SANParks.org Forums

After seeing other posts on this subject I checked Avis T&Cs. Basically, they don't prohibit it but state that the driver is responsible for any damage caused by driving on unsuitable surfaces and the liability could be double the actual damage costs. So I guess I will be doulbly careful on the gravel.

Hi Rayb.

I would have to assume that we are talking of travelling the roads in KNP since you are planning your trip there in the near future.

In my experience, the roads in KNP, are or have been in great shape. Even the sand roads have been very good.

This was the reason I asked for fellow forumites to post comments about the KNP roads in the road report post.

As long as you drive within the speed limits, I cannot see any potential problems of having to face any form of liability by driving on sand roads in KNP.

If you ask Jumbo, however, he will warn you to be on the lookout for other road renegades that may pose a bigger threat than the condition of the roads.

I offer this based on exposure to KNP roads only after mid to late March up to around late September. I have never been in KNP is summer so that may have a material impact.

I would go so far as to say that my experience of the sand rods inside KNP are better than some of the tar roads outside.

Hi BH,

From my point of view it's mainly KNP but we are going to KZN. I mainly posted it for general information as I have seen the topic mentioned in other threads. The trackways around some of the viewpoints could be a potential risk if you are not careful. The other think it mentioned was water damage, so summer floods need to be considered. You could quite easily wreck an engine and that would be expensive.

Mind you, I scraped the underside of a combi on the boulders that line the camp roadways

You summed it up nicely by saying "being careful".

As long as you drive carefully, there should be no problems at all.

There was a thread that mentioned the view site close to Skuks, (Mathekenyane, I think) and if I recall, was considered by some to be a road that is not in great condition.

The last time I went up there was back in 95 in ex SO's almost brand new car and I lived to tell the tale.

Bottom line is the roads are good and the risk low. If you drive carefully and pay attention, the risk is even lower.

Hi, would a Toyota Avanza be big enough (comfortable) for five adults without luggage? The rental company offered us such a car plus trailer.

Need it for Kruger.

Had an AVANZA as a company car for a year: If the adults are of average size, you should be OK. I do remember that the second row seats offer limited leg (knee) space for taller people, though.

Received a Nissan Grand Livina this year at OT instead of a Avanza
And very pleased.
Had enough room for 5 adults and ample packing space.
Avanza is a bit to tight for comfort imo

I met a family in St. Lucia - 5 adults (2 gents, 3 ladies) in an Avanza but with luggage, I'm asking if it is comfortable enough - they said: yes, it is ... as far as I can see, it doesn't looked like that

if you can get a verso over the avanza i'd rather do that.

when i see a avanza taking a corner i"m always worried it might tip over. and it is very cramped by the looks of it

Hi, we went to Kruger recently, in a 10-seater Toyota Quantum. We were quite happy with the car but there was one big problem: the windows for the passengers behind the driver.

Only some of the windows could be opened a bit which was not only bad for people with cameras but for the rest as well 'cause the windows were tinted which means the view was very restricted.

Therefore we would never again go in a Toyota Quantum into one of the game reserves.

Is there a small bus where all windows can be opened in order to allow each and every passenger to use a camera/binocular?

Hope to get some good advice.

Try the nissan Primastar, they are well appointed, and BIG windows that open wide. Alsogood enough to take the whole family and IMHO a bit more comfy.

Hi Forum,

I am due to arrive in Kruger on 4th April this year and I was wondering if there was any recommended 4x4 car hire companies that I could book with?

I am looking at picking up the vehicle from Nelspruit Kruger Airport for 8 days.

The best quote I have had so far is £347 for a Daihatsu Terios.

Have a look at www.carhire3000.com - best prices I have found so far.

Welccome WELSH_ASH
I just want to point out that a 4x4 is not necessary in Kruger as all the main roads are tarred. The dust roads can be easily driven in an ordinary Sedan car. Having said that it is nice to have a car that is fairly high off the ground as to be able to see a little better.
So dont spend extra money on a fancy 4x4 . I am not really up to date with the latest cars etc so I am sure there are other mites who can give advice.

Thanks all for the advice so far.

This is my 4th Kruger visit, the 1st and 3rd times I have been in a 4x4 which has been a little better in spotting game because your higher off the ground.

However, I do agree that there is a premium to pay for this which I am trying to weigh up.

Maybe a Toyota Yaris will do fine!