Kruger National Park

[Gravox]

G'day Guys, the wife and i are heading down to South Africa (early April) to escape the rat race of Hong Kong and will be heading out to Kruger National Park.

We are looking at options of driving and or flying there from J'burg. Can you tell me who the operators are that fly up there.

Are there any scenic flight operators in KNP? if so where do they operate from. What are there rates for a flight.

Is there any part of the park that is a must see? Looking at staying at Sabi Sabi. Any reviews. How many days would you recommend to spend driving around or is a 2 day safari with the resort enough. Was thinking about splitting the trip with a visit to Cape Town.

Thanks in advance

[grjplanes]

You can fly to Nelspruit/Kruger/Mpumalanga (MQP) airport, which is basically the main airport serving the park, being just about 15kms away from one of the southern gates, best access for the larger southern parts of the park, flights by Airlink/SA Express (about 1hour from JNB (6 daily flights), 2h30 from CPT (1 daily) and 1h15 from DUR (2 daily).
From JNB you can also fly to Hoedspruit (HDS), which is a bit more to the middle gates of the park (1h10, 2 daily SA Express flights). Or to Phalaborwa (PHW) which is the airport most north, although still half-way up the park, 2/3 daily Airlink (J-41) flights.
If you want to drive around in the park, you won't be doing the whole park in a week, way too big. The southern parts has lots more tourists, traffic can get jammed on the roads even. The more north you go the quieter it gets...all the areas is good, some offer more animals of certain species in specific areas of the park.
Good luck and enjoy!

[forssi]

Try Federal Air, they have direct flights to Sabi Sabi.

[B Sousa]

Get a good car rental. Enjoy the drive. Maybe stay at some places along the way.
Dont do any side roads, stay on the main roads. Plenty of nice spots. maybe even stay a night in www.dullstroom.co.za (http://www.dullstroom.co.za) nearby is www.fourfriendscottages.net (http://www.fourfriendscottages.net)

Another one a little out of the way forever resorts mount sheba south africa hotel lodge conference wedding spa hydro camping caravan kids club (http://www.mountsheba.co.za/) but it takes you out near Long Tom Pass, Mpumalanga (http://www.sa-venues.com/attractionsmpl/long-tom-pass.htm)

Drive through here and have a beer or ten at the Royal Hotel. Pilgrim's Rest Home Page Pilgrims Pilgrims-Rest pilgrimsrest Mpumalanga South Africa SA Panorama escarpment Transvaal history historic gold goldpanning panning rush goldfield field goldmine mine monument National village museum museums championship d (http://www.pilgrims-rest.co.za/)

Near Kruger is Hazyview, Mpumalanga - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazyview)

I have a million spots if your interested. Flying is so bland and it gives the NPs too much time in your luggage.

[VortexGen300]

Try any of the following charters guys www.generalairways.co.za (http://www.generalairways.co.za) or www.flyjetstream.co.za (http://www.flyjetstream.co.za) or www.loutzavia.co.za (http://www.loutzavia.co.za) or if you want to fly with schedule go www.flyairlink.com (http://www.flyairlink.com)

VG300

[Propstop]

Do not miss a night at Oliphant Camp. Have a few sundowners overlooking the Oliphant River and watch the elephants in the river below and the giraffes in the savannah beyond. After a great meal then take the night tour and see all the animals missed during the day. Simply MAGIC!!!
After we exited the park the drive through Hazy View was out of this world. The people we met, once out of the big cities, by staying in simple B&B showed us the best of South Africa. Wilderness Accommodation Tendele B&B self catering (http://www.gardenroute.org/wilderness/tendele/) is run by an ex pilot and is highly recommended. (I have worked with the pilot many years ago) I have stayed there and can highly recommend the B&B and the area.
Please look beyond the crime in cities and experience the genuine hospitality and fabulous meals you will have and this is coming from an Aussie who has and still regularly visits SA.

[chongololo]

They can fly straight into Skukuza can't they?
It's been a few years but I'm sure there were JHB-Skukuza flights, I'll let someone here who has been there more recently comment on that one.
Have fun, I wish it were me, don't forget the binoculars.:ok:

[B Sousa]

StoppingProp is right. But again I add drive through the area, flying does not allow you to get out and see sights. Self Catering palces all over and huge stores in most cities towns. "Pic N' Pay, Spar" So you can do your own food, lunch along the way or dine at great restaurants.

The Caveat to all this is there is sufficent crime in SA to go around, so there is also a list of things and places you dont do. Many here will help you out should you have questions.

[Whenwe]

I do not consider myself an expert on the Kruger Park but I have been going there on average at least once a year for the last 50 years. It hit a very low spot just after 1994 but common sense prevailed and they pulled it back from the brink of disaster.
I am leaving again on the 15th of June, spending the night in Nelspruit and will be at Crocodile Bridge as the gate opens.
My favourite drive is from there to Lower Sabi and on to Satara. We have often seen, or almost, the big five by the time you get to Lower Sabie. Satara is our favourite area for game. The drive to Tshokwane takes you through an area where you could see large herds of wildebeest, Zebras and Buffalo. If you have the time, stop, switch off the engine, don't breath, just listen to animals as they get used to you and start walking around your car. Listen to africa! Please don't do that with elphants!
Carefull about the shops, most of the stuff you buy are made in China and it is very expensive. For the rest enjoy and a "must-have" is making your breakfast at one of the picnic spots.
Roll on the 15th of June

[Gravox]

Thanks everyone for the great input. we're going to take your advice and drive up to Kruger.

B Sousa you've just ruined the holiday, now we need more time to fit in all the recommendations. :ok: Thanks.

The highlight should be a 2 night stay at the Sabi Sabi lodge. (thanks to a great crew rate :D)

[TUBALCAIN]

Visit SA National Parks web site at www.sanparks.org (http://www.sanparks.org)
for Kruger National Park and other SA Nat Parks booking/ information.

[B Sousa]

Seriously, I love that area and wifey and I always travel by road. I have a million places to show you if your interested. Just remember the Caveat above. PM/email once you figure out how your going to travel and I will send websites accordingly.
Prepare to enjoy....

Sabie River Route (http://www.sabie.co.za/tour/sabie-route.html)

Sabie River Golf Course, Mpumalanga (http://www.sa-venues.com/golf/mpl_sabie.htm)

Not a bad choice by the way.
Sabi Sabi Luxury Safari Lodges | Private Game Reserve South Africa (http://www.sabisabi.com/)

If you want to put some change in Sir Richards Pocket. try this one
Ulusaba ::: Ulusaba Home (http://www.ulusaba.virgin.com/)

Its pretty pricey.

[nugpot]

It's been a few years but I'm sure there were JHB-Skukuza flights, I'll let someone here who has been there more recently comment on that one.

SAX used to operate JNB to Skukuza. When MQP opened they were asked to stop operating there to help the new airport get off the ground. The idea was to resume into Skukuza by 2009, but now the Provincial Government refuses, because MQP would become a white elephant......