Traveling from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park can take anything between one hour by plane and 10 hours by bus. The travel distance also depends on which part of the game reserve you are visiting.
Travelers can fly to either Phalaborwa or Skukuza airport and use a private transfer or rent a car for the rest of the route. Alternatively, travelers can use a private transfer or car to their chosen entrance of Kruger National Park. The drive is between five and six hours. The least convenient method of travel is by bus. This can take around ten hours as there are no direct bus routes between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park.
This traveler interview about Kruger National Park may appeal to those interested in finding out more about South African safari.
By Plane and Private Transfer or Car
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Travelers can choose between flying to Phalaborwa or Skukuza airport. The flight to Skukuza airport is 50 minutes and the airport is located within the southern part of Kruger National Park. From the airport, we recommend that travelers use a private transfer to get to Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park. This is a 10-minute drive away. After arriving at the rest camp, travelers can make use of the different game drives available to explore the reserve. Those who wish to drive may also rent a car at the airport.
A flight from Johannesburg to Phalaborwa is one hour and 10 minutes. This airport is a seven-minute drive from the northern part of Kruger National Park. After arriving in Phalaborwa, there will be private transfers available to take you to your accommodation. For game viewing, travelers can make use of private game drives. Alternatively, travelers can rent a car from the airport.
By Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 5-6 hours
Travelers can choose between using a private transfer or renting a car. Most private transfers offer a set fee irrespective of the number of passengers. Those who choose to drive should keep cash or a credit card accessible for pay tolls on the road. Travelers will need to adapt their route depending on which entrance gate of the Kruger National Park you are going to.
Those visiting the southern part of Kruger National Park will drive on the N12 and N4 highways. This route is 283 miles and takes five and a half hours. Alternatively, travelers can visit the northern part of Kruger National Park near the town Phalaborwa. The shortest route is via the N12 highway and is 309 miles. Travelers may choose to stop at the town Bela Bela or Tzaneen en route.
By Bus and Private Transfer
Duration: 7-10 hours
This is the least convenient and most time-consuming method of travel. There are no direct bus routes between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. Travelers visiting the northern part of Kruger National Park will get a bus to Nelspruit and then a connecting bus to Phalaborwa. This trip is between nine and ten hours long. As car rental isn’t available at the bus station in Phalaborwa, you will need to get a private transfer to the Kruger National Park or a car rental store.
Those visiting the southern part of Kruger National Park can get a bus from Johannesburg to Malelane and use a private transfer for the rest of the route. This trip is seven hours long. Travelers should be aware of their safety at this bus stop and book a ticket that arrives in daylight.
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