Discussion · VoyageForum

Translated into English.

Original post

Goodite2315

23 posts

2026-02-16

Hi everyone,

I’m planning my next trip in September, and after two self-drive trips to Botswana last year, I’d love to explore Kruger. Since I’m used to camping, I’m thinking of renting an equipped van from Kitted Africa (a small Suzuki van—thanks Safari Expert!) to sleep in a tent and occasionally in a hut.

Here’s my provisional itinerary, and I’d love to hear your thoughts if you don’t mind. I’ve got 13 nights to plan in Kruger. The rental company is based in Nelspruit.

Entering from the south: 14-15-16.09: 3 nights at Crocodile Bridge or Lower Sabie 17-18-19.09: 3 nights at Skukuza 20-21.09: 2 nights at Satara 22-23-24.09: 3 nights at Olifants 25-26.09: 2 nights at Tamboti or Talamati

Exiting the park on 27.09 via Orpen Gate, then heading to Blyde River Canyon for a night in a hotel or elsewhere. 28.09: Return to Nelspruit, drop off the van, and stay in a hotel. 29.09 (midday): Airlink flight to Johannesburg, then an evening return flight to GVA.

What do you think? Too many nights here, not enough there?

I’ll be traveling solo, I love driving, and I enjoy settling in the middle of nature to listen, observe, and take photos (Botswana was perfect for that).

Thanks in advance! Nicole Photo: Baines Baobab, Botswana, April 2025

Attila Globetrotter ·2026-02-16

Hello,

I’d choose more intimate camps and, given the duration, head further north.

Entering from the south: 2 nights at Berg en Dal (camping) or Biyamiti (cabin – personal favorite) 1 night at Pretoriuskop (camping or safari tent) – slightly more mountainous landscapes 2 nights at Lower Sabie (camping, safari tent, or hut) – very busy camp 2 nights at Talamati (cabin – personal favorite), Tamboti (safari tent), or Maroela (camping) 3 nights at Balule (camping or historic hut – personal favorite) or Olifants (no camping – busy camp, but some cabins have amazing views) 2 nights at Shingwedzi (camping or hut) 1 night at Punda Maria (camping or hut)

Exit via Punda Maria Gate – route to Blyde for 1 night (northern part near the Three Rondavels) Route to Nelspruit for 1 night

Skukuza is the opposite of Baines Baobab (the camping spots)...

Un si beau paysage : concours de photos amical de juin 2026 Rubrique Jeux Voyages C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !

Goodite2315 ·2026-02-17

Hi Attila, and thanks for your reply. I’ll take your comments into account, especially about the more intimate camps and whether I can find availability for my dates. I hadn’t planned on going as far north as the park to enjoy staying several days in the same place—south-central was my focus—but I’ll think about it.

Thanks again, and have a great day. Nicole

Attila Globetrotter ·2026-02-17

The northern part of the park isn’t without its charm.

Sure, the animal density might be lower, but it’s way quieter in terms of human crowds.

For a 13-night stay, buying a Wild Card (unlimited access to all parks in the program for a year) will quickly pay off: 4,680 rands instead of 602 x 13...

Un si beau paysage : concours de photos amical de juin 2026 Rubrique Jeux Voyages C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !

Michel85200 Globetrotter ·2026-02-19

Hi there

Personally, I find Ms. Attila’s suggestions really relevant for the route... even though I’ll admit I’m not too familiar with the more intimate camps, I’d trust her on this. Berg en Dal gives you a chance to see rhinos, but the BED loop is pretty quick—especially since the gravel roads were in bad shape in October, and it probably hasn’t improved. Lower Sabie lets you take trips... like to Skukuza (Lower-Skukuza-Lower in a day), which is a huge camp but in a very wildlife-rich area... though the roads there have also taken a beating. One thing to keep an eye on is the progress of the work at Shingwedzi... I love it there, and for me, it’s the most beautiful of the big camps. On the way, stopping at Mopani to—with a bit of luck—see elephants bathing in the water reserve is absolutely stunning. All in all, a great route...

michel85200

Goodite2315 ·2026-02-19

Yeah, thanks for the info on the Wild Card—I’ll get it when I book with Sanparks.

It’s really not easy deciding on the route. But anyway, I just want to be in the savanna and that’s it.

VallM17 Veteran ·2026-02-19

Hi there,

I’m not familiar with all the camps Attila mentioned—far from it—but I agree with him about Talamati. It was a real favorite for us too. A small, isolated camp in the bush, genets visiting in the evening, absolute peace and quiet... In a different style, much bigger but not too big, Olifants is really great. Especially for the view of the river at sunrise.

Tous nos voyages sur http://www.famille-morin.fr

Goodite2315 ·2026-02-22

Thanks for the comment. I’m now thinking of adding the north to my itinerary.

Voyajou Globetrotter ·2026-02-22

But anyway, I just want to be in the savanna and that’s it.

Being rather than doing: that’s a travel approach I share, and not just in the savanna. :) Safe travels!

Goodite2315 ·2026-02-22

Totally agree, Voyajou—I don’t like "doing" countries either. 😉

Start a new discussion Printable version Report this post Follow this discussion

Feedback on Kruger itinerary

You might also like

Feedback on Kruger itinerary

Related discussions

You might also like