Movies screened at the cinema will run during the operational hours of the Kruger Station and will focus on conservation stories.
3 hours ago
Yet another crowd-pleaser has been added to the Kruger Station’s already impressive array of attractions.
The innovative Kruger 360 Cinema, which will provide guests with an immersive movie experience in the middle of the Kruger National Park, is now ready.
“We wanted to ensure that guests are able to experience something truly unique when visiting Kruger Station,” said Judiet Barnes, the executive manager of branding, sales and marketing.
“The entire Kruger Station is already something special, and now, with the addition of the Kruger 360 cinema, it’s become a must-see attraction within the park.”
Located within the Kruger Station precinct in the Skukuza Rest Camp, the cinema is built like a cylinder with a 360-degree wrap-around screen inside. Viewers will sit on chairs that swivel and rotate in order to give them the full 360 experience.
Platypus Digital’s Stanley Edwards from the content and technical team behind the Kruger 360 cinema, said this has been a challenging but fun project to work on. “It’s been exciting to create an innovative product such as this in what is essentially a remote location.
“We’re starting with two licensed wildlife 360 movies and a space safari movie, while also working on a bespoke piece specifically focused on the Kruger in order to create something that will be enjoyed by young and old. We can’t wait for guests to enjoy what we have built.”
Movies screened at the cinema will run during the operational hours of the Kruger Station and will focus on conservation stories. Tickets for the two wildlife shows cost R75 per person (opening special) and can currently be purchased at the Grab and Go retail counter.
Check the website and social media for exact screening times.
The launch movies include Rewild, about six black rhinos that were chosen to be part of a highly confidential translocation from South Africa to Chad. This immersive virtual reality documentary puts visitors on the frontline of the historic operation and face-to-face with the extremely rare black rhino.
Another movie is Big 5. This is an education experience that teaches children and adults about Africa’s famous Big 5.
“Everyone told the filmmakers that filming African leopards in the wild for virtual reality was impossible,” said Edwards. “The solitary animals are notoriously hard to catch on camera and are declining in population around the world due to habitat loss.
“However, not only did they manage to film the leopards, they even got one on a kill and another one sniffing the camera.
“An added bonus movie allows visitors to go on a Space Safari.”
Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos recently went into space and guests can now do the same in the middle of the Kruger National Park, where they will join astronaut Helen Sharman on a virtual space safari.
Together they will leave Earth and travel through space and see our home like never before, in all its fragile beauty. “Once they’ve returned to Earth, they’ll be inspired and ready to promote faster green action,” said Edwards.
Barnes notes that building a circular screen in the middle of the Kruger Park was no easy feat.
“There was a lot to consider in this area, such as the heat and humidity we experience in Skukuza for most of the year. We also wanted to ensure that we keep the space authentic, yet interesting and informative, while still staying true to the ethos of being based in a world-renowned national park.
“It had its challenges, but we are extremely excited to share this innovative experience with our guests and give a new perspective to all aspects of conservation and the importance thereof for the future.”
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