The popular restaurant, situated next to the Olifants River with a view to the Greater Kruger National Park, is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. “We see hippos and crocodiles regularly and sometimes elephants drinking from the river,” said Amy Verhoeven of Three Bridges. Situated next to the R40 between Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa, the restaurant was opened in December 2009 by businessmen, Craig Williamson and Jurgen Elbertse, who are still the owners.

A B&B was added in 2016. “The building used to be a trading post and the property is still owned by the same family who got it from Paul Kruger himself. “We have been leasing the property for fourteen years now,” said Verhoeven. She said that they have won several awards from Trip Advisor, but this nomination is their biggest achievement.

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“Being in the top 100 restaurants of South Africa is something to live up to and we are very excited. We never expected to be nominated for an award like this. We are always trying to strive for good service and great experiences, and it is great that this has been acknowledged.” Three Bridges is also a supporter of local artists.

“We have live music at least once a month on a Sunday by artists from the area,” added Verhoeven. “The chance to see wild animals while you are having breakfast or lunch makes us unique,” she said. “While having dinner, you can hear the hippos and sometimes see the train passing over the bridge which gives a wonderful light reflection on the river. “Also, when the river is in flood, it is a spectacle to see,” she concluded.