There is no white Christmas for us in South Africa unless you’re thinking of white sandy beaches, of course. Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere is sunshine, blue skies, and the perfect opportunity to explore South Africa.
READ: 10 game lodges offering Christmas celebrations in the bush
One top location to consider for a magical Christmas this year is Kruger National Park. Most Kruger crazies don’t need a special time of year to visit the Park, but if you’re on the fence (as it were) or looking for a place to spend this holiday and not sure where yet, allow us to persuade you.
One particularly great accommodation spot is the Kruger Gate Hotel. Here are their to-do list recommendations.
1. You can dine under the stars
‘There is something pretty extraordinary about being able to dine under a starry African sky,’ says Sarah Watson, the Guest Relations Manager.
‘At Kruger Gate Hotel, we have a number of special dining occasions planned for this season including a Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve dinner for in-house guests. Those in the area wanting to enjoy a Christmas meal with us can join us for a delicious lunch,’ Watson says.
Those staying in the Kruger National Park and surrounding areas that are not able to get to a hotel for a meal should consider a Christmas night braai. Just imagine it: a jolly evening outdoors with your loved ones while taking in the glory of the Milky Way.
2. You get to enjoy bird and baby season
November and December are known to be baby season in the Kruger National Park. All the summer babies have been recently born and it makes it all the more fun to spot wildlife.
Additionally, the lush landscape at this time of the year is a big drawcard for birdlife that fly in for the warmer months. The Kruger National Park is home to over 500 species of birds, and in the summer months, you may spot a Woodlands Kingfisher, Red-Chested Cuckoo, Wahlberg’s Eagle, or the Amur Falcon.
3. You will be treated like royalty
Watson says: ‘We always ensure that we treat every guest like a VIP, but we do try to make it extra special when guests stay with us during the festive months. We know that many have travelled far to have a magical Kruger National Park Christmas. We want to be their home away from home’.
All across the Kruger National Park, in fact, you will find extra warm hospitality, Christmas decorations, and festive cheer. This all rubs off on guests whose holidays are then made to feel even more special.
4. You will support local communities
‘A hotel such as ours that’s based at the Kruger National Park, employs many people from the surrounding community,’ notes Watson. ‘During this season when everyone is keen to spoil their loved ones more, having more guests at our hotel and in and around the Park means that local families will more than likely be better supported through tips from those who visit the Park. Not only that, but a busier season means more shifts for those who do shift work, which means more pay as a result of those hours’.
Of course, more visitors to the Kruger National Park are beneficial to those who are already in jobs and those seeking employment.
Pictures: Supplied
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