Kruger Station is gearing up for an unforgettable festive season in the heart of Kruger National Park, with an exciting array of family-friendly holiday activities, delectable dining experiences and show-stopping entertainment – across its restaurant, children’s playground, 360-degree cinema and gift shop.
Located in Skukuza Rest Camp, along the historic Selati line, this lifestyle precinct once welcomed the park’s earliest visitors with lavish sundowner feasts along the banks of the Sabie River to the soundtrack of the African bush. Today, Kruger Station continues to honour the region’s rich heritage and the park’s biodiversity, which has seen it remain one of South Africa’s most-loved holiday destinations, centuries later.
“Kruger Station offers a hassle-free festive experience inspired by the region’s history and culture, with a blend of wholesome food, coupled with family fun, holiday cheer and the chance to do last-minute shopping,” says Gavin Ferreira, Concession General Manager at Kruger Station. “We’ve thought of everything, from start to finish, so that all you have to do is sit back, relax and appreciate this iconic wildlife destination with those close to your heart – just as mother nature intended it,” he adds.
Holiday favourites at 3638 Restaurant
“The nostalgic charm of dining in the train carriage at 3638 Restaurant transports guests back in time, making it the perfect venue for a care-free Christmas lunch,” says Vusi Mbatha, Head Chef at Kruger Station.
As food is at the heart of any celebration, Mbatha and his team will serve a sumptuous Christmas buffet on 25 December (R495 per person). It’ll feature a traditional Christmas harvest table, ‘make-your-own’ salad bar, cold starters and hot plates, and a meat station, complemented with a selection of desserts and cheese boards.
The buffet will be a single sitting, so diners can relax and savour the day with their family and friends, without feeling rushed”, says Mbatha. “We’ll have all the holiday favourites on our Christmas menu,” he adds. The meat station will include roast turkey with a lemon and thyme, garlic butter sauce, herb-crusted roast beef with a mushroom sauce, glazed gammon with roasted apple sauce, and pan-fried line fish with a gremolata crust. There will be plenty of vegetarian options available too, with freshly-sourced herbs and vegetables from small-scale farmers from nearby communities.
Family fun and activities
Visitors can explore the station’s past as a transport hub through the “living museum” which includes the Class 24 steam locomotive number 3638 that was built in 1949. This iconic locomotive provides a fascinating glimpse into South Africa’s rail travel history. While younger visitors have a safe space to run, jump, and play at the Li’l Gricers play area. Both young and old will appreciate immersive films like “The Big 5” and “Space Safari” that will play at the Kruger 360° cinema.
“Throughout the festive season, Kruger Station will come alive with performances from the surrounding communities celebrating South Africa’s rich musical and cultural heritage. Guests can look forward to the vibrant sounds of a marimba band on 16 December and 01 January, inspiring choir performances on 21 December and Christmas Day, and a captivating display of traditional dancers to ring in the New Year,” adds Ferreira.
Meanwhile, if you’re still looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones, the Curiosity Cabinet has a large selection of crafts, curios and home decor, alongside commemorative one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists and artisans from the surrounding area. There’ll be bestselling page turners and safari-themed stationery, accessories, handcrafted leather goods, handmade jewellery, and take-home artisanal products. Whether you’re looking for 4×4 gadgets, a printed t-shirt or funky socks for dad; a kikoi, eco luxury candles and beauty products for mom; a new pair of sunglasses or a leather wallet for your teen; or educational games and safari-themed plush toys for the little one – the Curiosity Cabinet has it all. And you can pick out a greeting card too.
Book your year-end functions
Kruger Station is also the perfect venue for year-end lunch events in the picturesque lowveld, offering a proudly South African setting for private family functions, corporate events and office parties. Whether you choose train-side dining or a heritage carriage experience, our team will tailor every detail to your needs. Groups staying overnight at Skukuza, also have the option of a dinner or breakfast event at our restaurant.
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