The Kruger National Park – one of the largest national parks in the world – is a globally recognised and beloved wildlife haven. Lying in the north-east of South Africa, this special national park falls between the eastern parts of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces and covers some 2 million hectares of natural beauty and pristine nature.
And happily for locals and travellers alike, there are some great restaurant offerings spread near its Mpumalanga and Limpopo-lying gates and camps.
For this post, we have divided the list of top ten restaurants near the Kruger National Park into two parts, so you can enjoy great food whichever province you find yourself in!
Mpumalanga-based eateries…
#1 Hamilton’s Restaurant
Situated at the beautiful, four-star Hamilton’s Lodge, Hamilton’s Restaurant is a delightful a la carte restaurant that is open daily for brunch, lunch and supper.
Comfortably tucked away in gorgeous gardens, Hamilton’s Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.
Almost everything on their menu is made entirely in-house, providing an authentic and careful approach to their meals.
This family-owned business also strives to source only the freshest, local produce and ingredients. Combined with this, their extensive wine menu provides the perfect companion to their quality food offerings.
Join them for an elegant, yet adventurous dining experience, which will give you a taste of the game life with its tasteful interior decor and beautiful outdoor seating alike.
Contact: +27 (013) 790 3421, reservations@hamiltonslodge.co.za
Website: hamiltonslodge.co.za/facilities
Address: Hamilton’s Lodge and Restaurant, Riverside Farm, R570, Malelane Gate Road, Malelane, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
#2 Lapa Restaurant
Serving authentic, Mpumalanga-inspired cuisine, Lapa Restaurant offers guests the chance to enjoy great local food.
For an amazing experience, you can dine under the stars around the camp fire, allowing you to well and truly acquaint yourself with dining in the bush.
On Saturdays, there is live entertainment as you dine, including traditional Shangaan dancers, an African choral group or marimba bands to add to the festive African vibe.
For a lovely outdoor dining experience beneath African stars, look no further than Lapa Restaurant.
Contact: +27 (013) 735 5671
Website: www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-information/restaurant/mqpkg-protea-hotel-kruger-gate
Address: Lapa Restaurant, Protea Hotel Kruger Gate, Portia Shabangu Road, Kruger National Park, Skukza, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
#3 Amazing Kruger View Restaurant
Situated on the banks of the Crocodile River, in the heart of Marloth Park, this incredible restaurant lives up to its name: the views are amazing!
Join them for a delicious meal or enjoy afternoon sundowners, as you soak up the beautiful setting that overlooks the Crocodile River, into the Kruger National Park.
They offer some hearty and wholesome eats like chicken salad, creamy prawn pasta, kiddies’ options like burgers, mac and cheese and more and many other great options for the whole family to enjoy.
You can watch game wandering in the distance and if you are truly lucky – you may even see the Big 5!
Contact: +27 (072) 614 8725, info@krugerview.org.za
Website: N/A
Address: Amazing Kruger View Restaurant, Henk van Rooyen Park, Maroela Street, Marloth Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
#4 The Deck Restaurant
Located at Rio Vista Lodge in Malelane, The Deck Restaurant is another gem situated on the banks of the majestic Crocodile River – the only thing separating the restaurant from the Kruger National Park.
It is ideally situated near to the Malelane Gate and is a wonderful a la carte, child-friendly restaurant that welcomes everyone with wide arms. Here, you can soak up the wildlife and birdlife as you enjoy good food or your beverage of choice.
Visit them for a relaxed, authentic South African dining experience!
Contact: +27(013) 790 1246, riovista@mweb.co.za
Website: www.linoslodge.co.za
Address: The Deck Restaurant, Rio Vista Lodge, Riverbend Farms, Malelane, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
#5 Duck ‘n Dive Saloon
For those seeking a relaxed and fun eat out experience in Mpumalanga, Duck ‘n Dive Saloon is for you.
With their colourful, playful-looking exterior, this warm pub offers a solid dining experience, with tasty food options available.
Food portions are generous and well-priced, allowing you to enjoy a good, relatively inexpensive meal at this characterful pub. Highlights include their famous wood-fired pizzas and tasty steaks.
They also broadcast live sporting action, have an extensive bar area and even offer some indoor bar games, such as pool, to further enhance this down-to-earth eatery’s vibe.
This friendly local pub is known and loved for its warm atmosphere, upstairs family venue and great food.
Contact: +27 (013) 790 1258, duckndivepubngrub@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: Duck ‘n Dive Saloon, Corner of N4 and Air Street, Malelane, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
#6 Jabula Restaurant
Last but certainly not least on our Mpumalanga-based eateries, we have the delightful Jabula Restaurant.
For anyone craving good service and food, Jabula Restaurant is for you. They offer a friendly, hospitable atmosphere, tasty meals and the choice to dine inside or under the stars on the deck.
Food portions look generous and great, ensuring a memorable experience at this cosy restaurant.
Contact: +27 (082) 555 2355, info@jabulamarloth.co.za
Website: www.jabulamarlothpark.co.za/pages/restaurant
Address: Jabula Lodge and Restaurant, 379 Kurper Ave
Marloth Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Limpopo-based eateries…
#7 Gholovan Pub & Grill
The first of our Limpopo-based offerings is Gholovan Pub & Grill, Phalaborwa.
This pub and grill offers visitors a rustic, family-owned restaurant that is well-known for its flame-grilled steaks and wood-fired pizzas… a truly great combination!
If that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, this lovely restaurant also has friendly, helpful staff and they prioritise quality over all else, ensuring guests have an excellent dining experience from start to finish.
Join them for a great pizza or steak – and enjoy good, warm service to boot!
Contact: +27 (015) 781 0342, gholovanpubandgrill@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: Gholovan Pub & Grill, Corner of Copper and Essenhoud, Phalaborwa, Limpopo, South Africa.
#8 Bushveld Terrace Restaurant
Bushveld Terrace Restaurant, situated at the Bushveld Terrace Hotel on Kruger, offers a delightful dining experience for guests right near the Kruger National Park.
They have both inside and outside seating to choose from. There is also a lovely children’s playground and complimentary WiFi to enjoy, if needed.
This excellent, contemporary-style eatery offers daily breakfast buffets and an a la carte menu, ensuring that all breakfast, lunch and dinner needs are well attended to.
Contact: +27 (015) 781 3447, restaurant@bushveldterrace.co.za
Website: www.bushveldterrace.co.za
Address: Bushveld Terrace Restaurant, 2 Hendrick Van Eck Street, Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa, Limpopo, South Africa.
#9 Buffalo Grill & Bistro
Another Phalaborwa gem is Buffalo Grill & Bistro. This family-style restaurant invites its guests to come hungry – and leave happy.
In addition to their family-friendly dining, they are also dog-friendly – and offer free WiFi for guests to enjoy. This means the whole family (and your furry friend) can enjoy a great meal together.
With a warm ambiance and hearty, delicious meals, guests can enjoy a great indoor or outdoor meal at this popular grill and bistro.
Contact: +27 (015) 781 0829, buffsbistro@gmail.com
Website: N/A
Address: Buffalo Grill & Bistro, 1 Raasblaar Street, Phalaborwa, Limpopo, South Africa.
#10 Big Five Pub & Grill
And finally, we have Big Five Pub & Grill… Here, guests can enjoy dining at this traditional-style restaurant found in the beautiful town of Phalaborwa.
Share an unforgettable experience with your loved ones at this family-style eatery, which offers some of the best steaks and ribs around!
They are the ideal stop for locals and travellers alike, as they offer a variety of meal options, great drinks and a truly friendly, welcoming pub experience.
Contact: +27 (015) 0040976, hannie.visagie@yahoo.com
Website: bigfivepubgrill.co.za
Address: Big Five Pub & Grill, 1 Lekkerbreek Street, Phalaborwa, Limpopo, South Africa.
These are just ten of the restaurants, spread between Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, that you can enjoy when visiting or near the Kruger National Park.