Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Brunch bonanza: the 5 best spots for brunch in the Kruger
Looking for a delicious way to start your day in the Kruger? The Kruger National Park is home to some unique spots that serve breakfast and lunch inspired by South African flavours, but they also serve up some impressive classic English breakfasts and kid-friendly meals for families on safari. We’ve gathered some of our favourite brunch spots in the Kruger and surrounding areas that offer amazing breakfast, great coffee and a setting that makes you want to sit back and relax!
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3638 Restaurant is a family-friendly spot that offers great brunch options for the whole family. Named after the iconic locomotive 3638, which is permanently displayed at the station, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience on the train platform. With an outdoor deck that overlooks the Sabie River, you can enjoy your meal while watching hippos and crocodiles lounging in the water. The menu covers all the brunch essentials, but it’s their South African twist on classics that we really enjoyed. The boerewors with eggs and spicy chakalaka were a standout for us. And if you’re not into heavy meals, their freshly baked croissants, breads and house-made jams hit the spot.
Photography courtesy of 3638 Restaurant
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Tindlovu Restaurant is a popular choice for brunch in Kruger National Park. With locations in Letaba, Berg-en-Dal and Olifants Rest Camps, it offers a variety of South African-inspired dishes. This restaurant offers a serene setting, where you can dine under the shady trees in the boma-style dining area. The brunch menu includes popular items like vetkoek (a South African fried dough) and hearty farmer’s breakfasts. We found their menu full of surprises, like the bobotie with poached eggs, which is an interesting mash-up of a traditional South African dish with a brunch twist. Pair your meal with a freshly squeezed juice and you’ve got yourself a well-rounded meal.
Photography courtesy of Tindlovu Restaurant
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Kudyela Restaurant, situated in the Kruger Gate Hotel, provides the perfect brunch stop with stunning views of the Sabie River. The restaurant offers an impressive buffet breakfast, featuring local specialties like boerewors and pap and homemade preserves served with freshly baked breads. What we loved most was the Big Kudyela Breakfast, which brings together eggs, bacon, boerewors, grilled tomatoes and baked beans – a feast for anyone gearing up for a full day in the park. It’s a great place to stop mid-morning if you’re exploring the Lower Sabie area, as you can enjoy brunch while spotting elephants or waterbuck by the river.
Photography courtesy of Kudyela Restaurant
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Just outside Kruger National Park, The Hoedspruit Café is a local brunch favourite. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with a garden area that’s perfect for a leisurely brunch. On the menu, you’ll find everything from traditional omelettes to unique offerings like the biltong eggs benedict. The biltong eggs benedict was a game-changer for us, combining a familiar favourite with a bit of South African flair. They also pride themselves on using locally-sourced ingredients and you can taste the difference in their fresh fruit smoothies and hearty farm breakfasts. It’s a great spot to grab brunch before or after a trip into the park – it feels like a local laid-back hangout that’s all about good food.
Photography courtesy of The Hoedspruit Cafe
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If you’re staying in Marloth Park or passing through, Grand Kruger Lodge’s restaurant is a great spot for brunch. Here, they go big with a buffet-style spread that includes everything from made-to-order omelettes to grilled meats and fresh salads. The rustic feel of the restaurant, paired with views over the bushveld, makes it feel authentically African. Their brunch setup lets you sample a bit of everything, which is great if you can’t decide between light and hearty options, plus they serve really delicious coffee and a variety of fresh juices.
Photography courtesy of Grand Kruger Lodge Restaurant
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