Kruger Gateway Safaris — Local services in Mbombela

Highly recommended. Booked a full day safari trip for two overseas guests and they were extremely happy as they saw the big 5 in two days. Tour operator was very professional. Paid Kruger Gate Safaris for a sunset drive with Sanparke and they provided reference number. Guests stayed at Kruger Gate Hotel. They went to the entrance of the Hotel at the time they were supposed to leave for the Game drive. There was only one vehicle outside with the Hotel's branding. They told the driver of the Hotel's vehicle they have booked a sunset drive, have paid and got a reference number. He then looked at his list and their names were not on it but it mentioned two guests to be picked up from the Hotel with no details so he said they should board it must be them. When they got to the Kruger Gate however they were informed that they have not paid and should pay if they want to proceed on the drive which they did. They informed them to sort the matter out with the hotel when they got back. The Hotel was unfortunately not able to assist them and send them from pillar to post. The next day the driver from Kruger Gate Safaris went with them to Sanparke office and explained to them what happened and that Sanparke was paid twice. They understood the situation and gave them a free pass for the day to the value of R575. The company did not want to reimburse the money to me saying that they will pay it over to Sanparke as what Sanparke did was irregular and send me a receipt when this was done. However I never received proof of payment. Edited Review: Please note I do rate the safari as a 5 star experience (would rate it 6 stars if possible). The 3 stars is based on after care service. I paid your company R2000 to arrange a trip that would have cost me R1029,89 if I booked it through Sanparke directly. So you paid them R1029,80 on the 20th of July and the guests had to pay R1029,80 again at the Kruger gate on 31st of July. Unfortunately things went south with this trip (absolutely NO BLAME to your company as stated above). On the 7th of Aug your representative informed me that they will pay the R575 back into my bank account and shortly thereafter it was stated that it will be paid back to Sanparke and you will send me proof of the payment done which I have not received as yet, 4 months later. He also stated that he considered the matter as finalised hence my reason for Google review as communication channels was closed from your side. I followed the matter up with Kruger Gate Hotel who confirmed they do not do a sunset trip and the guests were on a Sanparke vehicle. They assisted me with the telephone number and e-mail adress of Sanparke as well as the Front office manager's details and the telephone number of the Guide supervisor which made it easier for me to take the matter up with Sanparke which I think deserved the 5 stars I gave the Hotel. They could also just have told me to sort the matter out with where I booked and paid but they did not, they went the extra mile to make it easier for me to resolve the matter. Unfortunately I am not a rich tourist and a R1000 is a lot of money to me so I am still trying to resolve the matter with Sanparke and get a refund. However I need the proof that you have paid back the R575 to them. All I am asking for is the proof of payment to Sanparke so I can continue my...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unforgettable Safari with Kruger Gateway Safaris

We had an amazing 3-day safari with Kruger Gateway Safaris and honestly couldn’t recommend it more.

Our guide, Gerrie, was outstanding. He knew the park inside out and had such a sharp eye – we saw so much wildlife, including plenty of lions and even a leopard, which was a real highlight. On top of that, we were lucky enough to spot endangered species (African wild dog pups and Southern Ground-Hornbills). Every drive brought something new and incredible.

Gerrie took the time to chat and connect with everyone, shared really interesting facts about all of the animals and plants we saw on the way. Gerrie made sure we were always comfortable. He sorted breakfast at the lodge for those early morning starts had blankets, ponchos, and water ready for us on the Jeep. He sent us professional-quality photos he had taken on his camera each day, which was such a bonus. You could also tell he was very respected by other guides and rangers, which says a lot.

The lodge was ultra-luxurious, and the restaurant at Kruger Park Lodge was excellent too.

If you’re thinking of going on safari, I’d definitely recommend booking private with Kruger Gateway Safaris. It felt personal, special, and gave us memories we’ll...

We spent a full day on safari in Kruger National Park with Gerrie as our guide, and it was truly life-changing. We were a group of five Americans—four of us visiting South Africa for the first time—and Gerrie made us feel incredibly welcome from the very start.

His deep knowledge of the wildlife, environment, and park history brought every moment to life. Gerrie’s passion for conservation and genuine kindness—not just to us, but to other guides and staff—made the entire experience that much more meaningful.

Thanks to his expertise and dedication, we saw over 40 different species in just one day, including rare African wild dogs, leopards, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, water buffalo, crocodiles, and so much more. It felt like we experienced everything Kruger has to offer, and it was all thanks to Gerrie’s attentiveness and intuition.

He took the time to learn what we were hoping to see, and never stopped working to give us the best experience possible. He chatted with us all day, shared amazing stories and facts, and made the safari feel personal and unforgettable.

Do not hesitate to book with Gerrie—it will be one of the best decisions you make on your trip to...