Getting to Kruger National Park

There are several ways of getting to Kruger National Park. Journeys usually begin (and end) in Johannesburg or Cape Town. However, the most convenient option typically involves a direct flight to one of the airports in the area or directly to your safari lodge, meaning you won't have to overnight in Johannesburg. 

Fly Directly to Your Safari Lodge

Daily flights operate between Johannesburg and many of the private lodges surrounding the Kruger. This is the easiest and most convenient way to travel to the park. The flights take about 90 minutes and deliver you to the nearest airstrip of the lodge you are travelling to. A representative or ranger from your lodge will meet you at the airstrip and transfer you by game drive vehicle directly to your lodge.

Fly To Hoedspruit/Eastgate (HDS), Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA/MQP) or Skukuza Airport (SZK)

Fractionally less expensive: Several daily flights operate from Johannesburg to HDS, KMIA/MQP or SZK. There are also direct flights from Cape Town to Kruger National Park. From these airports you can be transferred either by escorted road transfer (2/3 hours each way) or by charter flight (approx 25mins). If you are staying in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, the most suitable airport would be KMIA/MQP and if you are staying further north, for example in the Timbavati Game Reserve, then HDS is the best option. Your consultant will be able to advise you further.

Self Drive to Kruger National Park

Least expensive but most time consuming: Self driving to the Kruger Park is a feasible option for those on a budget. The Kruger is about a six-hour drive from Johannesburg. The road is tarred and well maintained with clean service stations along the way. Fuel is never a problem in South Africa, and easy-to-follow maps are available with all car rentals.

Why not split your time between the Kruger and the Kruger Surrounds and Panorama Route? The Kruger surrounds is famous for God's Window, the Blyde River Canyon and Bourkes Luck Potholes. Mpumalanga is also home to some of South Africa's most spectacular scenery, including waterfalls and mountain passes.

Travelling Between Two or More Lodges

Lodge Hopping: If you’ve got more than two or three nights to spend on safari, then we often recommend splitting your time between two or more lodges. To maximise your time on safari, we recommend you make use of small charter flights that allow you to fly conveniently between the lodges, but if budget is a concern, road transfers between the lodges are your next best option. We often suggest spending time in two different areas including the Sabi Sand Region and either the Kruger Private Concessions or Timbavati Game Reserve.