Kruger National Park Travel Forum

We are going to rent a car in J'Burg to drive to Kruger the second week of April. Will an economy car be OK to drive around the park? Or should we get a bigger vehicle - like a truck or Jeep....

We are staying at PROTEA KRUGER GATE LODGE for a week, Can we do day trips to see things without a guide? And are there places to see on the drive from J'Burg to Kruger?

Any other suggestions are welcome - thanks a lot

An economy car is fine, albeit a bit lower on the ground for viewing over grass. You can drive exactly where the guided tours go (they are restricted to the same roads) and some folk even follow the guided tour vehicles.

The first 2 to 2.5 hours out of Jo'burg are fairly boring - corn fields, coal mines and power stations. The scenery changes dramatically after that, but there aren't any major "must-see" attractions on the way to Kruger.

A higher vantage point while driving maybe an advantage in Kruger but it is not a must. I was at an eye to eye level encounter with a pride of lions when they decided to use the tarmac instead of the bush. That was because i was using a car instead of a jeep.

No need for a guide, just follow the other game drive vehicles on the road inside kruger. There are lots of them.

A side trip to the blyde river canyon area from graskop is a recommended trip before or after kruger.

bong

The advantage that the organised game drive vehicles have, is radio contact with other guides. They share their sightings, but they do tend to speed from one point to the next, trying to tick off their lists. That is not the enjoyment of a vast reserve like Kruger - go at your own pace and be ready to be surprised, but relaxed if you are not.

At each camp office there is usually a map with coloured pins for the tourists to mark their own sightings. You might want to be guided by a bunch of excited tourists who have just seen a lion kill within easy driving distance . . . .

Mate, personally, I'd take a 4WD over a sedan any day of the week. Your sightlines are just so much better.
Yep, having a guide would have its advantages, but by no means do you "need" one. Having said that, definitely consider a guided night drive, perhaps at one of the private game reserves nearby. This is usually a fantastic experience, with most of our predators out and about.
They usually throw in a marvelous braai (BBQ) in a lapa somewhere, where you truly feel part of Africa!

Kruger does not allow off-road driving - ever. There are some gravel roads. Have a look at my Kruger page, all taken from a very small and low car. The money you save on rental and fuel could be substantial.

You now have a range of opinions from us. Whatever you decide, you are going to have a great adventure!

Dao, with the exchange rate you'd be able to afford a private helicopter wouldn't you?!? ;)
Mate, your photos are great. I particularly like the buffalo and hyena pics!

Thanks.

The pound has fallen though. You are right about one thing. South Africa is affordable, good value and great fun.

One thing to remeber is that Kruger limits the number of day visitors so make sure you are at the gate early and even then there is no guarantee you will be allowed in. Also if your budget allows get as high a vehicle as posible. I know a normal car is fine but sitting higher improves your viewing hugely.

Good point. Gates open between 5:30 am and 6am depending on month. It pays to be there 30 minutes early.

WOW THANKS EVERYONE FOR ALL THE HELP AND TIPS. WE APPRECIATE IT. After Kruger we fly to Egypt to spend a few weeks diving in the Red Sea. I will post a question over there but if nay of you have suggestions - pleas advise

THANKS AGAIN

RICH & DEB

Hi.

I'd take the money I save by taking a small car and spend it on a couple of organised game drives. You miss a lot doing it yourself and the guide will give you a lot of interesting background information. You will see a lot more and get a lot more out of what you see. Your hotel should be able to organise.

On the drive there, I'd argue there is a lot to see, it's just most tourists miss it by taking the relatively boring N14 highway all the way there. Instead come off at Belfast and head through Dullstroom, Lydenburg, Sabie and Hazyview. Between Lydenburg and Sabie you go over the Escarpment edge where the 'highveld' meets with 'lowveld' with a 1,000 metre drop. God's Window has awesome views. There's great restaurants, pubs, guesthouses and waterfalls (even rafting further north at Blyde River Canyon) along this route as well as interesting history from the Boer War and Jock of the Bushveld. If you like fly-fishing, Dulltroom is SA's capital. One of my favourite drives in the world.

The roads are good all the way.

Rob. Satpack Travel.

Rob, I did the Dullstroom road in June this year; it is badly potholed.