Bernie Van Der Linde
Are you planning a self-drive to the Kruger National Park but don’t know where to start? Then continue reading this travel blog as it is much easier than you think!
I travel at minimum twice a year to Kruger so this article stays up-to-date at most times.
The first thing you need to know about a self-drive to the Kruger National Park is that you don’t need a 4X4 vehicle.
Unlike many parks in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and even parts of Namibia, Kruger can be explored behind the wheel of a normal road car as many roads are tarred and in excellent condition. Even the gravel roads don’t need an off-road vehicle. Therefore, you can easily rent a small car; no need to go for the most expensive SUV to tour Kruger.
How to arrive by air to the Kruger National Park?
There are three airports near the Kruger National Park. It all depends on which gate you decide to enter with, which one will be the most convenient for you.
Hoedspruit (Eastgate) airport is ideal for accessing the central and northern parts of the park. In contrast, Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumalanga International airport) and Skukuza airports are suitable for accessing the southern parts of the park.
The flight from Johannesburg (OR Tambo airport) to Hoedspruit or Nelspruit takes about 55 minutes. There are also regular flights from Cape Town International airport to Hoedspruit, with CemAir, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The most convenient airport of them all is Skukuza airport because it is situated inside the park (no worries about arriving late) and is only 3.8km away from Skukuza main camp. Most of the lodges will fetch their guests from this airport.
How to arrive by car in the Kruger National Park?
Self-drive is an excellent way to explore Kruger at your leisure. It is straightforward and convenient to rent a car in South Africa from any airport (a smaller town or big cities) and continue the journey from there.
Best route from OR Tambo to Kruger National Park
The best way is to enter Kruger at Malelane Gate as it is the closest gate from the airport. You will be driving all the way (primarily) by motorway. Follow the N12 from the airport. Near eMahahleni you will join the N4. Near Machado follow the R36 onto R539 through Schoemanskloof where you will join the N4 again until you reach the Malelane Gate of the Kruger National Park.
These are mainly toll roads, so keep in mind there are several pay-points (toll gates) along the route (credit cards, garage cards and cash accepted at toll roads). If you starting from OR Tambo you will drive through three tollgates.
How much are the tollroad from OR Tambo airport to Malelane gate in Kruger?
- The first tollgate is at Middelburg Plaza and costs R79 per vehicle
- The second is at Machado Plaza and costs R118 per vehicle
- The third one is at Malelane and costs R89.
The roads are in pretty good condition, so you can sit back and relax while you enjoy a scenic road trip through some of the most breathtaking parts of South Africa.
The section through Schoemanskloof is exceptionally beautiful!
Where to do a pit-stop along the route to Kruger? Milly’s Trout farm is a must
A trip to the Kruger National Park is not complete without a stop at Milly’s. On route to Kruger, it has become a tradition for many South Africans to stop at Milly’s for a homemade meal before continuing with the journey.
This café and restaurant are well known for their freshly baked pastries, home-brewed coffees and locally made trout pies. If you have time, buy a packet of fish food, and enjoy watching enormous carp fish swimming in the dam right next to the restaurant.
If you still have time to spare, just after Machado Dorp, take the N4 and visit the picturesque Emgwenya waterfall. You can continue this route to Malelane or Kruger gate without returning to the previous way.
This route joins up again near Mbombela.
How to access entrance gates to the Kruger National Park?
The southern access gates of Kruger National park
There are five access gates in the south of Kruger.
Paul Kruger gate: the main gate of the south. The route to this gate takes you on a journey through the White River and Hazyview. Although it is a busy gate, the road there is safe and in good condition.
There is a lovely Protea hotel a few hundred meters outside the gate if you prefer more luxurious accommodation close to the park. We have featured this hotel a few times on our Instagram page. This gate is also ideal for visiting Skukuza as it is only 13 km away. This is particularly convenient if you’re concerned about reaching the gate before closing.
Phabeni: This gate is our favourite because instead of driving 30 km on the R536 through a rural area, you can immediately enter Kruger from Hazyview (to Skukuza) to start your game drive right away. Skukuza is 40 km away from Phabeni gate. This route in Kruger to Skukuza (via Phabeni) takes around one and a half hours (due to the speed limit). You must remember that you can only drive 50 km p.h. on tar roads and 40 km p.h on gravel roads.
Malelane gate: We primarily use the Malelane gate because it allows us to be in Kruger within four hours from Johannesburg instead of driving another hour to reach the Kruger (primary gate) or Phabeni gates. In our experience, this is often the best game drive en route to camps.
Crocodile bridge: this gate is small and intimate. The road to this gate is very safe and well maintained. Crocodile Bridge gate is ideal for guests staying in Lower Sabie and Crocodile bridge camps. We don’t access this gate often, but we understand from friends that this gate is often congested in season, causing long time delays. This was, however, not our experience the last time we accessed it.
Numbi gate: This gate should be avoided during the best of times. It is regularly in the news for incidents of hijacking and crime. If you’re staying in Pretoriuskop, rather access the park through Phabeni or Skukuza gates.i
Distances and travelling times from Kruger Gate to the main camps
How to get to other gates to enter Kruger?
There are two access gates to the central parts of Kruger
Orpen and Phalaborwa gate.
The northern gate to Kruger
There is one access gate to the northern part of Kruger.
Punda Maria gate provides perfect access for the northern camps such as Shingwedzi and Punda Maria camps. This route consists of many rural towns but is safe for driving. We found the road quite good and without any problems. From Johannesburg, the longest part of the route is on the N1 motorway until you reach Makhado, from which you deviate from the highway and take a minor road, the R524, for another 140 km. Although this part of the road includes some rural areas is safe and in good condition.
How to book your safari
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Helpful guides for your trip to Kruger National Park
Planning a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park? Get this ultimate guide: Kruger Self-Drive: Routes, Roads & Ratings.
This comprehensive guide includes road descriptions that feature a write-up of the vegetation and game viewing opportunities.
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Until Next time, Bernie and Petra
