Kruger Park accommodation advice

[supersunbird]

Thank you. Per attached map, the red route would be your preference then? Per a Kruger Park advisory the R538 is to be avoided (and Numbi, as you said).

View attachment 225052

And just so you know, there is a "new" (opened 6 years ago) Phabeni Gate near to Hazyview.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/P...35,12z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x243b3f97ba4f6a3a

 

[froot]

What about Wild Card holders? Do they also have to book?

Yes. You don't need to book if you have accommodation inside the park though.

 

[dunkyd]

Yes. You don't need to book if you have accommodation inside the park though.

Yes for day trips. Best to print out day permits and carry it to the morning Q. You can act ignorant and drive straight to gate waving permit. Works well if you lucky

 

[supersunbird]

So is this booking for day visitors at all times of the year, not just during school holiday/public holidays?

This year (in Sept) is the first time I'm going to Kruger and staying outside (free accommodation yay!) and not inside, so not aware of what surrounds day visitors.

 

[undesign]

Thanks everyone, appreciate all the replies and advice.

I'll book the day passes before hand - is there quite a lot of traffic in the morning to enter the gates (Kruger Gate in my case)?

 

[dunkyd]

Passes are best throughout the year. Also best to choose quiet gates ie Phabeni etc. Away from highways.
Qs in the morning might reach 50 cars !! Many people have a snooze whilst waiting for gate to open.
Our yearly trips are booked most times a year in advance. This gets you the nice chalets next to fences and the best camps.

 

[BigAl-sa]

Thanks everyone, appreciate all the replies and advice.

I'll book the day passes before hand - is there quite a lot of traffic in the morning to enter the gates (Kruger Gate in my case)?

You're right at the gate, so you have an advantage. You can watch for the traffic easing.

I'd do what someone mentioned earlier and try booking online. It's really a pain in the bum to try and do the bookings by phone. Once you're registered, you can book for any National Park through the online facility.

 

[Deezil]

"serious off-road machine"? Stick to the speed limits and you will have no problems.

And yes, I was there in the last six months...

Was there beginning of May ... R540 from Belfast to Lydenburg is OK-ish, R37 from Lydenburg to Sabie is BAD. R36 from Schoemanskloof to Lydenburg is damn near impassable without a 4x4.

And yes, exceeding the speed limit on those roads are pretty much suicidal

 

[undesign]

Just completed the OR Tambo to Dullstroom, then Lydenberg to Sabie to Hazyview to Kryger Gate. Roads in surprisingly good condition, no major potholes. Can only assume they did a pre-school holiday patch up?