MoAfrika outreach on how to plan a Kruger Park safari
Kruger National Park offers the best of wildlife experiences. What must be considered when planning a trip?
Going on a safari in the Kruger National Park is easier said than done, and to book a tour you’ll need to plan it far in advance and consider all of the possible options depending on your style – even if you live in South Africa.
Firstly, you will have to decide whether you want to book your excursion with a tour operator or do it on your own.
By following this advice on planning Kruger Park safaris, you can hopefully avoid many mistakes when doing it yourself.
Pros and cons – a travel agency vs self-drive safari
There are benefits and drawbacks attached to both using a travel agency to plan your guided safari and doing it all by yourself. Your ultimate choice will depend on the amount of money you are willing to spend, the time and expertise you have in planning such a private trip and if you are willing to take the stress of self-planning.
| Using a tour operator to book your safari | Planning your own safari |
| You will have to share a part of your budget with the tour operator. | You can spend more money on accommodation, activities or driving around. |
| These operators are skilled and won’t make unnecessary mistakes. | If it is your first safari, you may not be aware of any pitfalls regarding rules etc. |
| You have to adhere to a set itinerary and methods of transfer. | You can explore and chop and change your itinerary as you want to. |
Unless you cannot drive or do not have anyone who can drive with you, renting a car and exploring on your own may be a much more adventurous option. That way, you can plan your own route, spend as much time as you want watching animals, and generally have more freedom.
Guidelines for planning a self-drive safari in Kruger:
Start to plan your trip long before your departure date.
Accommodation in Kruger needs to be booked long in advance during peak periods. Book a car with a rental agency at least a few days before. Also make sure that you can rent a car in South Africa with a driver’s license from your country of origin or obtain an international one.
Get your credit cards in order
To use your credit cards in South Africa, for example to rent a car, make sure you check their expiry dates and validity. A car rental company will also block a huge amount on your credit card when you rent a car.
Book your accommodation first
Kruger National Park is huge, so you need to plan your stay meticulously. Book at different camps but try to stay at least two nights in one camp otherwise you would be packing and unpacking most of the time.
Consider driving and gate closure times
The camps’ gates close for the night at different times during different seasons and you have to make it back before it gets dark. Make sure about the distance you need to travel between camps and consider the speed limit because some side roads will take longer, as well as allow time for stopping at sightings.
Visit the Kruger to experience the best of African wilderness.
