A Thrilling Self-Driving Safari: Exploring Kruger National Park and Beyond

Quick Itinerary

• Day 1 — Arrival — Arrive at Johannesburg, rent a car and drive to Paul Kruger Gate (approx. 6 hours), checkin and relax.
• Day 2 — Exploring the Park — Drive to Sabie, Skukuza Rest Area
• Day 3 — Explore Nearby attractions — Berlin Falls, Lookout
• Day 4 — Drive to Satara Rest Camp
• Day 5 — Lower Sabi route & exit via Malerane Gate

Insider Insights

• Vehicle Choice: You don’t necessarily need an SUV for your safari adventure. A sturdy car will suffice for navigating the park’s roads.
• Start Early: Gates open at 6 am, and prime predator sightings occur between 6 and 8 am.
• Pack Wisely: Ensure ample storage space for gear, including cameras and binoculars. Binoculars are essential for wildlife spotting.
• Keep an Eye on Trees: Leopards often stash kills in trees. If you spot a kill, mark the location and return later for a chance to see the elusive leopard.
• Stay Near Gates: Opt for rest camps near gates like Paul Kruger or Skukuza for easy access to main routes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Mix Accommodation: Split stays between camps for diverse experiences.
• Engage with Others: Chat with fellow travelers and guides for recent sightings and route recommendations.
• Trust Your Instincts: Follow your intuition when choosing routes and stops for wildlife sightings.
• Watch for Signs: Learn to interpret animal behaviors and heed warning signs.
• Don’t Forget the Birds: Appreciate the park’s diverse birdlife amidst the excitement of big game sightings.

In Kruger National Park, the anxiety of searching transforms into pure joy with each wildlife sighting, from elusive predators to vibrant birdlife. Every photo captured and every moment savored make the safari an unforgettable adventure.

Detail Itinerary

We were in Egypt which was our 7th continent. We couldn’t leave Africa continent without seeing the wild life. So we decided to go to South Africa especially after g hearing about a s drive safari. Or flight to Johannesburg from Cairo was via Dubai. There was 10 he layover in Dubai. We were lucky to hold the passport which gave on arrival visa. Our uni friend was living in Dubai so we visited him had a dinner with him the emirates flight from Dubai to Johannesburg was amazing we were tired so we slept the whole 8 hr journey, speculate baddies we had to drive fort about 6 hrs next morning.

Day 1: Arrival and Anticipation

Arriving at Johannesburg Airport, our excitement soared as we rented a car for our grand adventure. Opting to stay near the Paul Kruger Gate, we settled into the comfort of Kruger Gate Hotel after a scenic 6-hour drive. We have read about how it’s very unsafe to drive in South Africa thereafter lot of e of car jacking. We didn’t strip anywhere we both a coffee some takeaway and decided to drive the whole 6 hrs. We did stop in a petrol/gas station to take some Liu and fill the tank. -The roads were broad and pretty well maintained. There’s were lots of big trucks carrying coal huge ones. After sometime the scenery was amazing tea grass flowers and rivers la mountains. It felt a bit like New South Wales Australia.

We finally arrived in Kruger gayer hotel by evening, the hotel hand enough parking we were well received. We saw l lots of people taking fancy private resort premium so we were a bit reluctance to book a hotel but considering budget we just went with this. But was the best decision it was very Canadian and all you need if your priority is to see wild animals and relaxing ina good place. The day of our arrival was a quiet one, spent savoring a delicious dinner before succumbing to the embrace of sleep, eager for the adventures that awaited us.

Day 2: In the Heart of the Wilderness

With the dawn of a new day, we set out to explore the wonders of Kruger National Park. Our journey took us to Sabie, Skukuza rest area, and beyond, where we traversed both main routes and off-road trails in search of wildlife. Following the advice of fellow travelers and game drivers, we were rewarded with sightings of the coveted Big 5, as well as the elusive cheetah and wild dog. Each encounter left us breathless, deepening our appreciation for the untamed beauty of the African savannah.

Day 3: Exploring Off the Beaten Path

Eager to uncover more of Kruger’s secrets, we ventured deeper into the park, taking lesser-known routes in search of predators. Though the landscape was quieter, we marveled at sightings of elephants, giraffes, gazelles, buffaloes, kudus, and more. Despite our hopes for a glimpse of a male lion, we were content in the presence of a lioness and the myriad other creatures that crossed our path.

Day 4: Into the Predator’s Lair

As we journeyed towards Satara Rest Camp, the landscape transformed, signaling the domain of predators lurking amidst the tall grass. Patiently waiting by the roadside, we were rewarded with the sight of not one, but four lions awakening from their slumber. The encounter left us in awe of their majesty and reminded us of the importance of respecting their territory.

Day 5: Farewell to the Wild

With our flight looming on the horizon, we made the most of our final day in Kruger National Park, tracing our exit via the Lower Sabi route and the Malerane Gate. Along the way, we witnessed a thrilling chase between a hyena and a leopard, capturing unforgettable moments that would forever be etched in our memories.

Etiam nec tellus faucibus, lobortis turpis sed, faucibus ex. Integer aliquam ultricies leo. Phasellus aliquam pulvinar tellus, vitae blandit lorem. Sed condimentum arcu eget mi interdum egestas. Morbi rhoncus urna vel consectetur porttitor.

Mauris tincidunt velit vitae dui condimentum rhoncus. Etiam ullamcorper accumsan euismod. Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Sed at libero vulputate orci mollis porta non in tortor.

Sed interdum bibendum mauris. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.

Where to Take Photos

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

1. Curabitur interdum gravida lorem, in suscipit mauris imperdiet eu.
2. Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora.
3. Torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos.
4. Suspendisse in risus neque. Phasellus ut bibendum sapien. 

Tempus, at euismod eros hendrerit. Proin vel consectetur massa, ac consectetur sem. Praesent consequat, neque sed tempus venenatis, risus diam interdum magna,morbi. Tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Vestibulum malesuada, lacus id blandit loborti.

All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.

Martin Buber

• Curabitur interdum gravida lorem, in suscipit mauris imperdiet eu.
• Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora.
• Torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos.
• Suspendisse in risus neque. Phasellus ut bibendum sapien. 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum convallis leo tellus, quis tristique sem euismod non. Aliquam porta interdum nibh sed elementum. Fusce sed urna lacus. Pellentesque maximus urna sed pellentesque mattis. Quisque ut mauris port, dignissim ipsum.