Getting to South Africa

Exploring the Transport Options in South Africa

South Africa boasts a remarkable tourist infrastructure, featuring domestic airports and a meticulously maintained road network. Upon landing at Cape Town International, O.R. Tambo International, or King Shaka International, you will find a plethora of daily domestic flights connecting you to all major cities, along with charter flights that whisk you away to the wonders of Kruger National Park. Countless car rental options await, and hotel transfers are made easy with cozy, modern minibuses, or you can simply hop into an Uber taxi. With an excellent road network, self-drive safaris to the Kruger and other safari destinations are a breeze, along with road trips to the Garden Route or through the Cape Winelands.

Exploring the skies of South Africa

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport: Nestled in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), this airport offers a gateway to exciting destinations, including flights to Vilanculos in Mozambique. Alternatively, Kruger International acts as a vibrant connection through Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Gqeberha.

Eastgate Airport, Hoedspruit: This domestic terminal serves as a gateway to the private parks and reserves of the Greater Kruger area, along with providing access to the Kruger through the Orpen gate. Eastgate offers frequent flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg, while also providing ample options for private charters. At Eastgate, you have the opportunity to hire a car and exchange foreign currency.

Skukuza Airport: Renowned as “The Prettiest Airport in the World”, Skukuza stands as the sole commercial airport within the Kruger National Park. Daily flights whisk travelers to and from Johannesburg and Cape Town, with private charters ready for those seeking a more personalized journey. Renting a car at the airport terminal makes Skukuza an ideal starting point for an exhilarating self-drive safari in Kruger.

Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport: Gqeberha’s International Airport opens the door to the thrilling Big 5 reserves of the Eastern Cape. It is also a perfect spot for embarking on self-drive journeys along the Garden Route from Cape Town. Although its name suggests otherwise, Chief Dawid Stuurman International primarily operates as a domestic hub, connecting the vibrant cities of Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg.

George Airport: For those looking to skip the drive from Cape Town, George Airport is conveniently located right at the entrance of the Garden Route. This quaint airport connects you to the vibrant cities of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Bloemfontein.

Alongside the airports mentioned, numerous private lodges and parks boast their own exclusive airstrips. Once you reach your destination, getting around by road is a breeze.

South Africa Safari Rides & Journeying by Road

South Africa boasts an outstanding road network, making it an incredible choice for those seeking a self-drive safari experience. Adventurers will find themselves with endless options. Embark on your journey by selecting from a variety of options: be picked up as part of your tour, arrange a transfer to your hotel, rent a taxi, summon an Uber, or hire a car for your adventures ahead.

Typically, road transfers take place in contemporary, dependable vehicles, such as sedans or minibuses. South Africa offers a plethora of car hire services, available at both major destinations and smaller airports, making it a perfect place for an exhilarating self-drive experience.

The most renowned self-drive vacations feature the Cape Winelands, the Namaqua Flower Route along the N7 to the Northern Cape, Route 62 in the Overberg, the Garden Route along the Western Cape’s N2, and the Panorama Route from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park.

Game drives in Kruger National Park or the Greater Kruger private reserves such as Sabi Sands are typically carried out in open-sided 4×4 vehicles. These vehicles are operated by a guide, who shares a wealth of fascinating insights with the guests. At the forefront of the vehicle is a seasoned tracker, skillfully interpreting the clues of the wilderness and collaborating with the driver to uncover the most thrilling encounters. The open-sided vehicle offers an incredible view and a direct connection to the great outdoors.

For first-time visitors who may feel apprehensive about driving on the left side of the road, a variety of guided tour options are available to put your mind at ease and assist you in exploring this stunning country.

South Africa Journey Durations & Distances

Johannesburg to Cape Town: 1398 km / 869 mi

Many travelers embark on a journey between Johannesburg and Cape Town, a voyage that lasts approximately 2 hours. Embarking on a drive that spans 12 to 14 hours can be an exhilarating experience, especially when you veer off the main N1 highway to uncover the picturesque passes and charming towns nestled in the Karoo. Taking a bus could lead you on a journey lasting between 18 and 22 hours, but these overnight long-hauls can be quite the challenge and require a lot of patience. Once upon a time, trains would glide along their tracks with ease, but now, due to power outages and mismanagement, this mode of travel has lost its charm and is best avoided.

Journeying from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park spans 406 km / 252 mi.

The brief journey from Johannesburg to any of the Kruger airports typically lasts around 1 hour. The journey from O.R. Tambo to Kruger takes about 6 hours. Many people, however, opt to spend the day cruising along the breathtaking Panorama Route, pausing to explore the numerous attractions that await them along the journey.

Journey from Johannesburg to Durban: 567 km / 352 mi

Traveling from Johannesburg to Durban by air will take a little more than an hour, whereas a road trip will take just under 6 hours. The journey from Jo’burg to Durban by bus will span approximately 9 to 12 hours. Be aware that the primary path to Durban through the N3 has seen a rise in heavy truck traffic, which can add a layer of tension to the journey.

Johannesburg to Gqerberha: 1,045 km / 649 mi

The journey of 650 miles from Jozi to Gqeberha spans approximately 11 hours. A flight, on the other hand, takes just under 2 hours.

Cape Town to Kruger: 1,808 km / 1123 mi

With a journey of nearly 20 hours by car, taking a flight from Cape Town to Kruger National Park in just under 3 hours is a wise choice. Many flights pass through Johannesburg, extending the travel duration to anywhere from 4 to 6 hours based on the length of the stop-over.

Cape Town to Gqerberha: 749 km / 465 mi

This 465-mile journey by car will span approximately 9 hours. Yet, the journey along the Garden Route begins right after Mossel Bay and concludes at Addo Elephant National Park, a mere 30 minutes from Gqerbeha. While some individuals navigate the roads in both directions, others opt for a thrilling journey by driving one way and soaring through the skies on the return. Soaring through the skies from one city to another takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Cape Town to exhilarating Game Reserves

Explore three incredible destinations just outside of Cape Town, where adventure awaits without the worry of malaria. These attract families and those with tight schedules who still seek to encounter the Big 5. Aquila Private Game Reserve is a 2-hour drive at 177 km / 109 mi, Inverdoorn Game Reserve takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes at 203 km / 126 mi, and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is just under 3 hours away, covering 232 km / 144 mi from the city centre.