When planning your safari to the Kruger National Park, there are essentially two ways to do it. Depending on your preferences and time constraints you can either choose to do a Fly-In Safari or a Self-Drive Safari. If you want the ultimate luxury holiday and only have a few days then you can fly direct to the lodge of your choice.
Alternatively, you can do a Self-Drive Safari and explore the Kruger at your leisure. If you choose a self-drive tour then we suggest that you take some time to explore the beautiful Mpumalanga region which we refer to as the
Kruger Surrounds.
A Self-Drive Safari involves hiring a car and self driving around the Kruger Park. As the park is owned by the government there are strict rules which must be adhered to such as not driving off-road or at night. You can chose to either stay at one of the Private Safari Lodges or opt for the very simple and basic park accommodation that is sold on a room only basis. The park has a network of tarmac roads which makes it easy to drive and explore.
The other bonus of a self-drive Kruger Safari is that if you can afford some extra time, you can explore the surrounding areas before or after your safari. The lush, beautiful forested areas of Mpumalanga contrast with the dry grasslands of the Kruger Park and the world-famous Panoramic Route has spectacular scenery including God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon.
The second type of safari is a private Fly-In Safari. For a private safari you can fly straight from Johannesburg International Airport to the lodge of your choice. These lodges are all on the private reserves adjacent or in the the Kruger National Park. Because this land is either privately owned or leased from the Park, they are permitted to go off road and lodge game drive vehicles are permitted to do many things you can't do in the National Park. The rangers are extremely knowledgeable and will take you on safari drives in open vehicles.
The Private Lodges can drive off road which allows you to get closer to the animals and night drives are permissible and a great way to see the African sunset and the nocturnal creatures. Driving with a guide dramatically increases your chances of seeing animals as they know where and what to look for. These private safaris are the most popular with our overseas visitors and prices include all meals, game drives, drinks, tea & coffee and bush walks.
On the Kruger National Park's western boundary are several private game reserves (
Sabi Sands,
Timbavati,
Private Concessions, etc). They are not separated from Kruger by fences, so wild animals move freely between Kruger and the private game reserves. Within the private game reserves are small, exclusive accommodations known as lodges. Staying at a private lodge is usually an expensive proposition.
In return for that expenditure, one gets luxury accommodation, gourmet meals and most importantly, morning and evening game drives in an open, 4x4, off-road vehicle which is all included in the price. The lodges in these areas are spectacular and offer world-class luxury service.
