As the last meetings for the year comes to an end, office keys are stacked away and family time in the bush is crawling closer… we compare notes about how long the year has been while complaining that just yesterday we celebrated the start of 2022.
Yet, here we are! The Christmas beetles announce the season’s arrival and golden hour seems all the more golden this time of year, whether its true or not: we believe it’s the magic of Christmas filling the air with that extra spice of festivities which gives the glow. The Summer Christmas season in the Kruger National Park is always a special occasion as many of the Kruger-regulars will recall – the 4am wake-up call to be out of the camp gate as the clock ticks 4:30 to see the horizon’s theatrical greeting: The sun rays meet the Lion’s roars and the animal kingdom arise as the nocturnal life settles for their morning rest. The evenings in the rest camps are rich with the aroma of wood fires as braais are lit or cocktails are clinked around the bar. Holiday-makers compare notes of the daily animal-sighting-highlights as the spectacle forming in the sky from the setting sun makes way for the galaxy’s evening dance.
The days are filled with quality time with loved ones, forever etching memories of the beautiful season in the mind’s eye. What more could make the season merrier? Well the Kruger Station of course! we couldn’t be more excited to see you this festive season – with many treats and celebratory moments for any and all!
Christmas lunch is our gift to you: rich in flavour and generous in portion sizes, our menu this year is sure to leave you drooling and eager to open the advent calendar’s windows faster for reasons other than the gifts under the tree! Not only do we have a delectable buffet menu for Christmas Day but also a festive season a’la carte menu, don’t miss the menu’s below – these are what dreams are made of.
This year, we are introducing our holiday activities for the young ones, so if you are bringing the kids on an African wildlife Christmas adventure, be sure to pop into the station after your morning game drive between the 16th and the 24th of December. We will have daily activities with child carers who will be running the programme – numbers are limited and the tickets include a Santa-bag full of fun for the young ones – and not forgetting 120 magical minutes of un-interrupted adult-time for parents to explore our jingle-cheer Christmas cocktails (we even have a special non-alcoholic-but-equally-cheerful cocktails for the designated driver) or indulge in the festive treats on the menu or from the deli!
Our Christmas displays are going to be extra special this year, so don’t miss that perfect photo in front of our giant Christmas tree and share the pictures with us on social media using #Krugerstation for us to share on our platforms.
EXPLORE THE CHRISTMAS MENUS
Our Christmas menu, prepared by head chef, Vusi Mbatha, draws inspiration from the location’s surroundings and local and seasonal flavours combined with festive touches. He ads: “this menu allows us to take advantage of seasonal produce available, Allowing us to create mouth watering Christmas themed dishes that are packed full of flavor such as Turkey Roulade with sage & onion stuffing wrapped Parma Ham, served on creamed potato, smoked bacon sautéed sprouts, cranberry and a classic gravy – try saying that without drooling!
CHRISTMAS À LA CARTE MENU
The cost for our à la carte menu is: R220pp for 2 courses or R295pp for 3 courses. This menu is available from 20-26 December.
CHRISTMAS BUFFET
Our Christmas buffet is exclusively available on Christmas Day only.
Time: 12H00 to 14H30
Cost: R375pp. Includes: cracker, hat and a welcome drink
Booking is essential
There are only 50 seats for Christmas, so claim your spot NOW to avoid disappointment, your booking will only be secured when deposit payment is made – use the ‘Book Now’ button on our website to secure your reservation.
FESTIVE CHEER AT ROUND IN 9 BAR
Nothing says summer Christmas as well as a themed cocktail! So don’t miss out on these limited time drinks available at Round in 9 and 3638 restaurant. This year we present you with our alcoholic cocktail: Santa’s Cup, and our non-alcoholic cocktail: Christmas delight. Do let us know if you liked them!
Choose from our non-alchoholic Santa’s Cup cocktails for R80 each or our alchoholic Christmas Delight for R50 each.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!
Our daily kids’ programme
From the 16th -24th December, there will be a daily kids’ programme, with the following activities planned to keep the little ones’ minds busy and entertained until the next game drive. Space is limited to 25 kids per day and there is a participation fee of R150 per child to secure their space.
The cost includes:
– supervised arts and crafts session
– The 360 cinema experience
– A kiddies milkshake
The programme will run daily from 16-24 December from 9-11am.
FILL UP THE CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS
Our curiosity cabinet is stocked and ready for Santa’s helpers to fill the stockings with unique gifts made locally in South Africa as well as station memorabilia, so if you are looking for something crafted with African flair, your search is over! Here are a few of our favourite items:
With all this excitement, we wish you a very blessed Festive period, enjoy the time with your loved ones wherever you may be; if you traveling, be safe and responsible as we enter 2023!
Jingly cheers
The Station Master