I am going to be hunting in RSA next year and will be touring around Kruger.

It will be me, wife, and mother.

One potential plan is to fly into Nelspruit (close to Kruger) and rent a car, then spend 4 days driving around the park. The last day would be spent driving around the panorama route and God's Window, Blyde River Canyon, etc. Then finish by driving to Nelspruit, return the car, and fly to Joberg and associated connections on back home. So in other words, no driving around in any cities or anything of the sort.

I hear stories about the crime rate and so forth. Is what I propose above safe? It seems like driving in the park shouldn't be a problem. The only thing outside the park would be in another pretty heavily touristed zone.

If it comes to it, I might see if I can get a guide for one day for the Panorama Route drive. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate hearing them.

Thanks in advance.

I took my sister-in-law, and brothers-in-law thru Kruger last year. I rented a Mercedes 8 passenger bus (you would no believe what women can pack!) and drove from Kimberly to Jburg to the north gate of Kruger, down thru Kruger and back to Joburg.

We had only one "start." In Louis Trechard (spell), I missed my turn and found myself headed to a couple of townships. It was spooky but I made a U turn, and beat feet.

I don't think you should be concerned. I can really recommend (1) the Mercedes bus-its a grand platform to see animals from; (2) a cell phone that works in the country; (3) good maps and directions from your hunting outfitter on your trip.

I hesitate to make this recommendation because of the plans you have made already, but you can easily drive to the international airport from Kruger and avoid a short hop coming home. I expect the difference in money would pay for the vehicle upgrade and difference in petrol cost to Jburg.

If you have any questions about Kruger park contacts, PM me. I made all our reservations on line and it worked very well. Very inexpensive-wwell, relatively inexpensive. Kudude

As in anything else keep safe and level headed.

I send my clients through this route for after safari tours if they need. Great service and attention.

Tour guides for South Africa http://www.gilt-edge.com/

It really is not a bad drive from Joberg to Kruger. If I remember around 5 hours or so. The only slightly confusing/stressful part is getting out of the airport but the rest is smooth sailing. God's Window is worth a look and the scenery around Long Tom Pass is very nice. I recommend it.

Flying to KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) and driving from there is a great idea and you'll have a good time in the KNP, but you need to be aware of a few small things. KNP do not allow firearms into the park, unless sealed into a bag or container by one of their staff. So if you're bringing a rifle along, you'll need to get this done. A lot of people here travel with handguns and the gates have canvas bags for this, but a rifle might pose a problem for them. My advice would be for you to store the rifle at Rose's Guns in White River. You have to drive through the town to get to the KNP anyway, so it wouldn't be a problem. - And it'd be quite safe there. Incidentally, you'll be driving pretty much right past my home as you go.

The KNP part of your tour will be fine, but you need to be just a little cautious on the God's Window etc day. I'm not suggesting it's dangerous, but just make sure you take the normal precautions of being careful where you stop on the road etc.

If there's anything I can do to help, just send me an e-mail to shakari3@mweb.co.za.

Shakari,

No problem with taking rilfe into Kruger as well just declare it and remove the bolt they put the bolt into the canvas bag youre talking about and they seal it.

Not sure what they will do with doubles though.

The Mercedes bus gets a big thumbs up from me very comfortable plenty of space and low on fuel costs just remember to fill up with the right fuel diesel or petrol.

Just be aware with the small bus you would feel an incline to buy more curios along the way since you have so much space.

I would al suggest to rather drive than fly to Nelspruit you will driving on highway from the Airport till Nelspuit all the way.

I'd still recommend the flight rather than driving from Jo'burg. The first half of the drive is nothing special, although the second half has nice scenery, but I'd say your time would be better spent in the park itself.

Regarding the park, There are various standards of camp etc. Some are very big and a bit 'bucket and spade brigade', others are nicer and more private and others are very luxurious and expensive. Some also require that you supply your own BBQ tools & kettles etc. If you need those, let me know and assuming I'm in the country, I'll be happy to loan you everything you'll need as you drive past.

If you haven't booked accommodation in the KNP yet, let me know and I can recommend a friend who will advise you on camps etc and book you in if you want him to.

I'd still advise you not to take your rifle into the KNP. It'll be a bloody nuisance all the time you're in there.

You might also like to consider a visit to Lifeform Taxidermy if you have time. - You'll pretty much be driving past there as well and I know they'd be happy to give you a tour of the premises if you're so inclined.

JVinAK
I am in Sabie you are welcome to contact me aswell im on the start of the panorama route. send me the dates and what you want to see and i can work out a nice practical route for you.

my email is sabiekwik@polka.co.za

we did much the same, but just drove from joberg. really fun trip, but make sure that you book reservations at the places in the park way ahead

We had a great family trip in and around KNP last year, staying at various camps and a side trip to God's window etc plus some hunting on a friends property.

We felt 100% safe in the park (assume you are talking human risk factors). Robery etc etc seemed a whole world away.

We stayed in the cheaper end camps, and they were all impecably clean etc. Simple style thatched places (and a great safari-style tented camp called Tamboti).

PM me if you want a more detailed opinion.

You will have a great time.

You lot in South Africa are really very funny.

Here is what Walter said "They have a LOST CITY and people go to see i. How can they if it is LOST? Now they hve GOD's WINDOW! What time does God come to the window? Is it all year roun, ot does he take a break"

Hi All,
I sent PM's and emails to all that invited me to do so - thanks for all of the help!

Saaed, tell Walter when in Africa do like africans even if it is going to a lost city or having a look at God's window sounds funny though.

Please keep Walter away from the Lost City he will stalk the elephant sculpture at the entrance to the hotel and he will break the window of Gods window

This what im talking about animals all over Lost City