SANParks.org Forums

Perhaps someone can advise.
I have booked at LFTC around end of October. I have been there before (Jan 2009) but that time travelled from Cape Town in my Nissan X Trail 4x4 and found the roads in both eastern and western areas of Mapungubwe to be no problem.
This time though, due to high petrol costs and time constraints, I intend to fly to Joburg and hire a car there - probably a Toyota Yaris or Nissan Tiida or similar. Does anyone have a comment whether I might have difficulties accessing LFTC in that type of vehicle - will there be any difficulty reaching Maloutswa Hide?
What is the condition of the road in the eastern part to get to the treetop walk and the confluence.
Hope someone can help.

I drive a Renault Clio and I've been there in both winter and summer. During summer the rain can cause some trouble but in winter you shouldn't have any problems on the normal roads with a sedan.

Your driving options will be limited in the park itself.

Reaching the camp is not a problem since you can drive around the park on the tar round, and have limited distance on gravel.

But the "4x4" routes in the park will be off limits. I would even not travel some of the open routes in a small sedan.

The road to tree top and the confluence lookout will be doable in a sedan.

I don't think you need a 4x4. But a high clearance more rugged type of vehicle is a definite plus in Mapungubwe. If you spend some money to get there, it may be worth spending the bit extra on a vehicle which will give you much better access to the park.

Imberbe that sorts out a few problems for us as well.We have a Venture so at least we are high and will not attempt a 4x4 trail but I did want to get to the confluence and tree top walk .. Thanks for your advice

Nobody told that to my Clio
Seriously though, I travelled every 'open' road in that park with my small sedan and even a 4x4 road or two because of the non-existent signage. And there were quite a few other sedans around. I remember a fellow forumite being there at the same time in their Corolla.
Like Imberbe said it would be better with a high-clearance vehicle but it is not the end of the world if you don't have one. Big price differences in renting a normal sedan vs a SUV.

The road into the eastern side from the main entrance all the way past Leokwe & Treetop hide to the Confluence is sedan-friendly. So are the roads going further east from the gate towards Shroda dam.
The road into the western side up to the 2 camps and then on towards Maloutswa pan is also sedan-friendly.
Just take it slow and enjoy the scenery.

Thanks for your comments Imberbe and Johann. As Johan says it would of course be better in a high clearance vehicle but the cost of hiring that is a lot more than a smallish sedan.
I'm only in Map for 2 nights meaning 1 day so if I can get to LFTC and Maloutswa without problem I'll be satisfied - if there's time and I can get to the tree top walk and the confluence it will be a bonus.
I know I won't be able to do the other drives - but you always have to leave something for next time.
I reckon also at end of October there will be loads of ellies around LFTC so that will probably be thrill enough.
Thanks again
Phoenix