Mpumalanga Self Drive Route 1 - Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route - 8 days

Starting point Nelspruit. If you are an international traveller, you should fly in from Johannesburg International to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA).

DAY

ROUTE

RECOMMENDED

1

Arrive KMIA and hire a car. You will need your credit card and driver's licence.You can do this at the airport, or pre- book. On leaving the airport, turn towards Karino and head towards the N4 to Malelane. You will have to go through a toll gate, so have South African Rands ready.
From Malelane, follow directions to Kruger Park via Malelane Gate.

Travel up through Kruger, game viewing, to Satara where you will overnight. You need to pre-book weel before the time for Kruger. You can book a "hut" with an equipped kitchenette and bathroom - sleeps 3 - for a very reasonable price.

Remember that Kruger charges an entrance fee per day and a vehicle fee. This camp at Kruger is self-catering so take provisions with, although you can buy at the shops in Kruger (rather expensive)

Car Hire

Kruger National Park
Booking no.:

27 (0)12 4289111

2

Try to wake up early for a 2 hr game drive in the vicinity of Satara (about 5.30 am) as that is the best viewing time for game. Return for breakfast and then follow the routes to Skukuza to overnight in Skukuza. This is a very game rich area. Again, self-catering.

Skukuza

3

Take the routes to Lower Sabie, Munchi Mountain, Tshokwane and on to Satara - self catering.

Satara

4

Take the S100 route to Nuanetsi and on to Orpen Gate to exit Kruger. Travel through to Hoedspruit to overnight in this area.

5

After breakfast, take a boat trip on the Blydepoort Dam and visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where you can interact with some of the wildlife - and feed the vultures by hand. Watch out - thye like to nip tour butt! Overnight in this area

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Tel : 27 (0) 15 795 5236

Click here to see Hoedspruit Accommodation

6

Take a scenic drive to visit the 3 Rondawels, Burke's Luck Potholes, Wonder View and God's Window and the rainforest - on the Drakensburg escarpment. Then continue on to the town of Graskop Overnight in this area

7

Put aside at least 3 hours to visit the historic, restored town of Pilgrim's Rest. Visit the myriad of curio shops hers, visit the historic pub (was once a church) and do the gold panning tour. (very reasonably priced and value for money). Then on to Sabie through the Long Tom Pass. Spend the afternoon in this area and overnight here.

Misty Mountain. Lovely.
Tel : 27 (0) 13 764 3377

8

Head back towards Nelspruit and visit the Sudwala Caves - the oldest in the world.

Take the road to Kaapschehoop - an artists have, and also renowned for the Blue Swallos and wild horses.

Have lunch there.

Travel back to Nelspruit and visit the Nelspruit Botanical Gardes before overnighting in Nelspruit.

Click here for Kaapsche Hoop

Peacehaven lodge
Tel: 27 (0) 13 741 4889
peacehavenlodge@mweb.co.za www.peacehavenlodge.co.za

Crowned Eagle Lodge
Tel/Fax 27 13 745 7889
strydom.fam@absamail www.crownedeaglelodge.co.za

9

Depart for KMIA