trip joburg to kruger

The Ultimate Road Trip: Johannesburg to Kruger

En route between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park lies Blyde River Canyon National Park, a sublime wilderness characterized by sweeping vistas and geological curiosities, and surrounded by waterfalls and creaky prospecting towns.

The proximity of the headline attractions — Pilgrim’s Rest, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels — mean they can all be seen on a whistle-stop trip. But lingering a day or two to hike, wild-swim and leisurely absorb the landscape is what driving the Panorama Route is all about.

1-2: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga

It’s not widely known that an overland journey to Kruger National Park (340km/ 211 miles) from Johannesburg as the crow flies) holds as much beauty and excitement as the world-famous safari destination itself. Heading eastwards into Mpumalanga, the ‘land of the rising sun’, the jacaranda trees and gleaming highrises of Johannesburg are replaced by glorious, undulating expanses that rise to the lip of the Great Escarpment. It’s here, upon the cusp of this dramatic, geological marvel, that the Panorama Route begins.

Map illustrated by Guillermo Trapiello

3-4: Long Tom Pass to Graskop Gorge

Approach the region via Long Tom Pass, a snaking road affording unspoilt views of grasslands. Head for Graskop, a small town situated within striking distance of the Panorama Route’s most important features. Stop off at the dramatic Graskop Gorge for a dose of adrenaline in the form of the world’s highest cable gorge swing. If freefalling 70 meters at 140 kmph (230 feet at 87 mph) isn’t your bag, a wander through the gorge’s nature trails and a climb of 400 steps back to the top should still get the heart racing. Your reward lies nearby in town: fuel up at the famous Harrie’s Pancakes , savoring local fillings like bobotie (curried meat with a creamy topping) or lamb bredie (a slow-cooked Cape Malay stew).

Step back in time to the height of the Gold Rush in Pilgrim’s Rest, where characterful 19th-century buildings are preserved to this day.

5: Pilgrim’s Rest

A half-hour’s drive along the R533 brings you to Pilgrim’s Rest , a characterful 19th-century Gold Rush town, recognized by South Africa as a national monument. Many Victorian buildings survive, including the memorabilia-filled Royal Hotel with its rustic saloon bar. The town wears its heritage proudly, offering short tours, small museums and gold panning experiences.

Switch your camera to panorama mode as you drive north out of Graskop. Exit onto the R534 to reach a series of awe-inspiring, lofty viewpoints, the finest of which is God’s Window. On a clear day, it’s said you can look down upon the lowveld and across Kruger to Mozambique beyond. As with most attractions, a nominal fee must be paid on entrance. The so-called Wonder View nearby, however, is unticketed and accessible beyond the opening hours of 7am-5pm (standard for most of the route’s attractions).

Connecting back onto the R352, the main thoroughfare of the Panorama Route, brings you to Lisbon Falls, the highest and most famous cascade in a region blessed by dozens of waterfalls and bathing pools. Leave the crowds behind at the viewing platform and take the lesser-known, 40-minute hiking trail down to the pool below to witness the force of the 92-meter (302-foot) cascade up close. Wild swimming is permitted, although arguably the best spot for this is Mac Mac Falls, a short drive south of Graskop, which has braai facilities, a birding trail and a series of pretty bathing pools. To enjoy the popular spot in solitude, arrive early or clamber further upstream to a shallower part of the cascade.

Nineteenth-century prospector Tom Bourke never struck gold; his luck was to stake a claim to a geologically fascinating patch of land, which still bears his name. Bourke’s Luck Potholes, part of the Blyde River Canyon National Park, lies at the confluence of two rivers: the Blyde and the Treur. Millennia of churning eddies have eroded surreal, cylindrical ‘giant’s kettles’ into a gorge, which can be viewed from above via walkways and bridges. The visitor’s center offers refreshments, but a scenic, hidden-gem of a restaurant lies at the end of a long dirt track, the turning for which is 4km (2.5 miles) south on the main road. At Potluck Boskombuis , a rustic bush kitchen beside a boulder-strewn riverbank, try traditional potjiekos (literally ‘small pot food’), cooked on an open fire.

6: Three Rondavels

The awesome landscape of Blyde River Canyon is best explained through superlatives: at 25 km long (16 miles), it is the largest green canyon in the world; and with sheer walls averaging 750 meters (2,460 feet) it also has the most precipitous cliffs, putting the USA’s Grand Canyon and Namibia’s Fish River Canyon to shame. The view of the Three Rondavels — a trio of curious pinnacles shaped like traditional African huts — and down to the dam below is as iconic as that of Table Mountain in Cape Town. It’s particularly beautiful just before closing, when the light softens and the russet hues of the rocks deepen.

7: Kruger National Park

Your final destination, Kruger National Park, lies around an hour’s drive eastwards from Graskop along roads that descend dramatically from the escarpment into plains teeming with charismatic megafauna and birdlife.

Plan your South African adventure today. Discover more

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Kruger National Park Tours & Trips from Johannesburg

An adventure starting in Johannesburg is a great way to see Kruger National Park. We have 80 tours that range from 3 days up to 47 days. The most popular time for tours from Johannesburg is October, which has the most tour departures.

Filters applied

80 kruger national park tours from johannesburg with 172 reviews.

• Christmas & New Year

Kruger in Depth

Tour was great. Lots to see. Very busy and covered a lot of ground but worth it.

• Overland Truck

Kruger & Coast

If you are an out doors,tent kinda person, then this tour will be perfect. I'm not and it was still awesome. One of the best vacations ive ever had. It's a must do,and then back to the hotels and shopping. Lol

South Africa Adventure

The safari was absolutely perfect. The guides were fun, knowledgeable and organised. Morgan and Mike make a great team and make you feel safe. They helped out organising my activities after the tour which made everything super easy.

South Africa: Tryst with the Wild Life & the Iconic Cape Town

Great itinerary, would have added Soweto as part of the standard to make the experience complete. CapeTown guide/driver was very pleasant, knowledgeable, prompt, and made us feel safe.

Kruger Lodge Experience (3 days)

The best part of our tour was the enthusiasm of our guides/staff. We could tell they loved what they did.

Premium Southern Africa in Depth

Ultimate Kruger Park Big 5 Safari

Was a fantastic experience and we had a knowledgeable guide who was great and cooked a tasty braai! We booked very late but the team were really helpful, so we weren’t completely aware of the itinerary or where we would stay and what meals were included : that’s the only improvement I could suggest to an amazing holiday...

Amazing South Africa

Kruger National Park & Panorama Route Safari -"Small Group Special"

We had an amazing 3-day tour to the Kruger National Park. It was a great mix between wildlife, beautiful landscapes and South African history. We did an extra game drive in the park that was definitely worth it. Jakes is a great guide with a huge knowledge about the history of South Africa and the flora and fauna in and around the park. We can highly recommend doing a tour with him.

Magical Kruger National Park Safari

Amazing trip , we had great fun

6 Day Classic Kruger Park Safari

Amazing beautiful! The staff was very friendly and made my experience unforgettable, the food was very good, but really beautiful people all the staff. I hardly recommended this safari from the moment they pick me up at my hotel to the last minute, thank you so much for life time memories and friendship.

Johannesburg Adventure Safari 4 Days/3 Nights

The safaris on day one and two were excellent however I would say a few things are not as the itinerary suggests. The drive from johanessburg is not 4 hours, but more like 6-7 hours. Also, day 4 there is no time for a morning safari so this was incorrect too

South Africa Highlights (Hermanus Itinerary)

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Kruger National Park 4 days

Accomadation at the PK lodge was very poor. Otherwise we had a great time. The Hamilton Lodge hotel was fabulous and the food second to none. Had a brilliant stay there.

Tailor-Made Kruger National Park Safari, Daily Departure & Private Tour

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

What people love about Kruger National Park Tours from Johannesburg

Our guide was superlative. Our itinerary was superb. Our accommodation and food really satisfying and well beyond expectations. It was a great trip and I'd do it again at my first opportunity. And I'll recommend to far and wide!

I did the 9 day Kruger and Coast tour. It was absolutely amazing. I didn’t expect to eat such fantastic and varied vegetarian dishes, but our guide Chad was a fantastic chef. I felt safe and reassured being with a local guide who knew the culture and people where we visited. The homestay and the game drives were definite highlights. It’s worth noting that the days are very long- early mornings most days and long drives to get to the next location. Absolutely everyone expects tips along the way so be sure to bring a lot of extra money, this cost much more than I had anticipated. Overall it was an incredible experience and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. Our driver, Vincent was also wonderful !

Morgan and Mike have been the best group leaders I have ever had on an intro trip - they are highly knowledgeable and so passionate about South Africa. They were committed to providing the best possible experience for us all, and I have never once felt unsafe. The tour itself is amazing and gives a real insight into the culture and history which I have found not to be the case on other trips. They have helped me make memories and friends for life - I can’t thank you both enough!

Tours starting from Johannesburg

• Johannesburg to Johannesburg tours (53)
• Johannesburg to Cape Town tours (20)
• Family from Johannesburg (55)
• Safari from Johannesburg (53)
• Explorer from Johannesburg (29)
• Private from Johannesburg (25)
• Jeep & 4WD from Johannesburg (14)
• Active from Johannesburg (12)
• Self-Guided from Johannesburg (6)
• Overland Truck from Johannesburg (5)
• Self Drive from Johannesburg (5)
• Kruger National Park Guide: 6 Things to Know
• Kruger - Close Airports & Location
• Kruger - Animals & Wildlife
• Kruger Maps: Camps, Animals & Surroundings
• Kruger Weather & Climate (Month by Month)
• Best Time to Visit Kruger National Park
• Kruger National Park Fees & Safari Cost (Updated 2022)

Username or E-Mail

Forget Password?

Do not have an account?

Already a member.

• Umbhaba Specials
• 3 Day Best of Kruger Safari
• Umbhaba Accommodation
• 4 Day Kruger and Panorama Safari
• 5 Day Kruger and Panorama Safari
• Kruger and Panorama
• Group Open Vehicle Safaris
• Morning Safaris
• Afternoon Safaris
• Full Day Safari
• Full Day Panorama Tour
• Full Day Cape Winelands Tour
• Full Day Cape Canopy Tour
• Full Day Walk to Freedom Tour
• Full Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour
• 3 Day Best of Kruger Private Safari
• 4 Day Kruger and Panorama Private Safari
• 5 Day Kruger and Panorama Private Safari
• Private Vehicle Full Day Safaris
• Private Vehicle Morning Safaris
• Private Vehicle Afternoon Safaris
• General FAQ’s
• Accommodation Kruger Park
• Image Gallery
• Video Gallery
• Our Open Vehicle
• Kruger National Park News
• Kruger Park Mammal Guide
• Kruger Park Bird Guide
• History of the Kruger Park
• Half Day Soweto Tour
• Full Day Soweto Bicycle Tour

Experience the Ultimate Road Trip: From Johannesburg to the Kruger

Taking the N4 route away from the city and heading to the Kruger National Park for the ultimate weekend away, is one of the best things that you can do to free your mind and embrace the absolute beauty of the incredible country we get to call home.

While the past year has curtailed travel and tourism, it has given South Africans the opportunity to revisit their own country without having to jostle through the overseas tourist crowds.

The Kruger National Park is a huge attraction, known for its bounty of wildlife and interesting plants. And all around the Kruger there are countless attractions that are equal in beauty and can make your time in this part of the world more interesting.

Whether you intend to spend the entire weekend touring the park or if you wish to make your weekend a more adventurous one, with a whistle stop tour of the area, you can once again fall in love with the place you call home.

Joburg to Mpumalanga

The trip from the city to the Kruger is about 340 km and can be done in about a morning of driving, if you intend to stick to the road the entire way through, without making any detours. 

No one can say that every part of the N4 is gorgeous, because that is simply not true. Until you reach the escarpment, the landscape is mostly flat and without all that much to see. So there is not much chance of you stopping off along the way, unless you are grabbing a bite to eat or stretching your legs.

Mpumalanga is a stunning place. Known in South Africa as the Place of the Rising Sun, the province is a world-class safari destination and is a landscape of mountains. The rolling greenery is something to behold and it is also home to the Panorama Route.

Long Tom Pass to Graskop

Not everyone takes the Long Tom Pass road as many people prefer to head straight to Nelspruit to stock up for their time in the Kruger. But to miss Long Tom Pass, is to miss out on seeing a spectacular part of what the province has to offer. Long Tom Pass is a stretch of road that winds along the top of a part of the Drakensberg Mountain range, and the views are absolutely breath taking!

Following this road will take you through Sabie to Graskop, a small mountain town. All along this route you can stop off at a few of the waterfalls that dominate the area and there are various family owned restaurants to visit as well.

Graskop to Kruger

To get to the Kruger National Park from Graskop, you will take the road that will take you past the Blyde River Canyon, the 3 rd largest and the only green canyon in the world. The views are exquisite and there are a few trails that will take you close to the edge of the mountains which is quite the thrilling experience.

One feature you should look at while you are here is the Three Rondavels.

If you continue on this road, you will eventually get to the Kruger National Park where that safari experience awaits you. If you are not so keen on driving yourself through the park, you can always book a safari with Kurt Safari . Our experienced guides will happily take you on the trip of a lifetime through the Kruger National Park.

• Accommodation in the Kruger National Park
• Current News
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Insects of the Kruger National Park
• Kruger Animal Tour Guide
• Kruger History
• Kruger National Park Fauna and Flora
• Kruger Park Reptile Guide
• Kurt Safari
• Kurt Safari Sightings
• Stories of the Kruger National Park
• What to do in ZA

Proceed Booking

Already a member.

Username or E-mail

Don't have an account? Create one.

Or continue as guest.

• Game Viewing Routes
• Johannesburg to Kruger

Drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

Driving to Kruger Park

The drive from Johannesburg International Airport to Kruger National Park is 4-5 hours long (without stopping along the way). Leaving Johannesburg and entering Witbank is like stepping into another world . One moment you are in a very busy city and the next you are driving through well cared for farm land. There are some petrol/gas station stops along the way, so make use of them; you don't want to run out of fuel along the way.

Welcome to Kruger

Driving directions from jhb to kruger park.

Via N12 and N4 - 4 hr 21 min (392 km)

• Get on R21 from OR Tambo Parking 4 min (2.2 km)
• Follow N12 and N4 to R36 in Mpumalanga. Exit from N4/R36 2 hr 17 min (233 km)
• Take R539 to N4 40 min (60.9 km)
• Turn left onto N4 (Toll road) 1 hr 9 min (92.2 km)
• Slight left onto R570 3 min (3.1 km)
• Arrive at Malelane Gate Kruger National Park

Via N12 and R38 - 4 hr 43 mins (419 km)

• Follow N12 and N4 to Mpumalanga 1 hr 44 min (183 km)
• Turn right 16 min (26.1 km)
• ake R38 to R570 in Malelane 2 hr 29 min (204 km)
• Slight left onto R570  3 min (3.1 km)

Malelane Gate GPS Coordinates -25.461537 31.533238

Johannesburg to Kruger Park Road Map

Kruger National Park Gate Times & Travel Distances

• Customer Support
• Tel: +27 21 424 1037
• Fax: +27 21 424 1036
• Contact by Mail
• Business Hours
• Mon - Fri. 08:00 - 17:00
• Saturday. 08:00 - 12:00
• Reservations and Booking
• Booking Conditions
• Visa and Passport
• About Siyabona Africa (Pty) Ltd
• Game Reserves
• Balule Game Reserve
• Manyeleti Game Reserve
• Sabi Sand Game Reserve
• Thornybush Game Reserve
• Timbavati Game Reserve
• Near Kruger National Park
• Birding in Kruger Park
• Kruger National Park
• Most Popular Pages
• Kruger Park Maps
• Best Time to Visit Kruger
• Getting to Kruger
• Accommodation at a Glance
• Camp Gates Map
• Kruger Park Gate Times
• Kruger Travel Help
• Conservation Fees
• Kruger Park News
• Reference Guide
• Africa Mammal Guide
• Africa Bird Guide
• African Flowers Guide
• Africa Grass Guide
• African Tree Guide
• African Reptiles Guide
• Kruger Park Culture
• Kruger Park History

• Quick Links
• My Living List
• Terms and Conditions
• Travel with a Pen Privacy Policy
• Visa Applications
• Solo Travel
• Cheap Thrills
• JJC’s Guides To…
• Through Our Eyes

• Benin Republic
• Congo-Brazzaville
• South Africa
• Netherlands
• South Korea

How to Travel from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

On our to the park from Johannesburg, we went with a private car which took us straight to our hotel at the Paul Kruger gate. The total time for that trip was about 5 hours and set us back about R4,000.

Sharing is Caring:

Blog posts you will also enjoy.

Follow my adventures on Instagram and Twitter!

← Previous Post

Olumo Rocks If You Lava Bit of Adventure!

Next post →.

A (faux) visit to the Okomu National Park

I love to hear from you, leave a comment here cancel reply.

Discover more from Travel with a Pen

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

• English (US)

COMPARING THE BEST RENTAL BRANDS SO THAT YOU SAVE!

Searching...

What to see on a road trip from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa, encompassing almost two million hectares of the real African wilderness. Home not only to the famous Big Five – the African elephant, rhino, Cape buffalo, lion and leopard – the park boasts a staggering variety of plant and animal species as well as ancient rock art and fascinating archaeological sites. Kruger National Park truly offers visitors one of the best wildlife experiences on the planet.

The other option, of course, is to hire a car and self-drive to Kruger. Choosing to embark on a road trip from Johannesburg to Kruger is not only likely to be the most cost-effective way to get to the famous park; it also allows you to experience some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the country en route.

Make the spectacular Panorama Route the highlight of your road trip from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

The Panorama Route threads through the northern Drakensberg (the highest mountain range in South Africa) in the Mpumalanga province. The area is known for its natural wonders and incredible views. Well worth the journey in its own right, the Panorama Route is conveniently located just outside of Kruger National Park, making it an unmissable feature of your road trip from Johannesburg to Kruger.

Take a peek through God’s own window

The Panorama Route is best mapped out by the natural wonders that the area is so famous for. First on the itinerary is God’s Window. This awesome viewpoint is part of a 250 kilometer stretch of cliffs plunging over 700 meters down to the valley floor. Cast your gaze over the jaw-dropping vista of canyons, valleys, rock formations and waterfalls and you can’t help but feel humbled by the beauty and splendor of the place. It’s no wonder the area is dubbed one of God’s favorite views.

Marvel at the majesty of Blyde River Canyon

God’s Window is one of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve’s most astonishing views. The rest of the canyon, however, is certainly nothing to be sneezed at. The wonderful thing about self-driving the Panorama Route is that it’s not only the well-known stops that afford you stunning views; every twist and turn along the route reveals a new angle from which to gawk at the incredible beauty of the canyon. Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world, and claims top spot as the largest green canyon. In comparison to the seemingly barren browns and beiges of the Fish River Canyon, the Blyde River Canyon teems with verdant vegetation, pristine waterfalls and abundant wildlife.

Explore the weird world of Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Where the Blyde River and the Treur River meet, you’ll find the fascinating natural rock sculptures called Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Carved out of the solid rock over many years by the constant passage of swirling water, the potholes give the impression that someone has gouged out helpings of rock with a giant ice cream scoop. A bizarrely beautiful natural phenomenon, it’s easy to see why so many visitors come to admire the strange shapes and colors of Bourke’s Luck Potholes each year.

Check out the Three Rondavels before heading for Kruger

Rondavels are small, round cabins and the aptly named Three Rondavels are three mountain peaks resembling round huts with cone-shaped roofs. This is your last stop along this scenic detour before continuing on your road trip from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park by making a beeline for Kruger via Hazyview. If you need to hire a specific vehicle during your trip to Johannesburg, you might want to consider hiring a car in Johannesburg for your transportation needs.

Related Posts

The best treehouse stays in south africa.

Do you still have the childhood dream of staying in a treehouse, with the birds chirping above you and leaving the noise below you? The good news is that you can still fulfil it. All you need is: good company, a reliable car (if you don’t – car rental in South Africa is cheap and […]

5 Must-See Waterfalls in South Africa

There’s nothing quite like chasing waterfalls in South Africa. Why? Well, there are just so many of them, from the steep plumes of the Drakensberg to the thundering cascades along the Orange River. In fact, South Africa is home to the world’s tallest waterfall: Tugela Falls. Car rental in South Africa gives you the freedom […]

7 Romantic Weekend Getaways in South Africa

With the endless rat race in the city, times are tough for those who want to keep their love boats afloat. A romantic weekend getaway in South Africa is what you need to rekindle the chemistry. Here are seven romantic spots to consider.

32 Best Stops Between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

How long is the drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park?

The direct drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park is 344 mi (554 km) , and should have a drive time of 6 hrs 59 mins in normal traffic.

If you’re going on a road trip from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Pretoria and Hoedspruit , as well as top places to visit like Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve and Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris, or the ever-popular Sterkfontein Caves.

Top cities between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park

Best stops along johannesburg to kruger national park drive, sterkfontein caves.

Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve

Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris

Elephant sanctuary hartbeespoort, gautrain bus stop.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

Montecasino Bird Gardens

Montecasino, aerial cableway hartbeespoort, emperors palace, ann van dyk cheetah centre, voortrekker monument.

Rietvlei Nature Reserve

National zoological gardens of south africa, union buildings, dinokeng game reserve.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Cullinan Diamond Mine Entrance

Adventures with elephants, colin's horseback africa & wildlife education programs, mabalingwe nature reserve, mystic monkeys and feathers wildlife park, bambelela wildlife care and vervet monkey rehabilitation, big cat experiences, magoebaskloof canopy tours, debengeni falls, abel erasmus pass.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

Sunland Big Baobab

Hippo jessica, tshukudu game lodge, kambaku 2 boat safaris & lodge (olifants river safaris), phalaborwa gate @ kruger national park, other popular road trips from johannesburg, explore nearby places.

• Kruger National Park
• Pilgrim's Rest
• Duiwelskloof
• Thohoyandou
• Haenertsburg
• White River
• Marloth Park
• Komatipoort
• Louis Trichardt
• Louw's Creek
• Jeppe's Reef

All related maps of Kruger National Park

• Map of Kruger National Park
• Map of Letaba
• Map of Phalaborwa
• Map of Hoedspruit
• Map of Massingir
• Map of Gravelotte
• Map of Acornhoek
• Map of Moremela
• Map of Skukuza
• Map of Graskop
• Map of Ohrigstad
• Map of Hazyview
• Map of Pilgrim's Rest
• Map of Tzaneen
• Map of Duiwelskloof
• Map of Thohoyandou
• Map of Sabie
• Map of Haenertsburg
• Map of White River
• Map of Lydenburg
• Map of Marloth Park
• Map of Malalane
• Map of Malelane
• Map of Komatipoort
• Map of Masisi
• Map of Nelspruit
• Map of Kaapmuiden
• Map of Louis Trichardt
• Map of Louw's Creek
• Map of Kaapsehoop
• Map of Jeppe's Reef

Kruger National Park throughout the year

• Kruger National Park in January
• Kruger National Park in February
• Kruger National Park in March
• Kruger National Park in April
• Kruger National Park in May
• Kruger National Park in June
• Kruger National Park in July
• Kruger National Park in August
• Kruger National Park in September
• Kruger National Park in October
• Kruger National Park in November
• Kruger National Park in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Kruger National Park?

Get inspired for your trip to Kruger National Park with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Kruger National Park Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i drive from johannesburg to kruger national park.

Yes! You can drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park.

How far is Kruger National Park from Johannesburg by car?

The drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park is 344 miles (554 km).

How long does it take to drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park?

Driving from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park should take you 6 hrs 59 mins in normal traffic.

How much would gas cost from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park?

Gas from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park would cost around $30 to $70 , depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Where should I stop on the way from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park?

You could check out Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve and Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris, or the always popular Sterkfontein Caves!

What are the best cities to visit between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park?

People love visiting Pretoria and Hoedspruit, among others.

What's the weather like in Johannesburg?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Johannesburg in January
• Weather in Johannesburg in February
• Weather in Johannesburg in March
• Weather in Johannesburg in April
• Weather in Johannesburg in May
• Weather in Johannesburg in June
• Weather in Johannesburg in July
• Weather in Johannesburg in August
• Weather in Johannesburg in September
• Weather in Johannesburg in October
• Weather in Johannesburg in November
• Weather in Johannesburg in December

What are some other road trips from Johannesburg?

There are plenty! Below you'll find links to all the road trips we've assembled for Johannesburg.

• Johannesburg to Cape Town Central drive
• Johannesburg to Sun City drive
• Johannesburg to Durban drive
• Johannesburg to Madibeng drive
• Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay drive
• Johannesburg to Oudtshoorn drive
• Johannesburg to Nelspruit drive
• Johannesburg to Stellenbosch drive
• Johannesburg to Victoria Falls drive
• Johannesburg to Graskop drive
• Johannesburg to Tsitsikamma National Park drive
• Johannesburg to Hoedspruit drive
• Johannesburg to Bela Bela drive
• Johannesburg to Maputo drive
• Johannesburg to St Lucia drive
• Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth drive
• Johannesburg to Bloemfontein drive
• Johannesburg to Howick drive
• Johannesburg to Overstrand drive
• Johannesburg to Dullstroom drive
• Johannesburg to Kimberley drive
• Johannesburg to Rustenburg drive
• Johannesburg to Clarens drive
• Johannesburg to Gaborone drive
• Johannesburg to Knysna drive
• Johannesburg to Tofo drive
• Johannesburg to Storms River drive
• Johannesburg to Windhoek drive
• Johannesburg to Cathkin Park drive
• Johannesburg to Graaff-Reinet drive

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

• You are here:
• Countries & Parks
• South Africa Parks

Kruger National Park

• Getting There

• Best Time To Visit
• Weather & Climate
• Malaria & Safety

​Getting There – Kruger NP

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is author of the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Most visitors to Kruger National Park fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), near Johannesburg. It is also possible to fly directly from Germany to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), 40km/25mi from southern Kruger’s Numbi Gate.

Kruger is a popular self-drive destination. You can hire a car in O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and drive straight to the park. Kruger has nine entrance gates, the closest of which is Numbi Gate, 375km/235mi from the airport. The drive to Numbi Gate takes 4 to 5 hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

417 Kruger Safaris

Airlines & Ticket Prices

• www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

• SA Airlink (Flies to Skukuza, Mbombela, Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa)
• CemAir (Flies to Hoedspruit)
• FlySafair (Flies to Hoedspruit)
• Federal Airlines (Flies to some lodges within Kruger)

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Please check our Getting There – South Africa page to learn more about passport, visa, COVID-19 and other entry requirements.

Want To Visit Kruger NP?

• 4-Day Kruger Safaris
• 3-Day Kruger Safaris
• 2-Day Kruger Safaris
• Tour Operators for Kruger

Safari Tours to Kruger NP

4-Day Greater Kruger Safari with Marc's Treehouse

$795 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Mid-range Lodge

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Balule NR (Greater Kruger) , Kruger NP, Blyde River Canyon (Panorama Route) , Johannesburg (End)

Indigo Safaris

4.8 /5  –  125 Reviews

3-Day Kruger National Park Experience

$679 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 9 people per vehicle) Mid-range Guest House

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Southern Kruger, Kruger NP, Nelspruit (End)

Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris

4.8 /5  –  90 Reviews

4-Day Ultra Budget Glamping Kruger Safari

$513 pp (USD)

South Africa: Shared tour (max 10 people per vehicle) Budget Tented Bush Camp

You Visit: Johannesburg (Start) , Kruger NP, Panorama Route (Highlight) , Johannesburg Airport (End)

MoAfrika Tours

4.9 /5  –  1154 Reviews

Shuttle Services Between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park

Daily johannesburg & kruger national park shuttle.

The Kruger National Park is where most people want to go on safari in South Africa because they can see the beauty and power of African animals in their natural environment there.

Its huge reserve is home to hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and other wildlife, including the Big 5 (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes).

Kruger is also a great place for a safari because of its beautiful scenery and its many rest camps great places to base yourself for your safari. There are plenty of activities to do in each camp, including game drives, guided walks, and bird watching.

The Kruger National Park is easily accessible from major cities in South Africa. Travellers can reach the park by using Safari Link SA’s daily shuttle transfers between Johannesburg and the Kruger National Park.

These towns are respective gateways to the southern part and the central or northern part of Kruger National Park and the surrounding private game reserves that form part of the Greater Kruger area.

What to Expect on a Safari Link SA Daily Shuttle from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

Safari Link SA’s authentic adventure safaris, transfers, day trips, and private transfer choices are all made to meet the needs of travellers in southern Africa.

Also, a trip with an experienced guide in a comfortable vehicle could turn an average experience into something truly amazing and safe.  They know the area and its game reserves, so tourists can be assured of a memorable safaris.

A daily shuttle service of Safari Link SA can connect you to the northern part of Kruger National Park from the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg via a Hoedspruit in Limpopo, with pick-up or drop-off spots close to Hoedspruit and game lodges located in the private game reserves in the Greater Kruger area.

The shuttle service between the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg and Hazyview in Mpumalanga offers an ideal opportunity to visit the southern part of the Kruger National Park or private game reserves like Sabie Sands, Mala Mala etc, in the Greater Kruger.

Both will take you through some of South Africa’s most beautiful scenery through the Highveld and the Lowveld regions of the country.

Why Choose Safari Link SA for Your Transfer From the Kruger to Johannesburg

While the Kruger National Park can be reached on one’s own, using a reputable tour operator like Safari Link SA is more convenient, since they will make your transfers between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park a fun and educational experience, because all drivers are also qualified guides who love to share their knowledge with guests.

What to expect on Safari Link Daily Shuttle

• Passengers or booking agents must make prior arrangements for collection at their selected drop point. Safari Link Southern Africa also provides a private transfer service between our shuttle drop-off points and lodges.
• Our daily shuttle timing schedule is a guideline and could be affected by traffic, weather conditions, delays on comfort stops. Our reservation team will be in direct communication with relevant booking agents, transfer companies, and accommodation providers.
• All our vehicles are the latest models, ensuring luxury and comfort along the way.
• Our drivers have extensive knowledge of the daily shuttle route from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park and can share some interesting facts along the way.

FAQ’s

Depending your destination in Kruger National Park – the southern or northern part, it can be around 400 km from Johannesburg.

The best route from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park depends on your destination: either via the N4 to Mbombela and Hazyview, or via Polokwane and Hoedspruit.

The drive takes between 5 to 8 hours, with convenience stops along the route.

The cost of travelling from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park can be around R1000 per person.

Share this page

Trip to Kruger National Park

Find the perfect accommodation!

Great location and deals for every budget.

Route Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

Compare travel options and prices to find best route from johannesburg to kruger national park, how to travel from johannesburg to kruger national park, what is the cheapest way to get from johannesburg to kruger national park, what is the fastest way to travel from johannesburg to kruger national park, how far is it from johannesburg to kruger national park, what agencies operate bus routes between johannesburg and kruger national park, which airlines fly from johannesburg to kruger national park, what is the fastest way to get from johannesburg to kruger national park by bus, what is the fastest flight to get from johannesburg to kruger national park, what are the departure stations for buses from johannesburg to kruger national park, what stations do buses from johannesburg to kruger national park arrive at, what airports does the flight from johannesburg to kruger national park depart from, to which airports do flights arrive from johannesburg to kruger national park, how many buses operate from johannesburg to kruger national park, how many planes fly from johannesburg to kruger national park.

Trips from Johannesburg

• From Johannesburg to Cape Town
• From Johannesburg to Durban
• From Johannesburg to Sun City
• From Johannesburg to Gaborone
• From Johannesburg to Pretoria
• From Johannesburg to Maun
• From Johannesburg to Hoedspruit
• From Johannesburg to Livingstone
• From Johannesburg to Umhlanga
• From Johannesburg to Maputo
• From Johannesburg to Bloemfontein
• From Johannesburg to Harare
• From Johannesburg to Zomba
• From Johannesburg to Mbombela
• From Johannesburg to Zanzibar
• From Johannesburg to Dubai
• From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls
• From Johannesburg to Rome
• From Johannesburg to Dar es Salaam
• From Johannesburg to Phuket
• From Johannesburg to Istanbul
• From Johannesburg to Nairobi
• From Johannesburg to Bangkok
• From Johannesburg to Stockholm
• From Johannesburg to Blantyre
• From Johannesburg to Mauritius
• From Johannesburg to London
• From Johannesburg to Dublin
• From Johannesburg to Paris
• From Johannesburg to Seattle
• From Johannesburg to New York City
• From Johannesburg to Atlanta
• From Johannesburg to Los Angeles
• From Johannesburg to Brisbane
• From Johannesburg to Chicago
• From Johannesburg to Sydney
• From Johannesburg to San Francisco
• From Johannesburg to Glasgow
• From Johannesburg to Kinshasa
• From Johannesburg to Manila

Trips to Kruger National Park

• From Cape Town to Kruger National Park

Popular routes

• From Houston to College Station
• From Zurich to Geneva
• From Westerly to Lincoln
• From Newark to Key West
• From Cary to Raleigh
• From Chicago to San Juan

Travel Buddies Lifestyle

Luxury Travel Blog

How to do a self-drive from Johannesburg to Kruger?

Table of Contents

• August 17, 2022

Do you want to plan a trip to the Kruger National Park but don’t know how to do a self-drive? Then continue reading as it is much easier than you think!

The first thing you need to know about a self-drive to the Kruger National Park is that you don’t need a 4X4 vehicle.

Unlike many parks in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and even parts of Namibia, Kruger can be explored behind the wheel of a normal road car as many roads are tarred and in excellent condition. Even the gravel roads don’t need an off-road vehicle. Therefore, you can easily rent a small car; no need to go for the most expensive SUV to tour Kruger.

How to arrive by air to the Kruger National Park?

There are three airports near the Kruger National Park. It all depends on which gate you decide to enter with, which one will be the most convenient for you.

Hoedspruit (Eastgate) airport is ideal for accessing the central and northern parts of the park. In contrast, Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumalanga International airport) and Skukuza airports are suitable for accessing the southern parts of the park.  

The flight from Johannesburg (OR Tambo airport) to Hoedspruit or Nelspruit takes about 55 minutes. There are also regular flights from Cape Town International airport to Hoedspruit, with CemAir, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The most convenient airport of them all is Skukuza airport because it is situated inside the park (no worries about arriving late) and is only 3.8km away from Skukuza main camp. 

How to arrive by car in the Kruger National Park?

Self-drive is an excellent way to explore Kruger at your leisure. It is straightforward and convenient to rent a car in South Africa from any airport (a smaller town or big cities) and continue the journey there.

The roads from Johannesburg to the main camps in Kruger are well indicated. You will be driving all the way (primarily) by motorway (N12 and N4) until you get close to the Kruger National Park. 

These are mainly toll roads, so keep in mind there are several pay-points (toll gates) along the route (credit cards, garage cards and cash accepted at toll roads). The roads are in pretty good condition, so you can sit back and relax while you enjoy a scenic road trip through some of the most breathtaking parts of South Africa. 

The section through Schoemanskloof is exceptionally beautiful! 

How to get a tour operator/guide for Kruger?

Kruger is the ideal destination for self-drive. However, there are many options available if you would like to join a tour operator.

We can highly recommend the following two tour operators:

Warren Deysel, is a specialist tour operator in the Kruger National Park. His company’s name is  Kruger Direct Safaris. They   offer custom-made safaris including on foot expeditions in Kruger. You can follow his Instagram page @kruger_direct_safaris, or contact him directly on 079 496 8808, or email him at [email protected]

John Finch,  is a  specialist tour operator  who has extensive knowledge not only of South Africa, but also of the rest of Africa (i.e.   Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe and many more countries) .   Besides offering amazing tours to Kruger, he also offers exciting tours to Cape Town and the wine region in South Africa. He has a great Instagram page @johnfinch.travel for those who would like to follow his amazing adventures. John specialises in photographic tours and is situated in Hout Bay, Western Cape. You are welcome to visit his   website   for additional information. 

Mention us and qualify for GREAT deals!

Some advantages of using a tour operator include:

• They stay in contact with other rangers from nearby camps or vehicles to track the animals. 
• They offer custom designed tours; some have morning, afternoon, or even full-day game drives. 
• They have unimaginable knowledge about the bush
• they use high, custom, open safari vehicles which give you a better view of the animals, particularly if you are an avid photographer. 
• They get up really close to the animals. 

Note, guided tours go beyond the scope of this article.

Read our article “Guided Tours in South Africa: Is it worth it?” , where we conducted an in-depth-interview with a local tour guide.

Where to do a pit-stop along the route to Kruger? Milly’s Trout farm is a must

A trip to the Kruger National Park is not complete without a stop at Milly’s. On route to Kruger, it has become a tradition for many South Africans to stop at Milly’s for a homemade meal before continuing with the journey. 

This café and restaurant are well known for their freshly baked pastries, home-brewed coffees and locally made trout pies. If you have time, buy a packet of fish food, and enjoy watching enormous carp fish swimming in the dam right next to the restaurant.   

If you still have time to spare, just after Machado Dorp, take the N4 and visit the picturesque Emgwenya waterfall. You can continue this route to Malelane or Kruger gate without returning to the previous way.

This route joins up again near Mbombela.

How to access entrance gates to the Kruger National Park?

The southern access gates of kruger national park.

There are five access gates in the south of Kruger.

Paul Kruger gate: the main gate of the south. The route to this gate takes you on a journey through the White River and Hazyview. Although it is a busy gate, the road there is safe and in good condition. 

There is a lovely Protea hotel a few hundred meters outside the gate if you prefer more luxurious accommodation close to the park. We have featured this hotel a few times on our Instagram page. This gate is also ideal for visiting Skukuza as it is only 13 km away. This is particularly convenient if you’re concerned about reaching the gate before closing.

Phabeni: This gate is our favourite because instead of driving 30 km on the R536 through a rural area, you can immediately enter Kruger from Hazyview (to Skukuza) to start your game drive right away. Skukuza is 40 km away from Phabeni gate. This route in Kruger to Skukuza (via Phabeni) takes around one and a half hours (due to the speed limit). You must remember that you can only drive 50 km p.h. on tar roads and 40 km p.h on gravel roads.

Malelane gate: We primarily use the Malelane gate because it allows us to be in Kruger within four hours from Johannesburg instead of driving another hour to reach the Kruger (primary gate) or Phabeni gates. In our experience, this is often the best game drive en route to camps. 

Crocodile bridge: this gate is small and intimate. The road to this gate is very safe and well maintained. Crocodile Bridge gate is ideal for guests staying in Lower Sabie and Crocodile bridge camps. We don’t access this gate often, but we understand from friends that this gate is often congested in season, causing long time delays. This was, however, not our experience the last time we accessed it. 

Numbi gate: This gate should be avoided during the best of times. It is regularly in the news for incidents of hijacking and crime. If you’re staying in Pretoriuskop, rather access the park through Phabeni or Skukuza gates.i

How to get to other gates to enter Kruger?

There are two access gates to the central parts of Kruger

Orpen and Phalaborwa gate.

The northern gate to Kruger

There is one access gate to the northern part of Kruger.

Punda Maria gate provides perfect access for the northern camps such as Shingwedzi and Punda Maria camps. This route consists of many rural towns but is safe for driving. We found the road quite good and without any problems. From Johannesburg, the longest part of the route is on the N1 motorway until you reach Makhado, from which you deviate from the highway and take a minor road, the R524, for another 140 km. Although  this part of the road includes some rural areas is safe and in good condition.   

Related articles

• What to know before planning a trip to Kruger
• Is it worth visiting the Kruger National Park
• Where to stay in the Kruger National Park?
• Guided Tours in South Africa: Is it worth it?

Leave A Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Check here to Subscribe to notifications for new posts

How useful was this article to you?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 3

Be the first to rate this post.

Share this:

About author.

As a freelance travel journalist and seasoned business professional, Bernie van der Linde has made it her mission to explore the world's most unique and luxurious destinations. With a PhD in business studies from the University of South Africa, Bernie has channeled her passion for travel, web design, and writing into founding the travel blog Travel Buddies Lifestyle. Here, she shares her adventures alongside her best friend and travel business partner, Petra, who seamlessly translate and compile articles relevant to their German and European audience.

Bernie's love for exploring new places has taken her to some of the world's most exotic locations. Whether gazing out at the glittering skyline of Dubai or enjoying the tranquillity of a private beach in Mauritius, Bernie is always looking for unique experiences that will inspire and entice her readers to travel.

Through her thoughtful writing and unparalleled passion for travel, Bernie van der Linde has made a name for herself in the world of travel writing. Her knack for uncovering hidden gems and sharing her experiences with her readers has made her a trusted source of inspiration for those looking to explore the world in style.

The Marine, Hermanus

Côte d’Azur: Is it worth visiting?

How safe is South Africa?

Garden Route Accommodation – Our Top 5

Discover more from travel buddies lifestyle.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading