South Africa is a popular tourist destination, and there are lots of amazing things to do. What seems to top everybody’s list though, is a safari. One of the most amazing experiences you can have is seeing the incredible array of African wildlife up close and personal.
There are many places where you can go on safari in South Africa, so let Economy Car Hire tell you about the largest by far – Kruger National Park. Situated in the north eastern corner of South Africa, the park runs along the border with Mozambique and covers nearly 20,000 square kilometres.
Getting to Kruger?
Due to Kruger’s remote location, getting to it can take some thought. There are numerous options, but it all depends where you are starting from. If you are arriving on a long haul flight, the closest large airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. From here the park is only 3 to 4 hour’s drive in your hire car, so you’ll be exploring the bush in no time.
Alternatively, if you are already in South Africa, and you want to head to Kruger, there are lots of internal flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, which is close to the popular southern area of the park.
A Self-Drive Safari?
Yes, that’s right! You’re allowed to drive yourself.
All you need to do is pay your entrance fee, around £13 per person per day, and then you are free to seek out cheetahs at your will.
No, it’s not all dirt tracks either. Kruger National Park has a large network of tarmacked roads which are perfect for dodging elephants.
The park gates are open between 5:30am and 5:30pm, however, these do change depending on time of year, so make sure you check before you go.
There are 9 gates into the park, of which 5 of them are in the southern area. Additionally, there is a wide variety of accommodation inside the park from camping to luxury lodges. Some of these have spectacular views and wildlife observation areas, so staying here can add another layer to your safari experience.
What can you see?
Kruger National Park boasts the largest amount of large mammals in Africa, so there is very little chance of you leaving disappointed. It is well known for consistently providing sightings of the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.)Alongside large mammals there are also 114 reptile species, 517 species of bird and a huge variety of trees and other flora.
As you may have gathered, this is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts so make sure you keep your camera primed and ready for some incredible shots.
The Best Routes
There is a seemingly endless road network inside Kruger National Park, so make sure you take a map with you when you venture in. The most popular self-driving routes in the park are in the southern areas. This is largely due to the proximity to Johannesburg, but also because of the amount of animals you can see there. Alongside your map, take a guide book, or some form of aid, to help you identify the animals you are seeing.
Perhaps the most popular drive in the park is the ‘Leopard Circuit’ which starts at the HQ Skukuza, along the Sabie River, and travels down to Lower Sabie. Expect to see lots of big game here including a good chance to see members of the Big 5.
If you are looking for a quieter drive in the south follow Crocodile River to the Hippo Pools. This area is much less visited and makes for a more peaceful experience. If you want real tranquillity though, head north. This area of the park has a totally different feel to the south. There are fewer tourists here and so you can take your time and stop whenever you want. The roads along the Shingwedzi River are particularly beautiful.
What to take with you
Going on any holiday can take a lot of planning, and a safari is no different. Read our helpful guide on the best resources for planning a safari to ensure that you are fully prepared.
Additionally, there are lots of tips and tricks which can help you make sure you get the most of your time on safari. We have written a whole article on How to Get the Best From a Safari Experience, so make sure you read it before you go.
Anything else?
If you have been to Kruger, self-driving or not, we’d love to hear from you. Tell us your favourite drives and where you saw your favourite animals. Alternatively, why not sign-up to our newsletter below to get more travel inspiration from our blog.
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