One year on, this precinct continues to redefine the way you experience the Kruger National Park, one of South Africa’s top wildlife destinations.
the Kruger National Park is on many of our bucket lists. But, if we’re honest, many who have visited will know that after a while, the game spotting, while exciting first thing in the morning, can get a bit tiring as the day goes on.
This time last year, a new destination within the Kruger Park opened up, bringing a trendy deli, cool cafe and a bespoke designed and crafted space to the Kruger National Park. And now the Kruger Station is officially one year old! In this short space of time, the Kruger Station has become a much-loved addition to the Kruger National Park.
Here’s how the Kruger Station is redefining the Kruger experience for everyone.
1. Catch a movie
Yes, you will soon be able to watch a movie in the middle of the Kruger National Park! The innovative Kruger 360 Cinema is launching imminently and is located within the Kruger Station precinct, which turns one this September, close to Skukuza rest camp.
It is built like a cylinder with a wrap-around screen inside that gives guests an immersive viewing experience no matter which way they are facing. Viewers will sit on chairs that swivel and rotate in order to give them the full 360 experience. Movies screened at the cinema will be 10 to 20 minutes long and will focus on stories of the Kruger National Park, historical information about the area, details about the various animals, and so much more. For the opening special,
tickets will be R75 and includes access to four short shows.
2. Enjoy the motivation platform
The inspiring internationally renowned athlete, Bruce Fordyce, will be hosting a motivational chat on 19 September 2021. This chat is free to attend and will take place at the Kruger Station at 09h00. During this chat, Bruce will share details on how to prepare physically and mentally for the Comrades Marathon as well as some advice on how to keep your motivation up.
3. Enjoy wine in the wild
Adding to the festivities of the birthday weekend of 17 – 19 September is a one-of-kind wine experience – Wine in the Wild. With this experience, you are able to enjoy a number of wine tastings all in one place – at the Kruger Station.
To enjoy the full range of what’s on offer here, you simply need to purchase a ticket for R150 per day. This will get you tastings, a branded wineglass to keep, and a mezze snack plate. We encourage people to pre-purchase their tickets to avoid disappointment.
The tastings happen from 14h00 – 19h00 on all days. Guests will also be able to enjoy an acoustic music set while tasting wines from farms across South Africa including Antonij Rupert, Delaire, Opstal, Avondale and more.
READ: ‘Wine in the Wild’ at Kruger Station this month
Book on the Kruger Station website or email [email protected]
4. Enjoy cocktails with the girls or guys
The Kruger National Park isn’t exactly known for serving up world-class cocktails. But thanks to the Round in 9 Bar, this is exactly what you can get – with a cocktail menu of 14 cocktails and five mocktails. It’s the perfect place to stop off between game drives.
Cool off with some classic cocktails or try one of the signature drinks at the bar. This fully-serviced bar is the perfect place to unwind while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere and casual dining. Found only at the Kruger Station.
5.Enjoy artisanal foods
When you think of food stops in Kruger Park, you’re probably thinking about burgers and sandwiches from franchise names. And, while those have their place for sure, we’re here to tell you that you can also indulge in artisanal foods while out in the wild.
Pop into 3638 Restaurant and enjoy meals such as pork belly nuggets, hand-crafted pizzas, delectable burgers, duck ragu with pappardelle pasta, a vegan chickpea and mushroom burger, and a number of tempting desserts.
For the month of September, a special birthday treat of crispy melktert spring rolls dusted in cinnamon sugar, with peanut butter ice cream and salted caramel orange sauce is available for R70.
All of these things can be enjoyed in and around the Kruger Station precinct.
How to get there:
To find Kruger Station, make your way to Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park. Once there you can enter in one of two ways: from the rest camp – at the traffic circle just past camp reception and the fuel garage, you turn right and just keep following the road until you see the Kruger Station on your right-hand side.
Alternatively, you make your way to the Skukuza Day Visitors area where you can park and enter through the Kruger Station entry point there.
The precinct is open 7 days a week for guests to enjoy an artisanal food experience centred around the last train ever to pass through the Kruger National Park.
Pictures: Supplied
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