Kruger National Park Self Drive - 7 Days (Code SD5)

Detailed Self Drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Southern Kruger National Park
Clients are met upon arrival at Johannesburg International(O. R. Tambo) Airport by a representative of African Sky Safaris and Tours who presents them with their self drive tour itinerary, a map book of South Africa as well as a GPS on which a suggested route has been pre programmed. The locations of the suggested activities and places of interest we suggest in this itinerary are also logged in the GPS. At this time clients are also presented with accommodation and other relevant vouchers which they will require on their self drive tour.

The Representative spends an hour with guests going over the route and offering suggestions and advice. All members of the African Sky Team have years of experience in conducting tours and safaris in South and Southern Africa. He or she should be able to answer any questions clients might have regarding their self drive holiday. The representative then assists them with collecting their rental car after which clients embark on their self drive holiday of South Africa.

Your African adventure begins by crossing the Mpumalanga terrain through Witbank and Belfast into the magnificent mountainous region. Winding your way up steep inclines you will reach Dullstroom high up on the eastern escarpment, on the Steenkampsberg mountain range. Dullstroom is one of the highest towns in South Africa at 2097m above sea level. Take a break to explore this quaint little town with its unusual little shops and a wonderful variety of eateries. Breathe in this fresh air and revitalize the soul by drinking in the beauty that surrounds you.

Your journey will continue through the Long Tom Pass, so named from the Long Tom cannons used during the Anglo-Boer war. Its highest point is 2 150m above sea-level. As one dramatic and breath taking scene follows the next you will pass through Sabie and Pilgrims Rest. The town of Pilgrims Rest was declared a National Monument in 1986. The town was born during the infamous Gold Rush. It is worthwhile to spend some time here stepping back in history to the Gold rush days. Refreshments are available at the cafes and restaurants. There are many craft shops and stalls throughout the town.

After this trip back in history guests will make their way to the Royal Game Guest House which is 1 km from the Phalaborwa gate to the Kruger National Park.

Day 2-3: Southern Kruger National Park
After an early wake-up call you can make your way to the northern part of the central Kruger National Park. This is the land of baobabs, fever trees, knob thorns, marula and mopane trees underneath which lurk the Big Five, the Little Five (buffalo weaver, elephant shrew, leopard tortoise, ant lion and rhino beetle), the birding Big Six (ground hornbill, kori bustard, lappet-faced vulture, martial eagle, pel’s fishing owl and saddle-bill stork) and more species of mammals than any other African Game Reserve. You can make your way to the local Elephant Museum. The museum offers guests a unique insight into the behaviour and habits of these largest of Africa's mammals. It is also home to the tusks of the "Magnificent Seven" (Largest Tuskers to have died in the Kruger National Park). Returning to your hotel you can enjoy a late afternoon sundowner on a boat safari down the Olifant's River.

Day 7: Departure
As your last day spent out in the bush you may want to drive through the Kruger park once again or perhaps try your hand at a game of golf at the Hans Merensky Golf Course. For the adventurous one a Micro Light flight or an elephant ride could be arranged before you journey back to O.R. Tambo Airport and hand over your vehicle to board your flight home.