Many African reserves can only be explored on guided safari tours, but South Africa’s Kruger National Park offers a unique opportunity where you can see wild lions, elephants, leopards, hippos and more from your very own car or a rental car. A self-drive safari is a more affordable option and it can be enjoyed at your own pace, choosing whichever road or dirt track your heart desires. This guide is based on first-hand experience and covers everything you need to know to plan a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park.
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Overview of Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic and largest game reserves, renowned as one of the best to see the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. Spanning a huge area of pristine wilderness, Kruger offers a safari experience with incredible biodiversity and landscapes and is a must for wildlife enthusiasts.
It is is located in northeastern South Africa, bordering Mozambique and spans an area of 19,485 km2, which is about the same size as Wales, Israel and New Jersey. As the park is so big, unless you have a couple of weeks to explore it all, it’s recommended to choose one or two regions of the park. It is divided into three main regions which offer their own distinct landscapes and wildlife: Southern, Central and Northern Kruger. There’s more information on choosing which areas to visit below.
Why choose a self-drive safari in Kruger
For those seeking flexibility, savings, adventure and a unique experience, a self-drive safari is a perfect option.
Probably the best reason for choosing a self-drive safari is that it gives you flexibility to explore the park at your own pace, choosing your own routes and schedules. Depending on your available time, you could drive from one end of Kruger to the other, staying at various camps or lodges along the way. Self-driving also gives you the option to explore the park all day long, whereas many of the safari lodges may only offer two game drives in a day – morning and evening.
Wildlife is so abundant in the park that you are guaranteed to see it even on a self-drive safari. Throughout the 6 days that we spent driving in the park we came across a lion relaxing in the middle of the road, leopards casually crossing in front of us, numerous elephants playing and causing traffic jams, rhinos running around us, as well as countless other animals who were all a stones throw away from our car. Of course, some animals were seen further in the distance so make sure you bring a good pair of binoculars. There are many people self-driving in the park and you’ll often find a line-up of cars (particularly in busier areas like Southern Kruger) if wildlife has been spotted. People will usually wind down their windows to let you know if they’ve seen anything. It’s a very communal and friendly way of doing safari.
One of the other great things about a self-drive safari, especially for photography-loving people like us, is having the entire vehicle to yourselves. With all our camera gear easily accessible, one of us could sit up front while the other took the back seat, allowing us to take photos from both sides of the car. This way, no one misses out on seeing or photographing the wildlife.
A couple of disadvantages of self-driving to consider is, one: if you are planning to stay in one of the government-run rest camps, you will need to ensure you arrive before they close their gates at around sunset. Once the gates are closed, you cannot leave the camp in your car until they open the gates the next day at sunrise as they lock the gates overnight for safety. More information about the camps can be found here. This means that from sunset to sunrise you cannot go out looking for animals in your own vehicle. The second disadvantage of self-driving is: unless you have a big vehicle that is equipped for off-road travel you will not be able to travel down some of the more rugged roads. That being said there are so many roads that are accessible to a regular car and you will come across wildlife even on the paved roads.
Choosing the right type of vehicle for your self-drive safari in Kruger
So, what type of vehicle should you choose for your self-drive safari?
First of all, you will need to consider where you want to go in the park and which type of roads you will want to travel down. Kruger has an extensive network of roads and routes which are divided into two main types: Main roads (H roads) which are well maintained, tarred roads that connect the main camps in the park. Secondary roads (S roads) which are gravel roads that take you deeper into the bush and offer more of a wild experience and a better chance to see wildlife. Beyond these two types of roads, there are also off-road trails for more adventurous visitors. Generally speaking, you can see lots of wildlife and visit all key sites and areas by just using the H and S roads.
While a 4×4 vehicle is not needed for the H and S roads, most of all, you will want to choose a vehicle that has high-clearance. This will allow you to handle any rocks or rubble that you may find in the gravel roads, but it will also give you the best chance of seeing wildlife as you will be able to see over the tops of bushes and other vegetation.
If you are planning to use the off-road trails, you will need a 4×4.
Where to rent a vehicle for your self-drive safari in Kruger
The best option to rent a car is from an airport.
- Johannesburg is the closest major international airport and you can rent a car from there. The drive takes approximately 4.5 to 6 hours depending on which gate you’re heading to. The roads from Johannesburg to Kruger are well-maintained, and many travellers take the N4 highway via Nelspruit (Mbombela). If you’re not in a rush, you could stop at scenic spots along the way or do an overnight stop such as at Graskop to see the stunning Three Rondavels.
- If you are starting your journey closer to Kruger National Park, you can rent a car from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport which is located about 40km south of the Park.
Choosing which areas of Kruger to visit
As mentioned above, Kruger is divided into three main regions which offer their own distinct landscapes and wildlife: Southern, Central and Northern Kruger. As the park is so big, you will need to consider how much of the park you can visit for your-self drive safari with the time you have available.
Our recommendation is:
- 1-4 days, visit one region.
- 4-8 days, visit two regions.
- 8-14 days, visit all three regions.
Here’s a breakdown of the regions:
Southern Kruger (south of the Sable River):
- Landscape: Bushveld, rivers, and dense vegetation — perfect for diverse wildlife
- Wildlife: This area has the highest animal density in the park — Big Five, cheetahs, wild dogs, and hippos. The Sabie and Crocodile Rivers attract tons of animals, making game viewing exceptional.
- Best for: First-time visitors, Big Five sightings, and easy access from Johannesburg.
- Notable drives:
- H4-1 (Lower Sabie to Skukuza): One of the best game drive routes in the park
- S114 & S25: Great for spotting rhinos and lions
- S65: Fantastic for leopard sightings
- Main gates: Paul Kruger Gate, Phabeni Gate, Numbi Gate, Malelane Gate, Crocodile Bridge Gate
- Main government-run camps: Skukuza, Lower Sabie, Berg-en-Dal, Pretoriuskop, Crocodile Bridge
Central Kruger (Sabie River to Olifants River)
- Landscape: Open savanna and grasslands — perfect for predators and big game
- Wildlife: Known as “Big Cat Country” — lions, cheetahs, and leopards thrive here. You’ll also see large herds of zebras, buffalo, and giraffes.
- Best for: Big cats, scenic views, and large predator sightings
- Notable drives:
- S100 (Satara area): Arguably the best route for lions in the park
- H7 (Orpen to Satara): Great for cheetahs and wild dogs
- Olifants River Drive: Breathtaking views of the river and elephants gathering near water
- Main gates: Orpen Gate, Satara Gate
- Main government-run camps: Satara, Olifants, Talamati (Bushveld Camp), Marcela (Tented Camp)
Northern Kruger (North of the Olifants River)
- Landscape: Baobab trees, mopane woodlands, and rugged terrain — much drier and remote
- Wildlife: Less dense animal population, but you’ll find rare species like roan antelope, sable, and tsessebe. Birdwatching here is phenomenal, with Pel’s fishing owl, carmine bee-eaters, and hornbills.
- Best for: Birding, rare animals, and secluded wilderness
- Notable drives:
- H1-9 (Shingwedzi to Pafuri): Stunning, remote route with elephants, buffalo, and crocodiles
- Pafuri Picnic Site: One of the best birding spots in Kruger
- S50 (Mopani area): Great for rare antelope species and elephants
- Main gates: Phalaborwa Gate, Pafuri Gate, Punda Maria Gate
- Main government-run camps: Shingwedzi, Punda Maria, Mopani, Bateleur (Bushveld Camp), Sirheni (Bushveld Camp)
If there is one thing you do in preparation for choosing where to go on your self-drive safari, it is to get this book! The book provides an incredible amount of detailed information on all of the routes and roads in Kruger National Park. There are lots of insider tips on the roads which usually offer the best chance to see wildlife and also provides insights on which animals are usually found along each road. Additionally, the book provides an excellent visual representation of the park with maps of the different regions, and it has a fun checklist so you can tick off which animals you see. Honestly, this book was one of the best purchases we have ever made for a trip!
Where to stay in Kruger on a self-drive safari
Government-run rest camps (inside Kruger National Park)
There are various options for where you can stay during a self-drive safari of Kruger National Park, but our recommendation is to stay at the government-run rest camps which are located inside the park at the centre of all the action.
These rest camps are managed by SANParks (South African National Parks) and offer a range of affordable accommodation options, from tent camping to modest chalets and bungalows. They are located in various locations across the park so you can choose to stay in several if you plan to travel around the park.
Here’s a breakdown of the main rest camps:
- Skukuza: The largest camp, with restaurants, shops, a pool, a golf course, and lots of accommodation choices. It’s a great hub with excellent wildlife sightings nearby.
- Satara: Known as “Big Cat Country” — if you’re after lions, cheetahs, and leopards, this is your spot. It’s a popular, busy camp with solid facilities.
- Lower Sabie: Beautiful location along the Sabie River, offering some of the best game viewing in the park. The river attracts tons of animals.
- Olifants: located in central Kruger and perched on a hill overlooking the Olifants River, this camp offers panoramic views — you can often spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles right from the lookout points. It offers a variety of accommodation choices from thatched bungalows, guest cottages for larger groups and camping sites for a more budget-friendly option.
- Pretoriuskop: One of the oldest camps, set in a scenic, rocky landscape with unique plant life and a quieter vibe.
- Berg-en-Dal: Modern and well-maintained, with stunning views and good chances of seeing rhinos. Close to Malelane Gate.
- Letaba: Famous for elephants and stunning river views. It’s a peaceful camp with a great elephant museum.
- Shingwedzi: In the quieter northern part of the park — perfect for birding and more remote game viewing.
- Mopani: A newer camp with thatched cottages and a serene atmosphere, overlooking Pioneer Dam.
Smaller, more rustic camps include:
- Tsendze: A camping-only spot, no electricity just pure bush.
- Balule: Near Olifants, this camp is small and simple, perfect for those wanting a no-frills, close-to-nature stay.
- Maroela and Tamboti: Near Orpen Gate, offering permanent safari-style tents with basic facilities.
- Crooks Corner and Pafuri Picnic Site: Remote, northern spots great for day visitors and bird enthusiasts.
Overnight hides (viewing hides by day, transformed into rustic overnight spots by night):
- Sable Hide
- Shipandani Hide
To make a reservation at a rest camp, visit South African National Parks website.
The rest camps also offer their own guided safari tours which you could combine with your own self-drive safari for an additional experience. These tours are led by knowledgable and experienced guides and include sunrise game drives, sunset game drives, night drives, guided bush walks, full day game drives and private drives and tours. The tours are incredibly well-priced between R400-1500 per person. Some tours use larger vehicles to accommodate up to 50 people, which may limit access to off-road areas. Most of the activities can be booked online via the SANParks website or the camp reception desks. Most of the tours we booked we were able to do so at the reception desk the night before or the day of, however, some tour, like the sunrise and bush walks sell out faster. Private tours may need to be arranged in advance.
Other accommodation options
Like we said, staying at a government-run rest camp would be our recommendation during a self-drive safari, but there are other options. These range from luxury private lodges to smaller, more exclusive bush camps and eco-friendly stays. We’ve outlined all these options in our other guide.
How to enter Kruger on a self-drive safari
Park gates:
You can enter Kruger National Park through the dedicated gates which are located across the parks’ boundaries. These include:
- Southern Kruger: Paul Kruger Gate, Phabeni Gate, Numbi Gate, Malelane Gate, Crocodile Bridge Gate
- Central Kruger: Orpen Gate, Satara Gate
- Northern Kruger: Phalaborwa Gate, Pafuri Gate, Punda Maria Gate
Again, more information about the three areas in Kruger can be found here.
The park gates are open between 5:30am-6:00am and close between 5:30-6:30pm depending on the month. You can check the opening and closing times here.
Some safety concerns at certain park entrance gates have been identified, particularly for those who are driving themselves. It is recommended to avoid Numbi Gate. Recommend gates for a secure entry/exit point include: Paul Kruger, Phabeni Open, Phalaborwa, and Crocodile Bridge.
Fees to enter Kruger
To enter the park, visitors are required to pay a daily conservation fee which can be purchased at the gates:
- International visitors: Adults R535 per day, Children (2-11) R128 per day
- South African Development Community national: Adults R257 per day, Children R128 per day
- South African Citizens and Residents: Adults R128 per day, Children R64 per day
Documents and equipment for a self-drive safari in Kruger
Documents:
- Driving licence
- Car insurance
Equipment:
- Water
- Food/snacks
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Torch/head torch
- Warm layers
Optional:
- Kruger Self-Drive: Routes, Roads and Ratings – this book is optional but in our view it is an essential purchase for your trip with information on all of the routes and roads in Kruger, handy maps, tips on the roads which usually offer the best chance to see wildlife and which animals are usually found along each road.
Considerations for your self-drive safari in Kruger
A self-drive safari comes with a few additional considerations that you will need to plan for.
- Speed limits: In the park, speed limits are 50km/h on H roads and 40km/h on S roads. Make sure you plan enough time to get from one place to another, especially if you plan to travel long distances in a day and keep in mind the park gate and rest camps closing times which can be found here.
- Start your day early: The best wildlife spotting time is at dawn when both nocturnal and diurnal animals are active. Animals are drawn to the roads in cold mornings as they try to get warmth from the tarred roads. If you are staying at the rest camps, you will notice that self-drivers will begin lining up by the gates before they open in the morning.
- Animal safety: Respect wildlife. Don’t feed or drive too close to them. Wildlife always has the right of way, so make sure to stop for that elephant crossing the road. While inside the park, do not get out of your car outside designated areas – there are dangerous animals everywhere. Designated areas include campsites as well as picnic areas, hides and some bridges – it will be clearly signposted if you are allowed out of your vehicle.
- Driving safety: While driving outside of the park, make sure you familiarise yourself with the recommendations for driving in South Africa which includes avoiding driving at night. As mentioned earlier in the guide, some safety concerns at certain park entrance gates have also been identified. It is recommended to avoid Numbi Gate. Recommend gates for a secure entry/exit point include: Paul Kruger, Phabeni Open, Phalaborwa, and Crocodile Bridge.
- Petrol stations: Available at most of the major camps inside the park, as well as near the park gates. Fill up when you can.
- Directions: Print out a map of Kruger or download google maps.
More tips can be found on the Kruger National Park website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I see wildlife on a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park?
- Answer: 100%. Kruger is renowned as one of the best game reserves to see the Big 5: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo. Wildlife is so abundant in the park that you are guaranteed to see it even on a self-drive safari. Many animals can be seen from the main roads. Others may be further in the distance. Remember to take your time, go slow and be patient – one minute there may be no sign of life, the next, a huge herd of elephants may appear through the bushes. Stop regularly. Keep your binoculars on you. Look out for signs of animals such as vultures circling above. Speak to people. And have fun!
Can I combine a self-drive safari with guided game drives?
- Answer: Yes, you can do a self-drive safari and combine it with guided game drives. In fact, this is a fantastic way to make the most out of your visit to Kruger. If you are staying at the government run rest camps you can join their tours such as a sunrise or sunset tour for a reasonable price. So, you can self-drive during the day and then join a guided game-drive for a couple of hours either side. Alternatively, you could stay at the rest camps for a few nights where you will self-drive during the day, and then spend a few nights at a private safari lodge which usually includes game drives. More information on guided tours can be found here.
Is it safe to do a self-drive safari?
- Answer: Yes, as long as you follow the rules and guidance which we highlighted earlier in the article. Stick to speed limits, respect animals, and do not get out of your car unless you are in a designated area to do so.
Are there bathrooms along the roads in Kruger?
- Answer: There are bathrooms at the rest camps and picnic areas.
- Are there food and water sources along the trail?
- Answer: There are restaurants and shops located at the rest camps where you can purchase food and drinks.
