Southern Africa • Eat & drink • Top brews: the 5 best specialty coffee shops in the Kruger
Exploring Kruger National Park is exhilarating, but let’s be real – every adventure needs a good coffee break. Luckily, the area around Kruger has some standout spots to recharge and enjoy quality brews. You are guaranteed to find the best specialty African coffee blends at these spots, plus the atmosphere at these coffee shops is unmatched – perfect for sipping on a freshly brewed espresso! Here’s a roundup of some must-visit places for coffee lovers exploring the Kruger area.
01
At Sabie Valley Coffee, it’s all about the journey from bean to cup. Set in the gorgeous Sabie Valley, this roastery thrives on showcasing locally sourced Arabica beans with a flavour unique to the region. Here you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee and also learn about the craft of roasting. They’re passionate about educating visitors – we loved the opportunity to do a coffee tour, learning more about the beans and roasting process while waiting for our cappuccino. The relaxed, nature-inspired setting only adds to the experience, making Sabie Valley Coffee a must-stop for those exploring this part of Mpumalanga.
Photography courtesy of Sabie Valley Coffee
02
The Hoedspruit Cafe is a local gem, situated in the heart of Hoedspruit, this cafe has a laid-back vibe and amazing coffee. We found it to be a great hangout spot, with locals catching up and travellers unwinding from a long day of exploring. The cafe’s tree-covered patio offers seating perfect for a lazy morning or a midday break. Here, time slows down just enough for you to savour the best flat whites and lattes in town, while enjoying the small-town ambience before heading back to the thrill of Kruger.
Photography courtesy of The Hoedspruit Cafe
03
If you’re looking for a coffee spot that not only has good coffee but is also aesthetically pretty, Platō Coffee is the one. Platō is all about simplicity and quality – its modern minimalist design is beautiful while keeping the focus on the coffee. Platō Coffee’s signature flat white is worth a try – it’s rich, creamy and pairs perfectly with one of their freshly baked goodies. We loved the relaxed, no-rush atmosphere, making it a great spot to take a breather and enjoy some quiet time.
Photography courtesy of Platō Coffee
04
Conveniently located right at the Kruger Gate Hotel, this coffee shop is ideal for those on the go. Just outside the national park, it’s the perfect stop to grab a coffee before or after your safari. What sets this spot apart is the ambience – you’re surrounded by the bush, with glimpses of the park’s wildlife from the terrace. This coffee spot keeps things simple with rich, robust coffees brewed to keep you going on your adventure. They also serve a selection of light bites for a quick snack, ideal for early-morning park goers or if you are looking to wind down after a full day of safari adventure.
Photography courtesy of Kruger Coffee Shop
05
Clay & Coffee combines two passions: handcrafted ceramics and specialty coffee. Located in the artsy town of White River, it’s a unique spot where you can sip on expertly brewed coffee while browsing beautifully made pottery. Their small-batch coffee is sourced and roasted locally, offering a rich and aromatic cup. If you have some time to burn you can even join a pottery class at this unique coffee shop, plus buying one of their one-of-a-kind mugs is a cool way to remember the trip or souvenir option.
Photography courtesy of Clay & Coffee
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