What arrangements have people made to "do" Kruger park from
Pretoria ? it sounds like most people recommend hiring a
car. Any good/bad car rental firms in Pretoria/ Jo'burg/
Neilspruit? Has anyone done an organised tour that they
would recommend?
How many days do people recommend staying in Kruger? What
way round have people gone - I thought going in one of the
southern entrances, driving north to eg Oliphants then
further north eg Shingwedzi, and out at Punda Maria, then on
to Blyde Canyon. How far do you cover at an unhurried pace
each day - we do aactually want to see the animals!! 50 to
100 km?
Is Blyde Canyon worth a look in on the way back - apparently
there is a reasonable campsite there.
Thanks for any answers to our two million questions !
Al & Bec
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Renting a car is surely worth it, as you are more flexible
in what you want to see. The campgrounds in Kruger are
excellent, just try to be there in time to get a braai
facility. And don't go at weekends or public holidays. We
took two and a half day for this tour through Kruger and it
was fair. Southern parts have quite lush vegetation, so that
it is not too easy to spot wildlife. But it is very nice
down there. Best spot I thought was the area around olifants
(drive along the river!). Most elefants live north of
Olifants, where a quite boring Mopane-forrest starts.
Have a great time! Andy
HI !
You should spend atleast 3 days in the park for game viewing
and up to a week if you want to experience driving through
the whole park.
Be sure to include a walking safari (trails) in the park !!
Also experience a "Night drive" and "Bush Braai" whilst
there.All these things are very poular and have to be booked
long in advance !!!
Combine Blyde River Canyon with the southern Kruger area -
better from a strategical point of view.
When doing the canyon route, stop in a small town called
Graskop for South Africas best Dutch Pancakes !
If you need specific info don't hesitate.
JAN
GAME RANGER
MANYELETI RESERVE
"Drifters" have cheap tours to Kruger and also have a lodge
next to Kruger if you want to stay longer.
Again, renting a car is a good suggestion. I would
recommend at least 3 days if you want to see the entire
park. Otherwise, you will be driving just to get to your
next destination--not to see the animals. The park really
is quite large. We usually don't get further north than
Letaba.
Blyde River Canyon is really quite beautiful and worth it if
you have the time.
I visited Kruger Park twice, first time individual by car
and secon time with an organized backpackers-tour.
Both kinds of travelling have their advantages and
disadvantages. While you are free to stay or to go when
travelling on your own, you have an experienced guide when
you travel on an organized tour. This guide can spot
animals long before you. He knows the places, the animals
and the "dos and donts", he drives the bus as well. But he
also tells you when to get up and when to have lunch.
Just a word to "drifters": this is an excellent company for
touring southern Africa. I did a trip through Namibia,
Zimabwe and Botswana with them. But I can't say that they
have reasonable prices. There are many cheper companies,
offering their specials in all the backpacker hostels
Axel
yes...you do have pro's and cons with a car rental for
kruger. we just about always recommend travellers to go with
a trip...you are bound to learn so much more from the
guides. Blyde river canyon is absolutely awesome. Just about
all the recommended trips on our site stop there
http://www.travelinafrica.co.za
If you've got time, you should also go riverrafting there...
They do a GREAT trip, from a place called otter's Den.
I tried it, it was totally awesome...
I did a bus tour AND A WALKING TOUR. Walking tour is
infinitely better. The SA Parks board walking tours are
booked a year in advance, but you can do a walking tour in
the greater Kruger Area (in manaleti game reserve - next
door, with no fences between it and kruger). I booked my
trip threough Africa Travel Center in Capeton (they have a
major web page) The company was excellent (TrANSFRONTIERS).
tHEY INCLUDE A bLYE CANYON TRIP OIN THEIR 5 DAYS - BUT WE
DIDN'YT DO IT as it was raining.
We went on a three day trip to Kruger hiring car with
Eurocar which offer a set rate with no additional cost for
millage (essential if doing kruger) and good modern cars.
Total cost about รบ75 for 3 days. Most backpakers (Pretoria
Backpakers defintly - excellent place to stay) can order
for you, all very easy convenient.