Help on Self-Drive Safari

A Self-Drive Safari gives you the freedom to drive yourself around the Kruger Park in your own vehicle. It is the most affordable way to see the Park and gives you flexibility and the thrill of spotting wildlife at your leisure.

Once the Entrance and Camp Gates are open you can Self-Drive throughout the Park on designated Routes and Roads. All the roads are either tarred or gravel and you may never drive your vehicle off-road to get closer to the animals.

You are not bound schedule and can discover the Kruger Park at your own leisure. A Self-Drive Safari is the most affordable safari option with Standard Self-Catering Accommodation.

It is also the most Family Friendly option as your children, irrespective of age, can drive around with you and be on the lookout for the BIG FIVE.

Do not speed. Drive slowly and keep your eyes and ears wide open. Watch out for movements in the bush, and be very patient. Waterholes and Hides are great for viewing wildlife, as the animals will always come looking for water and many birds as well. Talk to other visitors and watch the sightings board in the various camps.

For more tips and advice read the Self-Drive Safari Guide

The Southern Regionn is the best for sightings, but can be quite busy - viewing wildlife could be difficult with lots of cars at a single site.
The Central Region is great for cats while the plains area attracts antelope species (which in turn attracts predators).
The Northern Region is excellent for birding but poorer for other sightings.

Yes. There are a few very interesting 4 x 4 trails in Kruger Park.
The 5 day Lebombo Trail traverses a large section of Kruger, along the Lebombo mountain range. A variety of one-day 4x4 adventures drive out from four different rest camps.

Yes, you can enter and leave the Kruger Park anytime during day and as often as you want. You are however restricted to the Entrance & Camp Gate Opening and Closing Times.
You will need to produce your accommodation voucher and entry and exit permit at the Gate. The Gate official will stamp your permits – these stamped permits need to be produced again upon your return. You will not be charged any additional entry fees.

No. As soon as you leave your vehicle you step into the territory of wild animals. When you are inside your vehicle the wild animals will not fear you – letting you observe them in safety. As soon as you step outside your vehicle you become a threat to them.

Even when you can’t see any animals around, you should never get out of your vehicle, as long grass can conceal dangerous snakes etc. Only ever get out at designated areas or in the camp.

Call the Kruger Emergency call centre on 013-7354325. If you do not have a cell phone, wait for another car. Do not get out of your vehicle and do not walk to the camp!

All self-catering accommodation in the Kruger Park exclude game viewing activities however you can book additional Game Viewing Activities separately. Your options include sunset, late night and morning game drives, as well as bush walks.

These Kruger Park game drives are conducted by experienced, accredited Parks Board Guides and are offered from all Rest Camps and Bush Camps in the Kruger National Park.

The drives are between 3-4 hours and are weather dependent. If there is too much rain and stormy conditions prevail the drives will not go out or they will be shortened.
The early morning/dawn drives leave at around 04:30am in summer and 05:30am in winter (30 minutes before gate opening times).

The sunset drives on the other hand leave 2 hours before the gate closing time. In summer this is around 16:30pm and you are requested to check-in at reception at 16:00pm.

In winter the drive leaves around 15:30pm and you are requested to check in at 15:00pm. The departure times are given only as a guide as times vary throughout the year.

Unfortunately no children under 6 years are allowed on any of the game drives and no children under 12 for the bush walk. Children under 12 years pay half of the full price for the game drives.

You have to confirm the exact departure time and collection point with reception the previous night when you check- in to your accommodation.

Sometimes due to bad weather a game drive may be canceled. This is out of our control and unfortunately unpredictable.

We are not always informed by the camp so please ensure that you contact us when you get home. You will receive a full refund on the canceled activities.

Most Rest Camps and Bushveld Camps offer some form of game viewing activity but not always all of them.

There are only a few select camps that offer the late night drive. Please confirm with your consultant at the time of booking.

To avoid disappointment we definitely recommend pre-booking at least some of your activities. Each camp only has a certain number of vehicles and these are quickly booked up.

If you are keen on flexibility try and pre-book at least one game drive in advance so you do not to miss out.

Download and Print this Kruger Park Map.