TIPS FOR THE FIRST TIME KRUGER DRIVER
BASIC STUFF AND COMMON SENSE
It is imperative to have a good roadmap. You can buy one at any Gate as you enter if necessary.
Ensure that you have enough fuel for the journey (if you doing the trip above, there are commercial fuel stations just outside Phalaborwa Gate, and inside the Park at Orpen Gate). Take plenty of water and some biltong or other snacks to keep you going until you get to the next stop.
Make sure that you take the opportunity to stop at the Restcamps and getting-out points that you pass: there are limited opportunities to stretch your legs, relax a little, and get some food.
Observe the common-sense rules of the road. STOP if animals are crossing the road, and do not threaten them by approaching too closely.
Do not get out of your car unless signage indicates permission (AND circumstances indicate safety).
Do not travel faster than indicated (50 km/hour on tar roads, 30 on sand). There are Park Police with speed guns in the bush, particularly around the Gates near closing time.
Allow plenty of time for viewing, so expect to achieve far less than these speeds. Check your distances. Make a plan and stick to it (e.g., be at Letaba for late breakfast). Keep an eye on the clock and the distance to your destination. Compensate if you are running late (e.g., cut out those circular routes to waterholes on sand roads). Expect to be fined if you are late entering Gates or Camps.
Whilst driving yourself in a sedan car, some of these kind of encounters:
... can lead to some of this:
