Independent Travel
Independent Travel
The infrastructure for tourism in South Africa is well-developed; exceptionally so on a continental scale. Independent travel here is straightforward relative to almost all other African countries. This section deals with getting here, and getting around when you get to the Kruger region.
Getting here from Abroad
The nation has a good domestic scheduled flight network. Its focal hubs are Johannesburg and Cape Town; these are also the destinations for most inbound international flights. Most international operators are present, and South African Airways flies many foreign routes offering levels of service that win it international awards from time to time.
From America the only direct flights are operated by SAA and Delta from New York (or Atlanta, and Washington with SAA) to Johannesburg (or JNB or CPT in the case of Atlanta). The New York route is one of the longest regularly operated sectors in the world, and takes seventeen hours. Other operators provide a wider range of Northern American services, but tend to schedule a refuelling stop in North Africa.
Europe is better served by virtue of its closer geographic proximity. The most competitive deals are usually via hubs such as Schiphol (Amsterdam, the Netherlands) or Charles de Gaulle (Paris, France). London in the UK usually originates the most flights and has greatest competition; operators here include SAA, British Airways, Virgin, and Nationwide. This, combined with a intensive schedule of Northern American flights, makes it a convenient alternative stop-over from the US or Canada.
South African and Quantas dominate the market from Australia and New Zealand.
Internal Flights
Once in Johannesburg or Cape Town, the easiest way on to the Kruger National Park and the Central Lowveld is to fly. South African subsidiaries Airlink and Express connect to a variety of local airports.
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is between Nelspruit and White River at the foot of the Kruger; this is convenient for the private reserves of the Sabi Sand Reserve, and the southernmost gates to the Park itself: Paul Kruger, Numbi, Crocodile Bridge and Malelane. KPMIA is the only local airport benefiting from some budget airline coverage (currently Nationwide, but potentially Kulala.com and others over time). This tends to make it a cheaper route than others where competition does not exist.
Guests at Mala Mala and adjacent private lodges in the Sabi Sands will also find a scheduled SAA service from Johannesburg directly into the Reserve.
Further north, and convenient for the Central Kruger and the private reserves of Makalali, Timbavati and Kapama, is Eastgate Airport outside Hoedspruit. This currently receives daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town; some of the latter arrive via Sun City making a stop-over here or at the Pilanesberg National Park a possibility en route.
Slightly further north still, and highly convenient for the town of Phalaborwa and its gate to the Park, is Phalaborwa Airport. This benefits from the presence of the mine nearby in having more flights during working weekdays than Hoedspruit. There is usually little to differentiate between internal flights to these two airports on price (they are close together and fungible).
A long-hoped for possibility has been that either Kruger Mpumalanga (representing the eponymous Province) or Hoedspruit (Limpopo Province) will start receiving direct flights from abroad. To date, these have been limited to charter arrivals but there is the potential for the market to develop.
SELF-DRIVE SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa has an extensive and high quality road network. Car rental is straightforward and reasonable value. Certain countries' drivers are supposed to carry an International Driving Permit (in addition to your regular license) which is available from your national equivalent of the UK's Automobile Association. These will often be asked for if you encounter a Police roadblock as there are implications for insurance if you fail to carry one.
You can find rental outlets at Kruger Mpumalanga, Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa airports. Booking in advance is essential. If you plan to go into the bush for an extended period where you will not need a car, then be aware that cars can be delivered and collected from places that are accessible to the general public for a modest charge.
Should you wish to drive up to the Lowveld from Johannesburg, then it can be expected to take between four and six hours to get to most reserves between Sabi Sand and Phalaborwa. It is a pleasant drive, and you can take in the Panorama Route as you go; Long Tom Pass is another spectacular option. These distractions will inevitably slow you down.
Hoedspruit - Endless Road. You get the idea.
Having got within striking distance of your destination, be aware that the safari lodges will, without exception, be prepared to meet you at an airport. In order to get the most from your visit (if you are lucky enough to be visiting one), it may be well worth dropping off your vehicle at such a facility, and getting collected.
Some lodges really are hard to find (a function of their remoteness), with the Gowrie Gate to the northern lodge of Sabi Sands being a particularly stressful one to locate if you have just fallen off a series of aeroplanes. You will also enjoy your first game drive en route to the lodge if you make this choice, and the structure and intensity of the safari experience is such that you will not miss having a vehicle with you.
Like any country, you will find some local characteristics in driving around, and some particular to the Kruger area. If you are new to all of this, you may find it helpful to read our suggestions for driving yourself in the Kruger National Park.
With such a large country to navigate around, you will find that South Africans tend to drive fast. Whilst tempting to join in, be aware that the country has one of the worst road fatality rates in the world. Instead, if you are approached rapidly from behind by a vehicle, you might contemplate (and it is considered polite) using the margin of the road, if available, to allow the driver past.
A significant cause of road mortality in and around the Kruger is accidents involving animals. A large antelope through the windscreen is something to think about, but problems are also caused by smaller species such as families of warthogs making wild dashes across roads that are apparently "fenced out" of adjacent reserves. Be further aware that the road margins are common land and are used to graze cattle, goats and donkeys. The latter are particularly ignorant of road etiquette and a major source of problems.
Animal related road accidents occur most frequently at night when visibility is low. As this is also the time when the (remote) chance of encountering crime on the roads is highest, you would be well advised to arrive at your destination before dusk. Also be aware that many reserves may prove difficult to find without the assistance of daylight.
We would also recommend taking full insurance on rental vehicles in light of these factors.
RESOURCES FOR THE INDEPENDENT TRAVELLER
- Read our description of safari accommodation choices in and around the Kruger and explore our secure, on-line lodge booking service covering Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces
- Explore the Park itself, the Blyde River Canyon, and the region's other leading attractions
- Find some inspiration in Kruger2Canyons.com's Specialist Interest Safaris
- Read about the Greater Kruger region's social and conservation history
- Read about the Kruger's local towns and facilities.