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I'm so upset...my flight to Johannesburg for tomorrow morning just got changed to tomorrow night. That means I'm going to miss my connection to Nelspruit on Saturday. We were going to arrive in Nelspruit on Saturday and then stay in Hazyview that night so we could wake up early and drive to Lower Sabie (Phabeni gate to S1, S65, H1-1, H3, H4-1) on Sunday.

Now we're hopefully going to land in Nelspruit around 10 am on Sunday. We're going to need to grab the car, buy some groceries, and then head to Lower Sabie in time for the gates to close at 17:30. Will we make it? What route do you recommend taking? I'll do anything as long as we can stop for groceries and see some part of Kruger. I'm so disappointed by this....

Thanks for your help,
Seth

Seth, what a disappointment for you but not to worry, there should be plenty of time to do all that you need to do.

The airport is closer to White river than Nelspruit. It is a small airport, so cat collection should be quick.

The airport is about 50 mins from Hazyview, given the traffic and road you will be travelling. You should be at Phabeni gate by 1:30.

My advice would be to do your shopping at Hazyview. They have a Mall that stocks all that you will need. Hazyviw is about 15kms, maybe less from Phabeni gate. From the S1, which is now one of my favourite roads, it is easy to access the road to Lower Sabie. The whole route has a reputation for good sightings.

Don't stop at Skuks, go straigt to Lower Sabie.

I always buy Grilled chicken salad and rolls for my first night. It is possible to do that at the Pick and Pay in Hazyview. It cuts out the hassle of cooking.

To make you feel better, a sighting from my December trip on the road you will be traveling.





From Phabeni to Lower Sabie is 91kms, about 4 hours good sight seeing driving.

If there is a delay, phone Lower Sanbie and explain. It will really not be a train smash. I have often heard people explaining delays to reception staff and they are always helpful.

Dear Seth,

An additional option to consider is also the Komatipoort Crocodile Bridge way. From KMIA it's a comfortable 1 to 1,5 hours drive to Komatipoort via N4 and there is a fine Spar in Komatipoort and you from there 15 mins to Crocodile Bridge with a casual 2 hour drive to Lower Sabie. In total you have enough time if you land at 10:00.

Best wishes and enjoy!

JOEP STEVENS (joep.stevens@sanparks.org)

I did the Croc Bridge route a couple of weeks ago. The Komatiepoort Spar is very good for shopping. I have never bought alcohol in Komatiepoort, but I am sure that there must be a good outlet.

There is a TOPS next to the Spar.

Can you buy alcohol outside the park on a Sunday now?

If you are nervous about time (you don't really have to be) then if one of your party stays behind to collect the luggage and one goes to get the car it can be quicker. But at KMIA you don't really get many delays, its such a small airport.

My 2 cents...
The trip to Hazyview via White River can be quite frustrating, there are roadworks on the R40 and the alternative is quite congested on weekends (took me 90 minutes in May).
Personally I would select either the Komatipoort option, or even Malelane (which you can reach quite easily, shopping included at Malelane in about 1h30). Then maybe S114/S21? (S25 cannot be used).

Yes Sara, you're quite right, you can't buy alcohol outside the park on Sundays.................not sure about in the park shops?

Seth don't let your change of flight spoil things.............it's happened, but now just concentrate on the wonderful time that you are going to have!!

Travel safely, and I hope that you will be blessed with awesome sightings.
Don't forget your Yellow Ribbon.

I also recommend the KMIA > Komatipoort > Malelane > Crocbridge route. Much faster. And don't worry, you will be there in time

Enjoy

Thank you all for your quick responses! I am getting ready to leave for the airport (yeah!), and after spending the last 5 hours (literally) on the phone with various airlines, I am feeling much better. I managed to convince United to allow me to extend my trip for a full day to make up for missing a half day at Kruger - free of charge! Woo hoo! Let the fun begin!

Thanks again!
Seth

Nice one Seth. Have fun.