hundred metres from the Paul Kruger Gate into the Kruger National Park. Having sampled the fantastic hospitality and an exciting safari – we got to see the ins and outs of this phenomenal location. Here are 6 amazing things to look forward to at Kruger Gate Hotel.
1. Arrival at Kruger Gate
Our arrival was definitely one to remember. Smiling faces greeted us from the second we entered the property. Ample hands arrived to aid us with our luggage (which was abundant 🙈). The entrance to the hotel is certainly very impressive. Walking into lobby is like entering a grand manor, while still maintaining the safari lodge feel with exposed beams and a thatched roof that looms high above you. We were introduced to Sarah: the hotel Guest Relations Manager. Sarah was an omnipresent force – always there when we needed her. From the moment we met her, she was making sure everything about our stay went smoothly. We were checked-in quickly and received an informative and efficient brief on the hotel layout. Before we knew it, we were walking into the cool respite of our air-conditioned suite.
2. The Rooms
We were blown away. We were met not only with a beautifully made-up room, but also an exquisite platter of treats, a bottle of sparkling wine AND a pair of stunning wildlife prints to take home with us. The room layout is consistent with a traditional hotel room. With a small but stylish bathroom right by the room entrance (it had a bath, shower and twin basins) opposite the ample cupboard space. This led into the room itself which had a king-size bed, writing desk, a large television, mini-fridge and a tea & coffee station. Not to mention a small lounge area that opened up onto a private patio. We loved the decor and the little touches that the staff had done to make our arrival special.
3. The Spa
We didn’t have too much time to waste because we were booked in for a couples treatment at the on-site spa. So we rushed across the grounds to make our appointment. We were put into comfortable robes and treated to a foot scrub and soak. Subsequently, our host led us up to a private deck overlooking the Sabie River where we were laid out on a plinth and introduced to our masseuses. In short, this experience is a hazy memory, because we were lulled into a state of semi-consciousness by our soporific full-body massages. We left the experience with smiles wrapped around our lazy faces. What I would do to be back up on that deck right now!
4. The Food
A quick flurry through the shower sent us on our way to the boma area. We were welcomed with a huge smile and led up to our private deck. Here, we found a gorgeous, romantic dinner setup. Firstly, our table was laid under its own thatched gondola. Moreover, it was littered with rose petals and overlooking the Sabie River. After a leisurely cocktail, we descended down to the boma to peruse the buffet.
The food spread was phenomenal, from cheese platters, salads, soups, pastas, breads and cold-cuts, to an array of meats, poultry, fish, curries, plant-based dishes and more – there was a veritable array of delicious options. Most importantly, a selection of desserts, from cheesecake to chocolate mousse – were available to hit that sweet spot after main course. The atmosphere was a huge vibe when the guitarist started singing songs to the guests and staff would dance around to his music. Having sampled most of the buffet, we wobbled up the stairs to the bar – where we were served a couple of stellar cocktails.
*In the same vein, we found the breakfast buffet on our day of departure to be absolutely packed with foodstuffs, spanning the spectrum. Freshly-baked pastries, cold-cuts and cheeses, fruit medleys, cereals and yogurts, full English spread, omelettes made-to-order (and even egg-fried rice!). We were so spoilt for choice that we chose everything and were forced to roll out of the dining room after breakfast.
5. The Safari
At last, it was time for the main event. Our Safari in the Kruger National Park commenced in the early hours of the morning. There were fantastic sightings throughout the day – including elephants, buffalo, lions (sleeping by a kill), leopard, giraffe, wildebeest, leopard tortoises, baboons and many more. In addition, we found a pack of wild dogs sleeping by the roadside. It included a litter of pups who all slept in a big pile. We took a brief interval to enjoy a picnic at one of the rest camps, as well as a few short stops at the various lookout points. We ended our trip into the park with very happy hearts and an animal checklist full of ticked boxes.
6. The Pool
Finally, after a long day spotting Krugers most wanted, we slipped into the large, cool infinity pool. However, our safari wasn’t over yet. While enjoying the cool waters with a bottle of champagne, the riverbed below was visited by elephants, hippos, waterbuck and warthogs. As well as a slinking hyena, yodelling into the evening sky. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
In summary – the Kruger Gate Hotel will not only look after all your needs and show you a phenomenal wildlife experience on safari. More importantly, they will make you feel like royalty while they do it. Upon our departure we were met with a sign thanking us for our stay. The Kruger Gate Hotel certainly does extend its welcoming hospitality well beyond your stay. We can’t wait to visit again one day (and hopefully squeeze in another full-body massage!)
Thanks for having us Kruger Gate!
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