Posts by Motusse

We returned via Malalane in the evening this November to reach Pretorius Restcamp. Evening or morning is the best time to spot animals. There were loads between Malelanet and Pretorius. Then 2 nights at Skukuza, 2 nights at Satara (theoretically the place where you have the best chance of seeing lions), and 2 nights at Letaba (that’s where we saw lions, even though they’re usually more in the south). Why leave the park for private reserves? I don’t really see the point... if you have to go back in the next day to observe wildlife. For a 5-star trip... you’d be better off staying in Europe! You need to budget about 2 hours of driving (speed limit is 50 km/h and frequent stops). There are (rare) spots where you can get out of the car to have a picnic. Lower Sabie is nice. Between two camps, plan for the camp closing times in the evening (6:30 PM in November).

I just got back from a month-long trip to South Africa (Kruger, Kalahari, West Coast). We spent 8 days in Kruger. I have friends who’ve been going there for 10 years, and they’ve never taken Malarone. The risk is low, except maybe in the north. South Africa is a safe region. This year, I took a bit of Malarone (only in Kruger, just as a precaution...) and I didn’t pay any attention to when or what I took it with. I stopped 5 or 6 days after leaving Kruger. Never took it again in the Kalahari. The risk is really low. If you take it, that’s the main thing. I sometimes took it at breakfast... or in the evening! It’s up to you, but the timing and "nutritional accompaniment" are really secondary concerns...

Hello. I’ve just returned from a one-month road trip across South Africa in November/December (7,500 km of road and dirt tracks, Jbg, Kruger, Kalahari Park, West Coast, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, back to Jbg). Absolutely no problem renting a car in Johannesburg. Lots of options. I went through Carjet, which offered me the best prices at the time. I rented a Toyota Rav 4 from Hertz (980 € for a month, unlimited mileage). Everything was perfect, both when picking up the vehicle (almost new, hybrid, automatic transmission), which was practically at OR Tambo Airport, and when returning it (no nitpicking at all). No need for an international driving permit to rent, contrary to what’s often said! I’d actually applied for one before leaving and only received it after returning to France! My French license (with my old photo from 1971) was accepted very easily. I’d had it officially translated into English as a precaution; when I showed it, they didn’t even look at it and told me they didn’t need it! It might only be useful during a police check… I was stopped by the police several times, and they were mainly interested in talking to me about my trip and France. They were always smiling and friendly and never asked for an international permit—my old 1971 license was more than enough. So, in my opinion, you’ve got nothing to worry about! My son was even accepted as a second driver for a minimal extra fee. Have a great trip.